Minnesota West's Practical Nursing Program granted Continuing Accreditation

Minnesota West Community & Technical College announces that its Practical Nursing Program has been granted Continuing Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 

The decision was made during the ACEN Board of Commissioners' meeting last month and marks a significant achievement for the college's nursing department. The next evaluation visit for the program is scheduled for Spring 2032. 

The mission of ACEN is to support the interest of nursing education, nursing practice and the public by the functions of accreditation. ACEN also assists in the development of institutions or programs to ensure processes are followed and results achieved for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs in the United States, its territories and internationally.

Said Dr. Terry Gaalswyk, President of Minnesota West Community & Technical College, in a press release: “We are truly proud of our Practical Nursing Program and our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality training for a much critical field of practice. This significant accomplishment is a testament to the incredible dedication and insight of our faculty and dean, who work tirelessly to prepare the next generation of nurses for the well-being of our region. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our talented students, whose commitment to their learning truly reflects their service to health care. Their passion inspires us all."

As part of the review process, the ACEN Board indicated areas to strengthen for continued progress, which were specifically related to program completion rates, graduation and job placement data. The college is committed to implementing the suggested improvements that would lend itself to enhancing the overall institutional data and research. 

“Minnesota West Community and Technical College is proud of their excellent nursing programs. Accreditation is a distinction of honor for nursing at Minnesota West. Named the #1 nursing program in Minnesota in 2024, the program achieves top success for students,” stated Dr. Dawn Gordon, Dean of Nursing. “I am extremely proud of the faculty and students in the Practical Nursing Program. Our students’ hard work and faculty’s dedication to quality nursing student instruction has provided the foundation for strong nurses in our region.”

To learn more about the ACEN and its standards, please go to https://www.acenursing.org.  Information for the Practical Nursing program at Minnesota West Community & Technical College can be found at www.mnwest.edu or contact 1-800-658-2330.