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FORT MYERS - After an Edison State College bachelor of science nursing (BSN) student told us she was having a hard time getting into grad schools because the program was never accredited, the college's president asked for proof.

On Monday Fox 4 hand delivered it.

Two graduate schools rejected BSN student Ashley Blakely because the program does not have a national accreditation - a key requirement for many graduate programs in and out of state.

Armed with Blakely's rejection letters, we went to Edison Monday looking for college president Dr. Kenneth Walker.

"If a student says that he or she has sought admission to a master's degree program," Walker said last week, "we would like to see a copy of the rejection letter if in fact they've been rejected."

Well, we've got that documentation.

Blakely sent us two e-mails from two grad schools that rejected her because they won't recognize Edison's BSN nursing program, which is "on target" to be accredited this spring, according to the college.

"It took an enormous amount of time to work to succeed in this program," Blakely told us via Skype a week ago, "and it's all wasted."

Wasted, she says, without a national accreditation many graduate programs are now rejecting her.

In an e-mail to the University of Nevada Reno, Blakely writes: "So I am correct in understanding that my regional accredited BSN degree does not meet the admission requirements?"

The university responded: "Yes that is correct. We accept CCNE and NLN. I'm sorry that we are unable to accept your regional accreditation."

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits Florida Gulf Coast University. It is one of only two accreditation boards, alongside the National League of Nursing (NLN) which accredits nursing programs.

Edison is in the process of applying to the National League of Nursing.

Blakely was also rejected from the nursing master's program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas for the same reason. A representative telling her: "I'm sorry but your school must have NLNAC or CCNE accreditation to be considered."

Carrying Blakely's rejection letters, we headed up stairs, down hallways and straight to Walker's office.

"Hi is Dr. Walker in?," asked Fox 4 reporter Matt Grant.

"Um, he's not available right now," his secretary said.

"OK well I just want to drop off this letter on behalf of Ashley Blakely," said Grant. "It's rejection letters that she got from graduate schools she can't get into because they won't accept Edison's nursing program."

The letters were stamped and dated and we were promised they would be given to Walker.

Late Monday the college responded by telling us they can't comment on individual student matters. They say they are reaching out to students who have graduated and will write letters on their behalf attesting to the quality of the nursing school.

Edison's response

"We have proactively reached out to all of our BSN graduates and current upper division BSN students to address any concerns and answer any questions they may have. 

For our graduates, we will advocate on their behalf and work with other institutions’ directors and/or deans to demonstrate the depth of knowledge our graduates have gained through our program.

Our BSN program offers students rigorous courses that range from research, advanced health assessment, pathophysiology and pharmacology to community health, leadership and clinical decision-making. Our students also receive hands-on experience through praticums so they can apply what they learn in a real, professional setting. 

Admission into a graduate program is extremely selective and takes several factors into account before accepting students, including whether or not a BSN program is nationally accredited.

We are committed to doing all we possibly can to work with and assist our students on an individual basis. For our current students who plan to graduate this fall, on a case-by-case basis, we are exploring transfer opportunities within the Florida college system, if students express a desire to transfer.

We cannot directly comment on an individual student or graduate’s status because of FERPA regulations, unless a student releases us to do so.

We greatly respect and protect the privacy of our students and have asked each of them to communicate directly with us to address this issue. We expect to hear from the NLNAC in the next few weeks with regards to our candidacy status.”

MATT GRANT, REPORTER
mgrant@fox4now.com