Wheaton News

The Wheaton College nursing program has earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This distinction affirms the program’s excellence and alignment with the nation’s highest standards for professional nursing education.

The CCNE Board of Commissioners approved a five-year accreditation at its September 2025 meeting, effective March 19, 2025, through December 31, 2030. The board determined that Wheaton’s program fully meets all four accreditation standards and raised no compliance concerns, a strong endorsement of the program’s academic rigor and institutional quality.

“This recognition is a true mark of excellence,” said Colette Diejuste, Ph.D., R.N., dean of nursing education at Wheaton. “It validates our innovative approach to preparing the next generation of nursing professionals who are not only clinically skilled but also compassionate leaders dedicated to advancing health equity and improving patient outcomes. This achievement reflects the extraordinary commitment of our faculty, staff, and students.”

Accreditation by the CCNE, an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, is a nationally respected indicator of quality and integrity in nursing education. The designation enhances the value of a Wheaton nursing degree, ensuring graduates are well-positioned for licensure, employment, and continuing education opportunities across the health care landscape.

Launched with a vision of integrating liberal arts and sciences with professional nursing practice, Wheaton’s program emphasizes both clinical competence and critical inquiry. Students engage deeply with the complex social, cultural, and global factors that influence health and well-being.

The program’s four elective concentrations, Health Justice, Global Health, Healthcare Administration, and Medical Humanities, allow students to develop leadership and specialized expertise tailored to their career goals. Hands-on learning is at the heart of the curriculum, supported by a state-of-the-art nursing suite that includes five simulation labs: ICU, Pediatrics, Labor and Delivery, Medical-Surgical, and a Community Room. The college’s Simulation Lab has also been granted Provisional Accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, further underscoring Wheaton’s commitment to immersive, high-impact learning.

“CCNE accreditation not only celebrates what we’ve accomplished but also strengthens our foundation for the future,” Diejuste added. “It positions Wheaton as a national leader in preparing nurses who are ready to make meaningful contributions to communities near and far.”