SRU earns national endorsement for nursing programs from Colleges of Distinction

Slippery Rock University’s nursing programs received a national endorsement from Colleges of Distinction, an online guide for college-bound students that honors colleges and universities throughout the U.S. for their excellence.

July 1, 2022

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University's nursing programs earned a national endorsement from the Colleges of Distinction (COD), an online guide for college-bound students that honors colleges and universities throughout the U.S. for their excellence. In addition to being named a 2022-23 College of Distinction, SRU received specialized recognition for its undergraduate nursing programs, which includes an online Bachelor of Science in nursing program for registered nurses.

According to COD, this specialized endorsement is intended to recognize schools "whose undergraduate experiences are grounded in a philosophy of well-rounded, individualized engagement." Among these institutions, "SRU excels at graduating students into the workforce with solid, well-developed critical thinking skills as well as the ability to adapt in an ever-changing society." 

Schools were evaluated based on criteria that included stability, excellence, accreditation, practical experience, high mastery rates, dedicated advising and counseling, liberal arts exposure, high impact practices, and industry connections.

"We complete a thorough review of the programs in question before giving the awards," said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. "It's wonderful to see how SRU really exemplifies these qualities within the field."

SRU, one of the first nursing programs in the country to offer classes completely online, has two programs: a 21-credit program for graduate students to become certified school nurses and a 30-credit, RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses to build on their associate degree or diploma education and earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

"This recognition helps validate the quality of our nursing programs," said Michele Crytzer, associate professor of nursing and department chair. "Our programs are designed to provide students with the skills they need to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing health care environment."

Earlier this year, SRU was recognized by the COD for being named a 2022-23 national, public and Pennsylvania College of Distinction. SRU also received a national endorsement for business and education.

For more information about the awards, visit the Colleges of Distinction website. 

To learn more about SRU's nursing programs, visit the Nursing Department webpage. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 |  justin.zackal@sru.edu