Cox Medical Centers program becomes first to earn accreditation

A Cox Medical Centers program has become the first in the nation to earn a national accreditation.

The health system's International Nurse Fellowship Program is the first such program to be accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, according to a news release.

The program at Cox Medical Centers, which includes CoxHealth’s Springfield-based facilities, was required to meet accreditation standards in the categories of program leadership, goals and outcomes, organizational enculturation, development and design, and practice-based learning.

“It is an honor to not only be elevated to the highest standard set by the ANCC accreditation, but also to be the country’s only accredited international nurse fellowship program," said Gina Ellerbee, CoxHealth's administrative director of nursing practice and professional development, in the release.

Cox Medical Centers' International Nurse Fellowship Program is designed to help international nurses transition to the United States, according to its website.