August 25, 2015
Laurel Ridge Community College was recently granted Candidacy status from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Candidacy status indicates that the Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) at Laurel Ridge is moving forward in the process of national accreditation. Critical elements of the nursing program such as faculty, curriculum, resources, and outcomes were reviewed. Candidacy status is valid for two years and must be followed by a Self-Study Report and site visit by the ACEN so that application toward initial accreditation review can be made.
Patricia Lawson, Director of Nursing at Laurel Ridge remarked, “Congratulations to the Department of Nursing faculty and staff for achieving this milestone. All of their work and dedication in achieving Candidacy status with the ACEN demonstrates their commitment to providing a quality nursing program for students at Laurel Ridge.”
Last year, Laurel Ridge built a high tech nursing simulation lab on the Middletown campus. Many Fauquier and Middletown students enrolled in health related programs gained valuable experience by practicing on high fidelity mannequins in the lab. The mannequins are programmed to demonstrate many life-like functions, as well as a variety of health related processes. Over 65 Laurel Ridge students graduated in May 2015 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing.
The ACEN is an entity that is responsible for the specialized accreditation of nursing education programs, both postsecondary and higher degree, which offer either a certificate, a diploma, or a recognized professional degree (clinical doctorate, master’s/post-master’s certificate, baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical). For further information regarding Laurel Ridge’s nursing program go to: www.laurelridge.edu/nursing-2.
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.