Hardin-Simmons Continues to Achieve Excellence

(ABILENE, Texas)— In higher academia, institutions are often viewed through the lens of test scores and program accreditation. Hardin-Simmons University continues to maintain its standard of excellence, as proven by its students’ excellent test results and multitude of recent reaccreditations.

In the past year, HSU’s Physician Assistant (PA) and Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN) programs celebrated excellent pass rates.

Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing

Students enrolled in the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN) achieved a 90.91% pass rate on the 2019 National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

The NCLEX is an exam that nursing students must pass to receive their nursing license. This license is granted by the state board and allows the receiver to practice nursing in the state where the permit was issued. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) states that over 5,400,000 candidates have taken the NCLEX exam since April 1994.

Physician Assistant program

HSU’s PA program celebrated its first graduating class in Dec. 2019. Students in this cohort achieved a 100% pass rate for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

Those eligible for PANCE must hold a PA degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. After passing the certifying exam, PAs receive certification and are eligible to use the PA-C designation in their official title for a two-year period, after which, they must retake the exam.

Additionally, HSU completed reaccreditation procedures with 12 organizations spanning several areas of study.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) provides accreditation for degree-granting institutions located in the Southern United States. The organization serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Latin America and other international sites. SACS aims to assure the educational quality of its member institutions through its six core pillars: integrity, peer review/self-regulation, student learning, continuous quality improvement, accountability, and transparency.

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits graduate and doctoral programs relating to counseling and its specialties. CACREP accredited programs are degree-specific and have institutional accreditation.

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is nationally recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. CAPTE accredits qualified entry-level physical therapy programs that train both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

Board of Nursing

The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) protects and promotes the welfare of Texas residents by ensuring that all licensed nurses in the State of Texas are well-trained and competent to safely practice medicine. Program accreditation by the BON signifies the program’s dedication and ability to train competent and compassionate nurses.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is a state agency that oversees public education in the State of Texas. Headed by the commissioner of education, the TEA aims to provide leadership, guidance, and support to school systems to improve outcomes for all public school students.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is an international organization that accredits business education programs. The ACBSP is the first organization to accredit all levels of collegiate business education, ranging from associate to doctoral level programs. The organization grants accreditation based on the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence and evaluates programs’ leadership, strategic planning, relationships with shareholders, quality of academics, faculty training, and educational support.

Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) accredits PA programs to protect the interests of both PA professionals and the public through defining and maintaining standards for PA education and evaluation. The ARC-PA accredits programs through a peer review, which includes site visit evaluations and detailed documentation to ensure program compliance with Accreditation Standards for Physician Assistant Education.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a national autonomous accrediting agency that aims to improve public health through ensuring the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency level nursing programs. CCNE addresses and identifies programs that maintain effective educational methods and accredits successful nursing programs on a voluntary, self-regulatory basis.

National Association of Schools of Music

The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is comprised of over 600 institutional members, including schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities. The organization established national standards and credentials for music programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The NASM also provides assistance to both individuals and other organizations dedicated to music-related pursuits.

Council on Social Work Education

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a national association that represents organizations that provide social work education within the United States. The CSWE accredits undergraduate and graduate level social work programs and includes over 800 members. The organization supports social work education and allows those pursuing social work degrees opportunities to grow their leadership and professional skills.

Association of Theology Schools

The Association of Theology Schools (ATS) includes over 270 North American post-baccalaureate degree programs, including both professional and academic curricula. The facilities included in the ATS vastly differ, yet they share the same core values and commitment to providing quality theological education.

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education

The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) compiles information from member schools to formulate and adjust a plan to provide an accurate and timely picture of athletic training education. Accredited programs use these reports as a benchmark for their programs. The CAATE aims to provide assistance as programs evolve, due to the everchanging nature of education and health care.