News and Updates

SGSC School of Nursing Receives Accreditation

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) has granted South Georgia State College’s School of Nursing initial accreditation for its baccalaureate nursing program through 2020. The RN-BSN degree was SGSC’s first Bachelor’s program to be approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and is one of the most popular programs of study at the College. ACEN accreditation is a voluntary, 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 accreditation process involved the creation of a comprehensive self-study document which was submitted for peer review, a comprehensive site visit from three nurse educators, an additional review by the evaluation review panel, and the granting of initial approval from the ACEN Board of Commissioners.

Dr. Scott Thigpen, Dean and Professor of Nursing states, “This represents our commitment to quality and affordable education for working Registered Nurses who desire to continue their education and earn their BSN. The unique curriculum written and implemented by Ms. Lisa Batten, RN MSN, APRN; and Ms. Bobby Jean Musgrove, RN, MSN CEN EdD(c); provides the opportunity for students to work full time and complete classes in a hybrid format. Many of our BSN graduates are currently enrolled in graduate programs earning advanced degrees to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives.” 

SGSC President Dr. Virginia Carson says of the accreditation, “This peer review process of accreditation is a great indication to our students of the high quality of education, training and preparation they receive to improve health care outcomes. Our outstanding partnerships with clinical agencies including Coffee Regional Medical Center, Mayo Clinic Health Systems Waycross, Bacon County Hospital, and other community agencies were highlighted as a major strength of South Georgia State College. We are excited that this accreditation proves to our community that our graduates are highly qualified, well-trained, and well-prepared to serve in the healthcare field.”

South Georgia State Colleges maintains full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing and also offers the LPN-RN Bridge program and the Associate of Science in Nursing Program for individuals who would like to become Registered Professional Nurses.  

For more information on SGSC’s School of Nursing, please visit www.sgsc.edu.