American Sentinel University

American Sentinel University is a private for-profit online university focused on nursing education, with its headquarters located in Denver, Colorado. In March 2021, the university was acquired by Post University and subsequently rebranded as the American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University.^[2][3] Following the acquisition, it received accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. Prior to this, American Sentinel University held regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission^[4] and national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.^[5]

American Sentinel University

Motto	Today's Education for Tomorrow's Healthcare
Type	Private for-profit online university
Established	1988; 37 years ago (1988)
President	John L. Hopkins[1]
Dean	Kimberly Nerud
Location	Denver , Colorado , U.S.
Acquired by	Post University in March 2021; 4 years ago (2021-03)
Website	post.edu

History

Prior to becoming a school under the Post University umbrella, American Sentinel University was established through the integration of three separate schools: the American College of Computer & Information Sciences, Sentinel University, and American Graduate School of Management. The combined institution offered the technology programs of the American College of Computer & Information Sciences and the business programs of the American Graduate School of Management. The merger also created additional offerings within these areas and expanded into new fields, such as healthcare.

Sentinel University was founded in 2004, while the American Graduate School of Management was established in 2000. The American College of Computer & Information Sciences was founded in 1988 by Lloyd E. Clayton Jr. as the American Institute of Computer Science.^[6]

In March 2021, it merged with Post University,^[7] becoming the American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Academics

American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University offers an online Bachelor's degree program for RN to BSN completion (nursing) in two formats: a traditional online format with 8-week classes, and a competency-based RN to BSN (SIMPath), where students can complete multiple courses at their own pace within a 16-week semester by demonstrating mastery through assessments.^[8]

The college offers master's degree programs in nursing and healthcare management, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with specializations such as Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Management and Leadership, Case Management, Infection Prevention and Control, Population Health, and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. It also offers a Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSHCM) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare.^[9]

At the doctoral level, the college offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with specializations in Executive Leadership, Educational Leadership, Informatics Leadership, and Professional Leadership.^[10] A certificate program in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is also available.^[11]

SIMPath is the college’s competency-based learning option, allowing students to move through coursework based on their knowledge and experience rather than a fixed schedule, providing flexibility for working nurses.^[12]

American Sentinel integrates Sentinel U virtual simulations into its curriculum, allowing students to practice clinical decision-making and patient care in an interactive online environment to strengthen practical skills.^[13]

The university's undergraduate and master's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.^[14] The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.^[15]