The UNLV School of Nursing has once again been named a Center of Excellence (COE) in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (NLN), the nation's leading nursing education accrediting and recognition body. The designation, "Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development," recognizes schools that demonstrate sustained, evidence-based innovation in how they prepare students for practice.

This marks the second time UNLV School of Nursing has earned this distinction, having previously held COE status from 2019 to 2023. UNLV Nursing is one of just 20 nursing schools nationwide named a Center of Excellence for 2026, and the only nursing program in Nevada to hold this designation.

"This recognition is a celebration of our extraordinary faculty and staff, whose unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and student success makes the UNLV School of Nursing such a special place to learn and grow," said UNLV Nursing Dean Sigrid Barrett. "We are also deeply grateful for the steadfast support of our university leadership, state legislators whose investments have strengthened nursing education, our generous donors, and our many community partners. Reclaiming our designation as an NLN Center of Excellence reflects what is possible when we work together with a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of compassionate, practice-ready nurse leaders for Nevada and beyond."

Earning COE status requires an extensive, peer-reviewed application process. The NLN evaluates whether a program conducts ongoing research to measure the effectiveness of its innovations, holds itself to elevated internal standards, and demonstrates a sustained commitment to continuous quality improvement, not just a single strong year.

The School will receive formal recognition at the 2026 NLN Education Summit in Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 25.