Bermuda College’s nursing programme has gained accreditation from a globally recognised body.

Initial accreditation was received from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing in the United States.

The college said the new status affirms the programme’s quality and commitment to excellence in nursing education and student success.

Accreditation follows a review process that included a comprehensive self study and an on-site visit by a peer evaluation team this year.

The team assessed the programme’s compliance with the commission’s five standards — administrative capacity and resources, faculty, students, curriculum and outcomes.

Renee Faulcon, the college’s head of Nursing and Allied Health, said: “This is a momentous occasion for Bermuda College.

“It validates the dedication and hard work of our faculty and staff, and assures our students that they are receiving a quality education that meets internationally recognised standards.”

The initial accreditation is valid for five years. The college said the accreditation will enhance students’ ability to pursue further studies abroad, particularly in the US, and improve employment opportunities by demonstrating they have graduated from a programme that meets rigorous academic and clinical standards.

Bermuda College’s nursing programme gained conditional approval by the Bermuda Nursing and Midwifery Council in 2012.

The first cohort graduated in 2015 and since then, 83 students have earned their Associate of Science in Nursing degrees.

About 65 per cent have passed the National Licensure Examination and are now registered nurses working on the island, primarily at the Bermuda Hospitals Board and in private healthcare practices.

“Our journey has been one of growth and resilience,” added Ms Faulcon.

“This achievement belongs to everyone who believed in our programme from the founding administrators and faculty to our community partners and donors.

“Special thanks go to Ms Kathy-Ann Swan, the first director of Nursing and Allied Health, who laid the foundation, and to Dr Duranda Greene, a former college president, and Dr David Sam, the president, for their unwavering support.”

Looking ahead, she said Bermuda College was committed to continuous improvement.

The nursing faculty will now embark on a strategic planning process to review and enhance all aspects of the programme in preparation for future accreditation reviews, Ms Faulcon said.

Plans also include strengthening partnerships with local and international institutions to expand student support and recruitment.

Ms Faulcon added: “This accreditation is not the end, it is the beginning of a new chapter.

“We are dedicated to producing highly qualified nurses who will play a critical role in Bermuda’s healthcare system for years to come.”

Dr Sam said: “This accreditation marks a defining moment in the history of Bermuda College.

“It is a testament to the excellence of our nursing faculty, the perseverance of our students and the strength of our institutional vision.

“Following the recent reaccreditation of our culinary arts programme by the American Culinary Federation, this achievement further reinforces our commitment to delivering globally recognised, high-quality education.

“Our graduates are not only academically prepared but also empowered to make a lasting impact in Bermuda and beyond.”