Accreditation by CCNE Underscores Program Excellence and Expands Pathways to Address Michigan’s Nursing Needs
The University of Olivet’s four-year, residential Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has been granted accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The University’s online RN-to-BSN program has maintained CCNE accreditation since 2020.
“This accreditation represents more than a benchmark of academic quality—it’s a reflection of our commitment to preparing students for lives of leadership and service in critical fields,” said Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., president of The University of Olivet. “Through programs like nursing, we are expanding our impact in Michigan and equipping students to meet the needs of communities across the state and beyond.”
The newly accredited BSN program offers a direct-admit, no-wait-list pathway to becoming a registered nurse. The curriculum is rooted in academic rigor and complemented by immersive, hands-on learning experiences designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems.
“We developed this program with a clear purpose: to address the critical demand for qualified, compassionate nurses, especially in rural and underserved communities,” said Jodi Swain, DNP, MSN, RN, MBA, CNML, director of nursing. “This accreditation validates the strength of our curriculum, the expertise of our faculty and our student-centered approach to nursing education.”
Students train in UOlivet’s Health Science and Nursing Lab, a state-of-the-art facility featuring high-fidelity simulation manikins, electronic health record charting and realistic patient care environments. Additionally, clinical rotations at partner institutions such as University of Michigan Health–Sparrow provide students with vital real-world experience in a variety of clinical settings.
“Our goal is not just to graduate nurses—We are cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders who will drive meaningful, community-focused impact,” added Swain. “We prepare nurses to lead with integrity and to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.”
Beyond their nursing studies, students benefit from a full and vibrant college experience. From NCAA Division III athletics and the arts to student organizations and service-learning, UOlivet’s holistic approach ensures that nursing students grow as leaders both in and out of the classroom.
The nursing workforce in Michigan continues to grow alongside demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is projected to increase by 6% through 2032. This trend is mirrored in Michigan, where healthcare remains one of the state’s fastest-growing sectors.
Accreditation followed an intensive self-study by the University and a site visit by CCNE evaluators in fall 2024. The Commission’s Board of Commissioners confirmed that UOlivet met all four of CCNE’s accreditation standards: mission and governance, institutional commitment and resources, curriculum and teaching-learning practices, and assessment and achievement of program outcomes.
To learn more about UOlivet’s nursing program, call 800-456-7189 or email admissions@UOlivet.edu.