Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing Earns Exemplary Program Status From Quality Matters

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing (BSMCON) has received Exemplary Program designation from Quality Matters — the international leader for quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments.

BSMCON achieved Exemplary Program designation for its Post-Licensure Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, an online degree pathway for registered nurses aiming to advance their education and career prospects by earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program builds upon existing nursing knowledge, focusing on areas such as evidence-based practice, leadership and community health.

The Exemplary Program designation demonstrates the institution’s dedication to fostering quality online learning experiences, continuously improving its work, and incorporating forward-thinking educational strategies and technology. “Pursuing the QM Exemplary Program designation at BSMCON enhances the college’s reputation, student experience and overall program effectiveness,” Rachel Bulifant, MSNW, RD, director of digital learning and distance education, said.

Institutions achieve the Exemplary Program designation by earning QM Program Certification in the four areas of QM’s online program framework: Online Program Design, Online Teaching Support, Online Learner Support, and Online Learner Success. This requires the institution to demonstrate evidence of meeting QM’s research-supported Standards in online course design, instruction and learner outcomes for at least three years, as verified through QM’s rigorous peer review process. The QM framework is widely considered the gold standard of education quality.

The goal of these quality assurance efforts is to create a better learning experience for students. As more colleges and universities expand their online programs to meet rapidly growing learner demand, ensuring quality and sustainability is essential. QM Standards help make online courses clearer, more engaging and easier to navigate—allowing students to connect with their instructors and classmates while feeling supported in their learning journey. “QM’s rigorous course design standards ensure that online courses are structured for clarity, engagement and effectiveness, improving student satisfaction,” Bulifant said. “Courses are aligned with best practices for accessibility, usability and active learning, which helps students stay engaged and perform better academically. With QM certification in Online Learner Support, students receive better advising, technical support and academic resources tailored to online education.”

These efforts also significantly impact faculty, supporting quality online instruction that builds upon the foundation of quality established in the course design process. “Through BSMCON’s participation with QM’s quality assurance process, faculty benefit from clear, research-supported frameworks that enhance content delivery, assessment strategies and student engagement,” Bulifant said. “With these skills, instructors feel more equipped to effectively communicate, engage and support students in a virtual learning environment.”

Media contact:
Elia Imler
Director of Marketing and Communication
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
Phone: (804) 627-5387
Email: Elia_Imler@bshsi.org

About Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing (BSMCON) is a faith-based institution offering a traditional Bachelor of Science in nursing and an online RN to BSN degree for registered nurses. Committed to student-centered education, BSMCON ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to serve in the spirit of Bon Secours. The College is certified to operate in Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. BSMCON is programmatically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. BSMCON is affiliated with Memorial Regional Medical Center, part of Bon Secours Mercy Health. For more information, visit bsmcon.edu.

About Quality Matters

Grounded in research. Driven by best practices. A community that puts learners first. Quality Matters (QM) is the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. It provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations. When you see QM Recognition and Certification Marks on courses or programs, it means they have met QM Course or Program Quality Standards in a rigorous review process.