6 October 2004

Distance Learning Centre accreditation

Photo opportunity: 9:30am, Thursday 7 Oct, Distance Learning Centre, Centre for Medical Education, Tay Park House, 484 Perth Road, Dundee, DD2 1LR

Lord Provost, John Letford, will attend a public meeting tomorrow as part of a visit by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) to the University of Dundee's Distance Learning Nursing and Palliative Care Unit to reaccredit a number of its nursing degrees made available to students outside the UK.

The NLNAC is the major nursing accrediting organisation in the United States and the University's Distance Learning Centre courses are the only nursing education programmes it accredits outside the US.

Already, over 100 American students are enrolled on the distance learning Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing (palliative care) undergraduate degree programmes but the centre aims to increase interest by putting forward its postgraduate Masters of Nursing degree programme for initial accreditation.

The Distance Learning Centre has historically demonstrated scholarly and academic excellence on its programmes with support from the University library and other services to ensure students have access to a full range of academic tools and support.

With the majority of students participating in the course balancing work schedules and family commitments, distance learning is ideal. The programme has been developed by nurses for nurses with an emphasis on practical work that appeals to students from abroad.

Participants enjoy being part of a truly international body of students with a significant presence through the programme in the Middle East, Eritrea and Kenya.

Pauline Horton, Programmes Leader, Distance Learning Centre (Nursing and Palliative Care) said, "We are now in the fourth year of our accreditation with the NLNAC and look forward to adding to the portfolio of programmes that receive accreditation to be expanded to include postgraduate courses. Our relationship with the NLNAC demonstrates the exceptionally high standards of teaching in the Distance Learning Centre, Nursing and Palliative Care."

Notes to editors

The NLNAC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs. Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. Accreditation also assists in the further improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved. The monitoring of certificate, diploma, and degree offerings is tied closely to state examination and licensing rules, and to the oversight of preparation for work in the profession.

For further information please contact Pauline Horton on 01382 631956

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk