Gogebic Community College recently announced their nursing program has been approved for initial accreditation by the National League of Nursing Commission for Nursing Education. 

“Achieving accreditation is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our nursing program. This recognition underscores our commitment to providing the highest standard of education and preparing our students to deliver exceptional care in their communities. We commend the Allied Health department and all the staff that worked to make this a reality for our college and students,” GCC President Chris Patritto said in a press release. 

The Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) was selected as the accreditation body because they value, “excellence, integrity, accountability, caring, and a culture of learning and diversity,” the press release states. “These values are closely aligned with the values and concepts that are included [in the] GCC nursing program.” 

The program hosted visitors from the CNEA in February. Nursing experts reviewed the ability of GCC’s program to meet five standards that focus on program outcomes, program mission, student success, faculty, curriculum, and evaluation processes. CNEA’s Benefits of Accreditation states, “accredited programs are recognized for establishing and achieving program outcomes that lead to the successful preparation of graduates prepared to enter the workforce.” 

Nicole Rowe, Director of Allied Health, added, “The pass rate for GCC students taking the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Exam (NCLEX) for the first time have been trending well above national and state averages. The Practical Nursing (PN) program pass rate was 100% during the past two years, and the Registered Nursing (RN) pass rate was 96.96% in 2023 and 96.77% in 2022.” 

CNEA accredited programs are known for their up-to-date curriculum and environments centered on student learning. Gogebic Community College educated Practical and Registered Nursing students in the Ironwood and Houghton areas.

Rowe praised GCC, saying, “Achieving accreditation is a significant accomplishment for the GCC nursing program. Gogebic strives to offer a dynamic learning environment that is supportive of all students. The achievement of accreditation status validates that the program provides a high quality, affordable education to future nurses in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin.” 

GCC’s nursing program comes at a time when there is a crucial need for nurses. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there is a predicted shortage of over 78,000 full-time nurses by 2025. Rising demand, workforce retirement, a high turnover rate and a shortage of trained educators are cited as reasons for the shortage. Georgia, California and Washington are expected to be hit the hardest with a lack of nurses. 

According to Stat News, nurses are leaving the health care industry in droves due to poor working conditions, inadequate pay, and being overworked due to understaffing. The National Library of Medicine claims that almost 20% of new nurses leave their jobs within the first 12 months. 

Those interested in learning more about GCC’s nursing program are encouraged to contact Robin Block, Allied Health Coordinator, at 906-307-1268, or email at robinb@gogebic.edu.