Ashland Community and Technical College’s Practical Nursing program awarded initial accreditation

It was recently announced that the Practical Nursing program at Ashland Community and Technical College (or ACTC) was recently awarded an initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (or ACEN).

The accreditation marks an important milestone in the college’s nursing program, and serves as a signpost to the school’s commitment to providing quality nursing education and success for its students.

In an article posted on ACTC’s website, Dr. Steve Flouhouse, who serves as the vice-chancellor of academic affairs, was quoted about the accreditation, saying, “This accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our nursing faculty, who have worked tirelessly to build a program grounded in excellence, accountability, and student success.”

ACTC’s Practical Nursing program was granted its initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of COmmissioners at the board’s September 2026 meeting. The effective date of the program's initial accreditation was backdated to March 24, 2025, and the next evaluation visitation for the school will take place in the spring of 2031.

Deena Howerton, who serves as the nursing program administrator, was quoted about the accreditation, as well, saying, “This achievement of initial ACEN accreditation for our Practical Nursing program is a proud moment for our institution. This success was made possible by an outstanding team of faculty, staff, and stakeholders who worked together with a common goal: providing the highest quality nursing education for our students.”

She also went on to note that the accreditation serves to validate the college’s commitment to excellence, and will ensure that students who graduate from the program can feel secure that they will be equipped with the necessary skills to become a successful part of the healthcare system, providing care to their communities. Howerton also expressed her gratitude to everyone who worked to make the accreditation process successful.

Dr. Sara Brown, who serves as associate vice-chancellor of health sciences education and online learning at ACTC, said, “This achievement belongs to everyone who has contributed to the success of the program, and I am honored to celebrate this moment with them.”

The nursing program at Ashland Community and Technical College is composed of twelve nursing faculty members who are committed to preparing future nurses with the necessary education for successful membership into the healthcare industry. It was their commitment that was instrumental in the acquisition of the accreditation.

ACTC’s Chancellor Dr. Larry Ferguson was quoted to this point saying that the accreditation serves as yet another feather in the cap displaying the school’s commitment to providing the highest possible quality education for its students. 

“Accreditation of our Practical Nursing program is a meaningful achievement for ACTC and for the communities we serve. As the need for skilled healthcare professionals continues to grow, this program plays an important role in preparing students for rewarding careers while strengthening the healthcare workforce across our region,” he said.

More information about the Practical Nursing program at ACTC can be found at the college’s website.