Effective Feb. 4, 2026, the Northeast Texas Community College RN and VN Nursing Programs have been granted candidacy status for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The candidacy is valid through Spring 2028. This marks the first time in NTCC history that the college’s nursing programs have achieved candidate status.
For decades, NTCC has prepared skilled, compassionate nurses who have gone on to successfully pass the NCLEX licensure exam and serve communities across the region. Achieving ACEN candidacy represents the next step in strengthening and expanding the program’s impact.
The milestone reflects extensive work by NTCC faculty and staff to pursue national accreditation — a voluntary process that demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with nationally recognized standards.
“Our people put in a lot of long days and late nights to reach this milestone. I'd specifically like to recognize Dr. Charla Denman and Kristi Newland for their dedication to the project,” said Gaylon Barrett, Dean of Health Science. “Their hard work and commitment to excellence have made this historic achievement possible, and we are proud to celebrate this important step forward for NTCC Nursing.”
ACEN accreditation is a rigorous, multi-year process designed to ensure programs meet national standards of quality. While NTCC graduates have long been eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam, achieving accreditation candidacy enhances the program’s visibility and may provide additional benefits for graduates pursuing advanced education or employment in certain healthcare systems.
The college will continue working toward full ACEN accreditation during the candidacy period.
To learn more about NTCC’s nursing programs, visit www.ntcc.edu/nursing.
