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), a mark of the program’s high quality and commitment to preparing future nursing professionals.
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 December 31, 2030. The board found that Lyon’s program substantially complies with all four CCNE standards, with no compliance concerns.
Dr. Rebecca Le, Director of Nursing Education at Lyon College, said the accreditation validates Lyon’s innovative and flexible nursing approach:
“This recognition by CCNE reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff and students. 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’s accredited BSN program offers four distinct pathways to accommodate students at different stages:
Pre-Nursing Pathway – Students complete the core curriculum on Lyon’s Batesville campus, then transition to Arkansas State University-Newport for hands-on clinical experience, while continuing coursework remotely through Lyon.
Concurrent Pathway – Students enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) nursing program can take fully remote Lyon coursework to complete a BSN in as little as one year.
Post-Nursing (RN to BSN) Pathway – Registered nurses who have completed their AAS and passed NCLEX may earn the BSN via remote study in as little as one year.
LPN Pathway – Licensed Practical Nurses may use advanced standing by applying 40 AAS nursing credits toward the BSN under a study-away model.
Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner said the accreditation underscores Lyon’s vision for expanded 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. 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 added that the accreditation provides a strong foundation for growth in health sciences:
“Achieving CCNE accreditation is a rigorous process that demonstrates Lyon College’s dedication to continuous improvement and excellence. 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 blends academic excellence, clinical partnerships, and flexible delivery options—preparing graduates to meet the demands of modern healthcare with competence, compassion, and integrity.
About CCNE: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is an independent accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, responsible for upholding the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency nursing programs.
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