Three years ago, UT Southwestern received Magnet® designation – the highest honor bestowed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

And this summer brought one more significant honor: The Nurse Residency Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center has been accredited as a Practice Transition Program by the ANCC’s Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs.

The distinction elevates the residency program, which was launched in 2016 as part of a plan to recruit and retain top nursing school graduates. Those involved with the program are committed to providing a high-quality, patient-centered environment for nurse residents as they begin their careers at UT Southwestern.

The ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program® (PTAP) sets the global standard for residency or fellowship programs that transition registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) into new practice settings.

The Nurse Residency Program team at UT Southwestern

“I am thrilled that our Nurse Residency Program has been accredited as a Practice Transition Program with Distinction by the ANCC,” said Susan Hernandez, Chief Nurse Executive.

She added that the recognition validates the investment and effort that has been devoted to the Nurse Residency Program for the past three years.

“Much of the program’s success is a credit to those who worked to make it a reality,” Ms. Hernandez said. “The vision for the residency program required the participation of our nursing staff in modeling best practice for our residents as well as a commitment from our Department of Clinical Education & Professional Practice and nursing leadership to fully support the program

“We can be proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I look forward to seeing careers blossom as more nurses join our program!”

The ANCC’s accreditation has been granted for three years, from July 22, 2019 to October 31, 2022.