Columbia Memorial Health’s Nurse Residency Program Earns National Accreditation
Recognition distinguishes CMH as a premier destination for nurses
Columbia Memorial Health (CMH) today announced that its Nursing Residency Program has earned accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) through its Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP). This prestigious designation recognizes CMH’s commitment to excellence in preparing newly licensed nurses for a successful transition into professional nursing practice.
ANCC’s PTAP accreditation is widely regarded as the gold standard for nurse residency and fellowship programs. It affirms that CMH meets rigorous national standards for nurse transition-to-practice programming and distinguishes the organization as a premier destination for nurses entering or moving to new practice settings. It also underscores the organization’s dedication to developing a highly skilled nursing workforce.
“The ANCC PTAP accreditation is a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our nursing staff, educators, and leadership. They work tirelessly to ensure that every nurse who joins CMH has a pathway to success,” said Dorothy Urschel, president and CEO of CMH. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality of care to the communities we serve.”
“ANCC PTAP accreditation is an important milestone for CMH’s Nurse Residency Program. It reinforces our commitment to provide a strong foundation for clinical excellence, professional growth, and safe, high-quality patient care from the very beginning of a nurse’s career,” said Regina Trantel, RN, nurse residency coordinator at CMH. “This accreditation reflects our dedication to nurse development and patient safety.”
“This is a proud and meaningful moment for our organization. It speaks to the culture that we have built, which is rooted in mentorship, learning, and compassion,” said Stephanie Hisgen, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient and clinical cervices. “This accreditation highlights our dedication to supporting new graduate nurses grow into confident, skilled professionals who provide exceptional care to our community.”
The accreditation was formally announced on June 30, 2026 to CMH’s executive leadership and frontline staff. The event offered a chance for staff to celebrate this nationally recognized standard for nurse residency and fellowship programs — programs specifically designed to support registered nurses as they transition into clinical practice.
The road to accreditation culminated in a successful virtual appraiser review conducted in April 2026. The PTAP accreditation process involved a comprehensive evaluation of program structure, patient and nurse outcomes, evidence-based practices, and organizational support. The accreditation places CMH among health care organizations that are nationally recognized for their investment in transforming nursing practices. Within the Albany Med Health System, Glens Falls Hospital has also achieved the ANCC’s PTAP accreditation.
CMH’s nurse residency program supports newly licensed registered nurses through a structured, evidence-based curriculum designed to build clinical competency, confidence, and professional identity. Nurse residents benefit from dedicated mentorship, simulation-based training, and ongoing professional development opportunities throughout their first year of practice — creating a foundation for long-term clinical excellence and retention.