VinUniversity’s Bachelor of Nursing Program Achieves ACEN Accreditation – Vietnam’s First Nursing Program to Meet U.S. Standards

On April 30th, VinUniversity achieved a proud achievement as its Bachelor of Nursing program was granted initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) after a 3-year journey of candidacy. This achievement makes it the first nursing program in Vietnam to meet these rigorous U.S. standards.

ACEN is a specialized agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). By achieving this distinction, VinUniversity proves that its program – covering curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes – stands on equal footing with elite international programs.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoa Huyen, Program Director of the Nursing Programs, on the importance of this achievement:

“Achieving ACEN accreditation is a major milestone for VinUni Bachelor of Nursing Program. It confirms that our program meets rigorous international standards in nursing education. For students, it enhances the global recognition of their degree and reflects our commitment to preparing competent, compassionate, and future-ready nurse leaders.”

A global foundation: The leading partnership with University of Pennsylvania

The program’s success is rooted in its close partnership with the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, consistently ranked as the #1 nursing school in the world. Penn Nursing faculty worked closely with VinUni to design the curriculum according to top international standards. This collaboration ensures that students are becoming “active agents for change” in global healthcare.

Dr. Antonia M. Villarruel – Professor and Margaret Bond Simon Dean of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, shared insights on what this means for the VinUni community:

“ACEN accreditation is internationally recognized confirmation of the quality of the School’s and University’s nursing education program. It assures that graduates meet international standards, enhances employment opportunities, and reflects a shared commitment to protecting and advancing public health.”

Dr. Antonia M. Villarruel (third person from the right), at the Strategic Collaboration Signing Ceremony between Vingroup JSC, Cornell University, and the University of Pennsylvania

She also noted that this milestone is a testament to the dedication of VinUni’s leadership and faculty, stating:

“This milestone reflects the contributions of many individuals. VinUni leadership deserves recognition for their investment in ensuring excellence in nursing education and for affirming nursing’s central role in the University’s mission. The faculty and VinUni are also to be commended for their leadership, dedication, and openness to learning from Penn faculty. We are appreciative of their generosity in sharing their expertise and for all they have collaborated with us in this process.”

Our nursing program by numbers. How did we meet ACEN standards?

Achieving this milestone involved a rigorous three-year journey – from initial candidacy in 2023 and the graduation of our first cohort in 2025 to full accreditation in 2026. This recognition confirms our commitment to global excellence across several core academic pillars:

• International-Standard Curriculum: The curriculum is co-designed by the University of Pennsylvania and is fully aligned with U.S. nursing education regarding content, accreditation standards, and licensure exam preparation. It is competency-based, emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership development, and a global healthcare mindset, with a strong global academic network of 18 leading strategic partners worldwide.
• Elite internationally recognized faculty: The program maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized mentorship and close academic support. Faculty members hold doctoral qualifications and are internationally-recognized professors in their fields.
• World-Class Facilities: Students train in advanced simulation laboratories and a specialized Medical Simulation Center that replicate real-world clinical environments using virtual-reality-assisted learning.
• Extensive Clinical Placements: Training takes place at top-tier private and major national hospitals, including the Vinmec Health Care System, Bach Mai Hospital, National Geriatric Hospital, and Hanoi Mental Hospital.

The “Clinician, Researcher, Manager” framework

The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for three distinct, vital roles in the modern healthcare landscape:

1. Clinician: A deep foundation in basic, pre-clinical, and clinical sciences.
2. Researcher: Training in biostatistics and nursing research to prepare students for lifelong inquiry.
3. Manager: Leadership and management skills are not just standalone courses but are integrated throughout the entire curriculum to instill core professional values.

By synthesizing these three pillars, the program ensures that graduates are not only clinical experts but also visionary leaders capable of driving innovation in any healthcare environment.

Demonstrated excellence and career assurance

VinUniversity’s commitment to quality is reflected in its student outcomes. To date, the 2020 and 2021 cohorts have maintained a 100% program completion rate.

For those entering the program, the future is secure:

• Guaranteed Employment: 100% of qualified VinUni Nursing graduates are guaranteed jobs at Vinmec International Hospitals with competitive salaries and a specialized career track.
• Diverse Opportunities: Beyond clinical practice, graduates are prepared for roles in Universities, research organizations, and global bodies like the UN or WHO.
• Global Readiness: With an English-medium education and an international curriculum, graduates are well-prepared for U.S.-based qualifying exams and global practice.

This milestone contributes to a broader effort to strengthen the pipeline of highly trained nursing professionals in Vietnam, where demand for internationally benchmarked healthcare training continues to grow. It also reflects a shift toward aligning local education models with global quality frameworks while maintaining relevance to emerging healthcare systems.

VinUniversity is currently open for admissions for the 2026 intake. Apply today to join Vietnam’s first ACEN-accredited nursing program and become a leader in global health.