Ferrum, VA, September 26, 2025 — Ferrum College proudly announces that its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Registered Nursing (RN) Program has received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This prestigious recognition affirms the high standards of Ferrum College’s nursing education and retroactively applies to all program graduates dating back to May 3, 2023.
ACEN accreditation is earned through a rigorous, peer-reviewed process that includes a detailed self-study report and an on-site evaluation by a team of experts. The review examines the program’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and institutional support, ensuring that Ferrum College graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to meet the growing needs of the healthcare profession.
Dr. Melody Sharp, nursing program director, emphasized the dedication behind this achievement: “This accreditation is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our nursing faculty and staff. Their unwavering dedication to academic excellence ensures that our students are graduating from a program that meets the highest standards in nursing education.”
One of the unique aspects of the Ferrum College nursing program is that it accepts students directly as freshmen, allowing them to begin their nursing education from the very start of their college journey. This approach provides students with a strong foundation in nursing while also benefiting from the broader liberal arts education Ferrum College offers.
The recognition comes at a time when skilled nurses are critically needed across the country. With healthcare demands rising, Ferrum College’s BSN program is essential in training compassionate, competent professionals who can serve their communities with integrity and expertise.
President Mirta M. Martin reflected on the broader impact for students and the community: “Receiving ACEN accreditation is a milestone not only for Ferrum College but also for our students. It highlights our commitment to preparing future nurses who will serve their communities with skill, compassion, and integrity. By welcoming students directly as freshmen, Ferrum College ensures that they have the strongest possible start in their nursing education. This recognition is another moment in our Ferrum Rising journey—a year of milestones and growth—and it celebrates the faculty, staff, and students who make our nursing program a source of pride.”
In the spirit of lifelong learning, the program aligns with the wisdom of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, who said, “Let us not consider ourselves finished; we must be learning all of our lives.”
Ferrum College continues to uphold these principles, preparing nursing students to meet the evolving challenges of healthcare with competence, confidence, and a commitment to service.
