HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) has earned full reaccreditation for its Master of Science in Nursing program from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for 10 years. Ten years is the maximum term CCNE awards for continuing accreditation; it is reserved for established programs that demonstrate sustained quality across the accreditor’s standards.
HU’s master’s program in nursing prepares advanced practice professionals through two tracks — a leadership track and an educator track — aimed squarely at two of the field’s most acute needs: the demand for nurse leaders and the shortage of nurse educators.
“Strong nurses build stronger communities. At HU, we are proud to educate healthcare professionals who make a difference every day,” said Teresa Cating, DNP, MSN, A-GNP-C, program lead for the Master of Science in Nursing program and chief nursing officer at Harrisburg University. “Our master’s-level nursing students are preparing not only to care for patients, but to lead the future of healthcare with skill, empathy, and integrity. As the chief nursing officer, I am honored to be a part of equipping our future leaders and educators in healthcare.”
The reaccreditation comes as Pennsylvania and the nation continue to face a sustained need for nurses, nurse leaders, and the educators who train them.
In Pennsylvania, the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania has projected a shortfall of more than 20,000 registered nurses (RN), and the state’s hospitals report an average RN vacancy rate of about 14% by 2026. Nationally, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 190,000 openings for registered nurses each year through 2034, as an aging workforce and rising demand for care outpace the supply of new nurses.
A central reason the pipeline cannot keep pace is a shortage of nurse educators: the very gap HU’s educator track is designed to help close. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that more than 93,000 qualified applications were turned away from US nursing programs in 2025, in large part because schools lacked the faculty to teach them, with roughly one-third of current nurse faculty expected to retire in the coming years.
“This 10-year reaccreditation is a foundation we can build on,” said Luanne Hutchinson, executive director of strategic healthcare initiatives at Harrisburg University. “It positions us to grow our nursing program to meet the workforce needs of healthcare entities in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.”
“This is outstanding news for the university,” added Interim President David A. Schankweiler. “Retaining full CCNE accreditation for the maximum 10-year term reflects exceptional leadership and persistence. I want to directly recognize Dr. Teresa Cating; her work was decisive, thorough, and absolutely critical to protecting the integrity and future of this program.
“I also want to share my appreciation to Luanne Hutchinson for being the driving force behind this program, all our current healthcare programs, and our planning for new programs,” Schankweiler concluded. “We have tremendous opportunity in healthcare thanks to your commitment to Pennsylvania and to our students.”
# # #
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is an independent, nonprofit university offering degrees in advanced manufacturing, engineering, robotics, nursing, cybersecurity, and other critical fields. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, HU serves a diverse student body through bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that link learning and research with practical applications. For information about HU’s affordable STEM degrees and professional development programs, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay in the know by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT
Do you have questions about this story? Interested in lining up an interview? Please contact Dan Wilhelm, Director of Communications for Harrisburg University, at DWilhelm@HarrisburgU.edu or 717.901.5100×1724.
# # #
