William Peace University’s RN to BSN program has been reaccredited, recognizing its success in preparing working nurses for advanced career opportunities. This milestone reflects the program’s impact and affirms its position as a trusted educational pathway in North Carolina’s healthcare field.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at William Peace University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Receiving this reaccreditation certifies that the program, offered in an asynchronous, hybrid format through Peace Online, meets the highest standards of transparency and accountability. When students enroll in the RN to BSN program, they receive a high-quality, immersive education that prepares them for career opportunities in the Triangle and beyond.
“It lends us credibility that we’re doing things the right way and communicating that to students up front in a way that’s fair and transparent,” Erica Jastrow, assistant professor/RN to BSN department chair, said. “They can come here, get the support they need, be successful, and then move on to what their next goals are.”
Obtaining a BSN is essential for nurses seeking higher-level positions and long-term employment in the healthcare field. Many leading medical facilities in our area, such as WakeMed and UNC Rex, require their nurses to obtain a BSN within a specified timeframe after employment. The Peace program balances career preparedness with flexibility, allowing students to earn their BSN while maintaining a full-time job.
Building Momentum
Established in 2019 to address a gap in accessible, online RN to BSN education in North Carolina, the program has grown from nine inaugural students to upwards of 50 concurrent enrollees. The CCNE first accredited the program in 2020 through a 5-year period. This reaccreditation, which lasts for 10 years, well positions the program for continued success and long-term growth.
“We’ve seen really great growth in the program,” Jastrow said. “We’re very fortunate to be in this area and have a great reputation for Peace as a school, and then bringing that reputation to the RN to BSN program space.”
The reaccreditation process began in fall 2024, when Jastrow, in collaboration with Carolyn Blattner, associate vice president for academic affairs, and Lori McClaren, executive director of online programs, began an extensive review of the program’s curriculum, practices, and goals. In September 2025, CCNE representatives visited Peace’s campus, meeting with groups of current students, alumni, and professional partners at sites such as WakeMed to get a comprehensive view of the program. In the end, they determined that the RN to BSN program at Peace met the standards for reaccreditation.
Proven Impact
Students find their way to the RN to BSN program for various reasons. Some may be looking to meet a requirement for employment, while others are working towards a lifelong goal. Regardless of their journey, students say the program provides support and meaningful connections every step of the way.
“We recently had a graduate who was over 60 years old,” Jastrow said. “Her lifelong goal had been to come back and get her BSN. And she did it. Some students are just coming out of a community college, and they’re ready to go. But other students that have been out of school for a while, they can be very anxious. So, to give them that positive support and reinforcement and then see them open up like, ‘Oh, I can do this.’ It might give them confidence to say, ‘Hey, now I want to go on and get another degree.’”
Jastrow encourages students who may be interested in enrolling to take that next step and join a community of learners ready to support them in their goals.
“It’s a privilege to be able to support the students and to be working with them towards this,” she said. “I always tell them; I learn as much from them as they learn from this program. I’m just amazed at the things that they’re doing.”
As Peace’s RN to BSN program looks toward the next decade of accreditation, the University remains focused on supporting working nurses in achieving their career goals while maintaining the highest standards of educational excellence. With demonstrated growth and strong regional partnerships, the program stands ready to deepen its impact in North Carolina’s healthcare landscape.
