Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

KANNAPOLIS — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s nursing program recently received reaccreditation for both the associate degree and practical nursing programs.

“I am so proud of our nursing program. The prestigious nursing program graduates about 50 nurses annually and supports our local health care industry in an important and very real way,” said Carl M. Short, chairman of the board of trustees. “As a board, we are extremely proud of the nursing program’s excellence and the service our nurses provide to our community.”

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing commended the college’s nursing programs on the consistency of their goals, core values and mission for educating nurses.

“The common themes of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality were expressed in every meeting and interview conducted during the site visit, thus elevating compliance to an exemplary level,” the report said. “Also, the practical nursing program has demonstrated 100 percent pass rates on the licensure examination in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.”

“The recognition of such strengths is a rare find in these kinds of reports, so the college is especially proud,” said college President Carol S. Spalding. “Accreditation is important to us, because it gives us the stamp of approval from an objective third party. The accrediting body validates the quality and the rigor of our program and ensures that we maintain these high standards in our instruction.”

Rowan-Cabarrus received the nationally recognized accreditation for both its associate degree nursing and licensed practical nursing programs. The ADN program is one of only 21 programs among the 58 community colleges in North Carolina that is nationally accredited, while the PN program is one of six across the state — out of 39 programs — to receive this accreditation.

“We are very proud that 90 percent of Rowan-Cabarrus nursing graduates are employed by Novant Health Rowan, the W.G. Hefner Veterans Administration Medical Center, Carolinas Medical Center Northeast, long-term care facilities, hospice and other medical providers throughout the state,” said Spalding.

Today’s growing numbers of aging Americans and of people with disabilities or chronic conditions are outpacing the number of workers with the knowledge and skills to effectively care for them.

“We all care tremendously about having educated, talented individuals caring for us and those that we love. Ensuring that our nurses are ready to excel in their chosen career is of the utmost importance,” said Wendy Barnhardt, dean of health and education programs.

The nursing programs have a track record of success in both student performance and program recognition. Nursing students pass their national exams well above the national average each year.

“Many procedures that once could be done only in hospitals are now being done outside of hospitals, creating demand in other settings, such as outpatient care centers,” said Emily Fink, director of nursing education programs for Rowan-Cabarrus.

For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, visit www.rccc.edu/apply or call 704-216-7222.