WWCC Nursing Program Earns Approval

Rock Springs – The Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) Associate Degree Nursing Program has earned continuing approval from the State Board of Nursing and continuing accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). These two entities assure nursing programs meet rigid requirements and high quality standards for nursing education. The WWCC program has been granted continuing approval and accreditation for eight years, the maximum allowable interval.According to program director Marlene Ethier, MS, RN, CNE, the approval and accreditation process is rigorous. “It takes about two years to prepare the self study document. After the document is submitted, the Board and the NLNAC send visiting teams to spend three days on campus confirming the information in the document and the quality of the program. They interview faculty, administration, students, and members of the community. They visit clinical agencies in the community and interview staff to confirm the nursing program is meeting agency needs.”The nursing program was commended for the progressive Problem-Based Learning Curriculum and for the high level of community support. Ethier said, “Problem-Based Learning is student-centered, active learning. Students become expert learners, learn to work collaboratively, and learn how to effectively evaluate themselves and their peers. This is exactly what nursing education should be.” Ethier added, “The site visitors were impressed with the generous financial support and the high level of collaboration between the nursing program and clinical agencies. “ The entire nursing program is available in Rawlins, largely due to community support.The Associate Degree Nursing Program has steadily increased enrollment. Between the main campus in Rock Springs and the outreach facility in Rawlins, there are eighty students currently enrolled. For further information about the WWCC nursing program, contact Crystal Radke at 307-382-1713.