Accreditation affirms program quality and student outcomes
CSM Nursing staff and students celebrating the news of the ACEN Accreditation.
SAN MATEO, Calif. — College of San Mateo (CSM) has earned Initial Accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for its Associate Degree Nursing program—making CSM one of only three ACEN-accredited associate nursing programs in the San Francisco Bay Area.
CSM’s program combines classroom learning, high-fidelity skills lab simulation, and clinical experiences with local hospitals and community health agencies. The program admits and graduates approximately 50 students per cohort each year, reflecting strong regional demand and capacity. Graduates earn an Associate in Science degree and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX and transfer to BSN programs.
“This milestone reflects the extraordinary dedication of our students, faculty, clinical partners, and staff, and it affirms that CSM’s program meets rigorous national standards in nursing education,” said Melinda Nguyen, MSN, Director of Nursing and Professor at College of San Mateo. “ACEN accreditation recognizes our commitment to continuous improvement, equitable student support, and graduate readiness for safe, compassionate practice in our community.”
ACEN provides specialized accreditation for nursing education at all levels and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
The ACEN Board of Commissioners took action in August 2025; official notice was issued to the College on September 25, 2025, with the next evaluation visit scheduled for Spring 2030. According to ACEN policy, the effective date of initial accreditation for CSM’s associate nursing program is May 19, 2023.
The multi-year accreditation process included CSM’s candidacy (effective May 19, 2023), an extensive Self-Study Report with hundreds of pages of documentation (submitted December 2024), a joint site visit by ACEN and the California Board of Registered Nursing (February 4–6, 2025), and ACEN’s Evaluation Review Panel and Board of Commissioners review in the Summer of 2025.
About College of San Mateo
College of San Mateo (CSM), part of the San Mateo County Community College District, is a leading community college committed to providing an accessible, high-quality, and liberatory education. With a focus on equity, inclusion, and academic excellence, CSM empowers students to achieve their full potential and make lasting generational impacts. CSM offers a wide range of academic and vocational programs, fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment.
About ACEN
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredits nursing programs in the U.S., its territories, and internationally, supporting quality assurance and continuous improvement in nursing education. Learn more at acenursing.org.
