Lyon College announced today that its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has been granted accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), recognizing the program’s quality and commitment to excellence in preparing the next generation of nurses.

The CCNE Board of Commissioners approved the five-year accreditation at its September meeting. The accreditation is effective as of March 10, 2025, and extends through Dec. 31, 2030. The board determined that Lyon College’s program substantially complies with all four accreditation standards and found no compliance concerns.

Dr. Rebecca Le, director of nursing education at Lyon College, said the accreditation validates Lyon College’s innovative approach to nursing education.

“This recognition by CCNE reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” Dr. Le said. “Lyon College offers multiple, flexible pathways to a BSN degree, allowing students to begin their nursing careers where they are and grow from there. Whether they are beginning as pre-nursing students or already licensed as RNs, our pathways make quality nursing education accessible and achievable.”

Lyon College’s accredited BSN program offers four distinct pathways designed to meet students at various stages of their nursing journey:

• Pre-Nursing Pathway: Students complete Lyon College’s core curriculum on the Batesville campus, then transition to a study-away program at Arkansas State University-Newport for hands-on clinical experience while continuing remote coursework through Lyon.
• Concurrent Pathway: Students enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science nursing program can take fully remote classes through Lyon to complete their BSN in as little as one year.
• Post-Nursing (RN to BSN) Pathway: Registered nurses who have completed their AAS in nursing and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) can earn their BSN in as little as one year through fully remote coursework.
• LPN Pathway: Licensed practical nurses can advance through a similar study-away structure with advanced standing, applying 40 AAS nursing credits toward the BSN.

Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner said the accreditation underscores Lyon College’s vision for expanding educational access and healthcare workforce development.

“Our nursing pathways are designed to meet students where they are while addressing the critical nursing shortage in Arkansas and across the nation,” Taverner said. “CCNE accreditation affirms our commitment to providing an education that combines academic rigor with real-world readiness. I am especially proud of Dr. Le and our exceptional nursing faculty, whose expertise, leadership and student-centered approach have built a program that truly transforms lives and strengthens communities.”

Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Kurt Grafton said the accreditation represents a strong foundation for the continued growth of the college’s health sciences programs.

“Achieving CCNE accreditation is a rigorous process that demonstrates Lyon College’s dedication to continuous improvement and excellence,” Grafton said. “It validates not only the strength of our nursing curriculum but also our broader institutional mission to prepare students for meaningful service and leadership.”

The Lyon College BSN program combines academic excellence with clinical partnership opportunities and flexible learning options, preparing graduates to meet the challenges of modern healthcare with skill, empathy and integrity.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is an autonomous accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing.

For more information about the Lyon College Nursing program and its pathways, please contact Dr. Le at Rebecca.Le@Lyon.edu.