April 4, 2023
Laurel Ridge Community College’s Registered Nursing Program has received national re-accreditation through spring 2030.
The program first received accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in 2017. Both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Commission recognize ACEN as the accrediting body for nursing programs.
The associate of applied sciences in nursing degree program was granted continuing accreditation in September.
“Though a program is not required to be accredited, national accreditation validates that our program is meeting standards of educational quality that is specific to nursing education through the peer-review process,” said Kristina Simpson, Laurel Ridge’s director of health professions. “I want to congratulate our faculty team and everyone who contributed for this extraordinary achievement.
“The time and effort that goes into maintaining accreditation is intense, and demonstrates the college’s commitment to excellence and student success. We have been working toward this moment for years.”
The median salary for registered nurses is $75,261. Learn more about Laurel Ridge’s nursing program at laurelridge.edu/nursing.
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.