Lyon College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, recognizing the program’s quality and commitment to preparing future nurses.
According to a release, the CCNE Board of Commissioners approved the five-year accreditation during its September meeting. The accreditation is effective retroactively to March 10, 2025, and extends through Dec. 31, 2030. The board found that Lyon College’s program met all four accreditation standards with no compliance concerns.
Dr. Rebecca Le, director of nursing education at Lyon College, said the recognition affirms the program’s innovative structure.
“This recognition by CCNE reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” Le said. “Lyon College offers multiple, flexible pathways to a BSN degree, allowing students to begin their nursing careers where they are and grow from there. Whether they are beginning as pre-nursing students or already licensed as RNs, our pathways make quality nursing education accessible and achievable.”
The accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program includes four pathways tailored to students at different career stages. Those include a pre-nursing pathway that combines coursework in Batesville with hands-on clinical experience through a study-away program at Arkansas State University-Newport; a concurrent pathway for students completing an associate degree in nursing; an RN-to-BSN option for licensed nurses; and an LPN pathway that applies prior nursing credits toward the degree.
Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner said the accreditation supports the school’s goal of expanding educational access while addressing healthcare workforce needs.
“Our nursing pathways are designed to meet students where they are while addressing the critical nursing shortage in Arkansas and across the nation,” Taverner said. “CCNE accreditation affirms our commitment to providing an education that combines academic rigor with real-world readiness. I am especially proud of Dr. Le and our exceptional nursing faculty, whose expertise, leadership and student-centered approach have built a program that truly transforms lives and strengthens communities.”
Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Kurt Grafton said the process underscores the college’s broader academic mission.
“Achieving CCNE accreditation is a rigorous process that demonstrates Lyon College’s dedication to continuous improvement and excellence,” Grafton said. “It validates not only the strength of our nursing curriculum but also our broader institutional mission to prepare students for meaningful service and leadership.”
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, an autonomous accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.
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