PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Practical Nurse (PN) program at Berkshire Community College (BCC) recently earned accreditation through the national Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), making it the only accredited Practical Nurse program in the Berkshires.  

 

The ACEN is recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). ACEN accreditation is a peer-review, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. 

 

The decision to accredit BCC's PN program was made after a site visit from the ACEN Board of Commissioners. 

 

At BCC, the goals of the Practical Nursing program include supporting students in successfully completing the program; a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) boards on every PN student's first try; and 100 percent job placement for each student after they are licensed, explained Dean of Nursing Lori Moon.  

 

"The PN program is strong, with consistent faculty and high standards as we educate the next generation of nurses in our community," Moon said. "We are very proud of this accreditation, which further demonstrates the quality of education each student receives at BCC." 

 

The ACEN commended BCC's Practical Nurse program for its partnership with Berkshire Health Systems, which provides eligible students with living expenses, tuition payment and a full-time salary for part-time work. BCC was also praised for its efforts to connect students with community resources, such as a food cupboard, gas cards, bus passes, clothing and diapers.