It’s a big step for the Columbia International University nursing program.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has granted initial accreditation to CIU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The accreditation covers both the traditional BSN program offered on the CIU campus and the RN to BSN program offered online. The accreditation decision is retroactive to April 2023 to cover all students who have graduated following CIU’s successful CCNE site visit last spring.

The accreditation validates that CIU holds to the highest standards in nursing education, giving CIU graduates who are seeking advanced degrees an advantage when being accepted into master’s degree and doctoral programs.  

Dean of the CIU School of Nursing, Dr. Jill McElheny, says everyone in the nursing program “is thrilled to have this confirmation of the excellent nursing education we offer at CIU.”

“We continue to be amazed by the way God has provided the resources, the experienced faculty, and the variety of clinical opportunities for us to educate compassionate, Christian nurses from a biblical worldview,” McElheny added.

CIU Interim President Dr. Rick Christman calls the accreditation “a major achievement for such a young program.”

The CIU nursing program began offering its first classes in January of 2022.

The nursing program is also accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).

CIU consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.