Accreditation and Memberships

Bushnell University

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Accreditation & CERTIFICATIONS

Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities

Bushnell University has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1962.

In 2024, Bushnell University completed a Year-Seven Comprehensive Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness (EIE) for continued accreditation. The comprehensive self-study was followed by an onsite evaluation in April 2024. In July 2024, Bushnell received reaffirmation of its accreditation for 7 years.

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for evaluating institutional quality through peer review. An accredited college or university has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered or the competence of individual graduates. Instead, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to the institution’s students.

Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the institution’s administrative staff.

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558-4224

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

The Office of Degree Authorization

Bushnell University is authorized as a degree-granting institution by The Office of Degree Authorization, Oregon State Board of Licensure. The Office of Degree Authorization is required by statute to protect the citizens of Oregon and their postsecondary schools by ensuring the quality of higher education and preserving the integrity of an academic degree as a public credential. ODA administers laws, standards, and services that protect students, holders of legitimately earned degrees, institutions, businesses, employers, patients or clients, and licensing boards. All degree-granting private post-secondary institutions offering academic programs in Oregon, or to Oregon students from outside the state, must be approved by the Office of Degree Authorization.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

Bushnell University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

On June 18, 2018, Bushnell University was accepted as a National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) member. As a member of NC-SARA, Bushnell University has agreed to abide by national standards for the interstate offering of post-secondary distance education courses and programs. Membership to NC-SARA eases the institutional regulatory requirements at the state level, allowing for broader access to online learning for students in participating SARA states.

SARA State Complaint Process

Students enrolled in a course outside Oregon in a SARA member state must follow Bushnell University’s Student Complaints Policy to resolve complaints. If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of that process, a complaint involving allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity, including the provision of false or misleading information, may be brought to the Oregon SARA portal entity. The SARA portal entity in the state where the student is located will be notified that the complaint was received and may assist as needed. The resolution of the complaint by the Oregon SARA portal entity is final. Please note that grade appeals and student conduct appeals are not allowed under SARA.

Non-SARA State Complaints

Students participating in a course in a non-SARA state may file a complaint with the Oregon Department of Education or in the state where the student is located.

International Accreditation Council for Business Education

The Academic Business Unit at Institution has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs, please visit our IACBE status page.

The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) is the leading outcomes-based professional accrediting organization for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities worldwide. The IACBE exists to promote, develop, and recognize excellence in business education.

To view the learning outcomes for the School of Business, please view the IACBE Public Disclosure of Student Achievement.

Association of Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)

The School of Education is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) for its education programs at the initial teacher preparation and advanced educator preparation levels. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation designates AAQEP as a Recognized Accrediting Organization.

Accreditation signifies that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to continue to do so. In order to achieve accredited status, a program must demonstrate that it meets all four AAQEP standards and their associated aspects.

Teachers Standards and Practices Commission

Teacher education and school counseling programs are approved by the Oregon State Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). The Teacher Standards and Practices Commission was established in 1965 to maintain and improve performance in the education profession by approving teacher preparation programs offered by Oregon colleges and universities by licensing teachers, administrators, and other personnel employed in Oregon schools and by taking disciplinary actions when educators commit crimes or violate Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance.

National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates, Inc.

Bushnell University- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department has been approved by National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates, Inc. (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 3050. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Bushnell University-Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

Bushnell University’s Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Bushnell University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is also approved by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, (OBLPCT).

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The RN to BSN and Accelerated BSN programs at Bushnell University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bushnell University is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration, and Naturalization Service for international and non-immigrant students.

Programs at Bushnell University are approved for the use of veteran’s benefits. The Oregon Veteran Educational Aid Program provides educational benefits to veterans pursuing approved training or coursework equal to the months of active duty service up to 36 months. Benefits are paid while pursuing classroom instruction, home study courses, vocational training, licensing, and certificates from accredited Oregon educational institutions.

Licensure Disclosures

Bushnell University provides professional licensure information for programs that may lead to certification, in line with the U.S. Department of Education and Oregon HECC requirements for NC-SARA participation. Before starting a licensure-related program with plans to practice outside Oregon, we recommend that students:

  1. Review the program-specific licensing details provided.
  2. Contact licensing agencies in the intended state(s) to confirm that the program meets their requirements.

Some programs may partially fulfill out-of-state licensure requirements, even if not formally approved. Regularly check for changes in licensure requirements as you progress.

Learn more on our professional disclosure webpage.

Memberships

Bushnell University holds institutional and program-specific accreditation, as well as a number of certifications and memberships. If you’re looking for something specific, be sure to contact us.

Accreditation & Certifications

 

Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities

 

Bushnell University has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1962.

In 2024, Bushnell University completed a Year-Seven Comprehensive Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness (EIE) for continued accreditation. The comprehensive self-study was followed by an onsite evaluation in April 2024. In July 2024, Bushnell received reaffirmation of its accreditation for 7 years.

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for evaluating institutional quality through peer review. An accredited college or university has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered or the competence of individual graduates. Instead, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to the institution’s students.

Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the institution’s administrative staff.

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558-4224

 

The Office of Degree Authorization

 

Bushnell University is authorized as a degree-granting institution by The Office of Degree Authorization, Oregon State Board of Licensure. The Office of Degree Authorization is required by statute to protect the citizens of Oregon and their postsecondary schools by ensuring the quality of higher education and preserving the integrity of an academic degree as a public credential. ODA administers laws, standards, and services that protect students, holders of legitimately earned degrees, institutions, businesses, employers, patients or clients, and licensing boards. All degree-granting private post-secondary institutions offering academic programs in Oregon, or to Oregon students from outside the state, must be approved by the Office of Degree Authorization.

 

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

 

Bushnell University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

On June 18, 2018, Bushnell University was accepted as a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). As a member of NC-SARA, Bushnell University has agreed to abide by national standards for the interstate offering of post-secondary distance education courses and programs. Membership to NC-SARA eases the institutional regulatory requirements at the state level, allowing for broader access to online learning for students in participating SARA states.

SARA State Complaint Process

Students enrolled in a course outside Oregon in a SARA member state must follow Bushnell University’s Student Complaints Policy to resolve complaints. If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of that process, a complaint involving allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity, including the provision of false or misleading information, may be brought to the Oregon SARA portal entity. The SARA portal entity in the state where the student is located will be notified that the complaint was received and may assist as needed. The resolution of the complaint by the Oregon SARA portal entity is final. Please note that grade appeals and student conduct appeals are not allowed under SARA.

Non-SARA State Complaints

Students participating in a course in a non-SARA state may file a complaint with the Oregon Department of Education or in the state where the student is located.

 

International Accreditation Council for Business Education

 

The Academic Business Unit at Institution has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs, please visit our IACBE status page.

The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) is the leading outcomes-based professional accrediting organization for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities worldwide. The IACBE exists to promote, develop, and recognize excellence in business education.

To view the learning outcomes for the School of Business, please view the IACBE Public Disclosure of Student Achievement as follows: 2022-2023

 

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)

 

The School of Education is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) for its education programs at the initial teacher preparation and advanced educator preparation levels. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation designates AAQEP as a Recognized Accrediting Organization.

Accreditation signifies that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to continue to do so. In order to achieve accredited status, a program must demonstrate that it meets all four AAQEP standards and their associated aspects.

 

Teachers Standards and Practices Commission

 

Teacher education and school counseling programs are approved by the Oregon State Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). The Teacher Standards and Practices Commission was established in 1965 to maintain and improve performance in the education profession by approving teacher preparation programs offered by Oregon colleges and universities by licensing teachers, administrators, and other personnel employed in Oregon schools and by taking disciplinary actions when educators commit crimes or violate Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance.

 

National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates, Inc.

 

Bushnell University- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department has been approved by National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates, Inc. (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 3050. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Bushnell University-Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

 

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

 

Bushnell University’s Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Bushnell University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is also approved by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists.

 

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

 

The RN to BSN and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at Bushnell University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bushnell University is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration, and Naturalization Service for international and non-immigrant students.

Programs at Bushnell University are approved for the use of veteran’s benefits. The Oregon Veteran Educational Aid Program provides educational benefits to veterans pursuing approved training or coursework equal to the months of active duty service up to 36 months. Benefits are paid while pursuing classroom instruction, home study courses, vocational training, licensing, and certificates from accredited Oregon educational institutions.

Licensure Disclosures

Bushnell University provides professional licensure information for programs that may lead to certification, in line with the U.S. Department of Education and Oregon HECC requirements for NC-SARA participation. Before starting a licensure-related program with plans to practice outside Oregon, we recommend that students:

  1. Review the program-specific licensing details provided.
  2. Contact licensing agencies in the intended state(s) to confirm that the program meets their requirements.

Some programs may partially fulfill out-of-state licensure requirements, even if not formally approved. Regularly check for changes in licensure requirements as you progress.

Learn more on our professional disclosure webpage.

Memberships

Bushnell University holds institutional and program-specific accreditation, as well as a number of certifications and memberships. If you’re looking for something specific, be sure to contact us.