St. John Fisher University Wegmans School of Nursing Earns Full 10-Year Re-Accreditation
The Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher University recently received re-accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The School earned a full 10-years of accreditation from the Commission, which is the national agency for the accreditation of bachelor’s and graduate-degree nursing education programs. Recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, CCNE sets the standards for the education of nurses. The accreditation process included a self-study that began in fall 2023, as well as a site visit in fall 2024.
“This achievement is a direct reflection of the unwavering dedication of our faculty—their excellence in teaching, commitment to student success, and tireless efforts in upholding the highest standards in nursing education,” said Dr. Tricia Gatlin, dean of the School. “The CCNE’s recognition affirms the strength of our curriculum, the quality of our faculty, and the impact of our collective work.”
Fisher prepares the largest number of nurses in the region via its traditional baccalaureate degree program and a large percentage of advanced practice nurse practitioners into the regional and state-wide health care workforce.
The School also offers five Master of Science in Nursing degrees including Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner; and Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist; as well as a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. In fall 2021, the School welcomed the first cohort of students into a fully-online pathway for its master’s offerings. Earlier this year, U.S. News listed the M.S. in Nursing online pathway at No. 93, moving up 44 spots from its first year of ranking eligibility (No. 317). Most recently, the School launched its new Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program, and welcomed its inaugural cohort in the spring.
The Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing, which is under the auspices of the School, integrates specialized curriculum into nursing undergraduate, graduate, and professional education that addresses the unique health care needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Since its founding, the School of Nursing has played a pivotal role in meeting the region’s health care needs and has built a reputation for preparing the ‘Fisher Nurse,’ known for their exceptional patient-centered care,” said President Gerard J. Rooney. “Accreditation serves as confirmation that the School is living its mission and empowering the next general of health care leaders.”
In addition to classroom learning, the School’s curriculum includes experiential education components in health care systems, community-based agencies, and private practices throughout the region. Students also have the opportunity to engage in global experiences, traveling to countries including the Dominican Republic, Belize, and Ireland, among others.
Since its opening, the School has graduated more than 4,500 students across all of its programs.
“Accreditation is a robust process that can affirm a program, school, or institution’s commitment to excellence,” said Dr. Kevin Railey, Fisher’s provost. “We are proud that through this process, the CCNE recognized what we know: the Wegmans School of Nursing excels in preparing its students at the highest levels of nursing education.”