After all, there are so many types of nursing certifications you can attain. CNA, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP – the many nursing programs look like a fine alphabet soup!

A nurse practitioner has completed an advanced-level (master’s or doctoral) program beyond their initial registered nurse (RN) training. 

In a nurse practitioner program, people gain significant fieldwork experience in diverse clinical settings and can typically specialize in an area like neonatal care, psychiatric care, or women’s care. 

All nurse practitioners must pass a rigorous national certification exam, and many collegiate programs also stipulate dissertations or independent research projects.

So what can a nurse practitioner do? 

They can order, conduct, and analyze lab results, like x-rays or MRIs. They can provide counseling and general patient care, as well as prescribe medications and treatments. 

Nurse practitioners can diagnose acute and chronic ailments, like high blood pressure, concussions, and infections.

We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best nationally ranked nurse practitioner programs in the United States. These schools were chosen as they are among the top-ranked in the US News best NP schools list.

While these universities offer standard specializations, many are home to unique global education opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and other assets not seen elsewhere in the country.

Boston College Connell School of Nursing (Chestnut Hill, MA)

Boston College enrolls nearly 300 graduate nursing students and maintains an intimate 1:4 faculty-to-student ratio. 

The school offers four pathways to a DNP, and unique to the Connell School of Nursing is a 100% full tuition remission for full-time PhD students! 

Connell only recently launched its DNP program in 2019. 

Rather than requiring students to compose a dissertation, students in the DNP program design an evidence-based project geared to improve a specific healthcare outcome for a particular patient demographic. 

Called “projects with a purpose,” an example includes a self-monitoring tool for monitoring symptoms of COVID-19.

The master’s program engages students in a social justice-oriented curriculum. Nursing students can specialize in areas like women’s health or adult-gerontology primary care. 

Regardless of their selected pathway, all nursing practitioner candidates complete fieldwork among three to six clinical sites, such as the Addiction Treatment Center of New England, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Boston Children’s Hospital.

UC Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing (Sacramento, CA)

One of UC Davis’ best nursing program assets is its host of simulation suites. 

In addition to a home health simulation suite and a 15-room primary care simulation suite, the school also features an eight-bed hospital ward, intensive care unit, and realistic waiting room. 

Nurse practitioner students practice skills across all simulation suites to gain confidence before entering authentic clinical settings.

The DNP Family Nurse Practitioner Degree Program is a three-year hybrid program that prepares advanced-level practitioners to engage in evidence-based care. 

It recently launched in the summer of 2022 and is already attracting candidates who seek leadership roles in their future careers. 

Nursing students attend scheduled synchronous sessions weekly and engage in four required on-site immersive activities in Sacramento throughout the three years. These immersive activities can last up to five days. 

University of Alabama School of Nursing (Birmingham, AL)

Men, in particular, may gravitate toward UAB’s School of Nursing; for the fourth consecutive year, UAB has been named the Best School for Men in Nursing. 

The school’s nursing faculty is 17.5% male, while the national average of peer institutions is 8.4%. 

Students passionate about conducting research within their nursing program will also be encouraged to learn that UAB receives the second-highest amount of research funding from the NIH (among public schools in the United States).

The MSN nurse practitioner pathway at UAB positions students in four on-campus intensives during their last four semesters of the program. 

Students can specialize in one of nine nurse practitioner specialties. 

Two of these specialties are ranked by the U.S. News & World Report for 2023: Family Nurse Practitioner in 7th and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in 8th.

Nursing students who choose the women’s health nurse practitioner pathway may participate in initiatives like the Nurse-Family Partnership, where they accompany highly-trained nurses on visits to pregnant people during all stages of pregnancy. 

University of Michigan School of Nursing (Ann Arbor, MI)

Nursing students can pursue in-person and online nurse practitioner degrees at U of M! Online degrees have proven effective in preparing students to pass the required nursing license exams; in fact, 100% of the recent online cohort passed their board certification tests! 

Those admitted to the online program must only visit campus for three days each term. These visits focus on hands-on skill-building, experiential learning, and performance evaluations.

One of the nursing school’s flagship programs is its combined nurse-midwifery and primary care family nurse practitioner degree. 

Ranked 2nd of its kind by the 2023 U.S. News & World Report, it is one of several award-winning programs at the University of Michigan. 

What kind of classes might nurse practitioner candidates take at U of M? In “Advanced Health Assessment for Advanced Practice Nurses,” participants examine the intersection of developmental, sociocultural, and biopsychosocial contexts regarding healthcare outcomes.

Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (Atlanta, GA)

Nurse practitioner candidates at Emory University can specialize in one of five pathways. 

In the family nurse practitioner (FNP) pathway, nursing students gain 600 hours of supervised clinical experience, with particular emphasis on managing acute episodic issues and long-term care of stable but chronic illnesses. 

From cardiology and neurology to orthopedics and palliative care, FNP candidates can complete rotations in various settings.

Women’s health/gender-related nurse practitioners focus on increasing healthcare access for women and minority populations. 

All courses are online, though there are several in-person intensives. Students can even attend this program from out of state, and clinical experiences are not limited to Atlanta, Georgia.

Emory also maintains one of the few neonatal nurse practitioner programs in the country and is currently the only one of its kind in Georgia. 

Graduates of this program can enroll part-time or full-time in an “executive online” format, wherein students attend campus twice a semester for simulations, laboratories, and other experiential learning opportunities.

The University of North Carolina School of Nursing (Chapel Hill, NC)

UNC is home to one of the best nursing schools in the nation, and its BSN to MSN hybrid program is half-online and half-in-person. 

Within its adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner option, graduate students complete five clinical rotations in advanced diagnostic reasoning and healthcare management.

Unique to UNC’s nurse practitioner program is an oncology focus. These nursing students complete additional hours in oncology settings to learn how to better prevent and manage cancer in adults.

The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program is another highlight of the UNC School of Nursing. 

Students concentrating in this realm will gain experience conducting group and individual therapy in different modalities, managing complex psychiatric disorders, and promoting community well-being. 

Regardless of which pathway students choose, they can take comfort in knowing that their proximity to some of the best hospital systems in the southeast guarantee invaluable fieldwork experiences.

The UCSF School of Nursing (San Francisco, CA)

One of the best nursing schools on the west coast, UCSF offers an MS nurse practitioner degree, which can be completed in two years. 

Many UCSF nursing students opt to pursue the pediatric nurse practitioner-acute care pathway, which aims to provide family-centric care to meet the needs of young people. 

Nurse practitioner candidates in this field will complete rotations in pediatric cardiac units, emergency departments, and other settings.

UCSF also operates a neonatal nurse practitioner degree, which requires 600 mentored practice hours for licensure in California. 

These students focus primarily on illnesses apparent during birth and reducing healthcare disparities across racial and socioeconomic demographics.

Over in the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner pathway – the only one in northern California – degree candidates train in various hospital departments, like the trauma unit, emergency department, and transplant unit. 

A nurse practitioner degree at UCSF is, at its core, interdisciplinary. Students benefit tremendously from exposure to different settings and patient populations.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (Nashville, TN)

Vanderbilt’s adult-gerontology nurse practitioner pathway is among the best-ranked in the United States. 

Graduate nursing students score significantly higher than their competitors at peer institutions on national examinations and have more concentrations to choose from, including rehabilitation, endocrinology, and nephrology. 

Nursing candidates complete field experiences at various locations in Nashville, including ambulatory care centers, university student health centers, and even prisons.

Many of Vanderbilt’s advanced nurse practitioner degrees are offered in an online or hybrid format. 

The neonatal pathway is offered exclusively in a modified distance learning format so that working nurses do not have to interrupt their employment or relocate to Nashville to pursue a higher degree.

Many candidates apply to Vanderbilt’s nurse practitioner programs because they want to work exclusively with women. 

The women’s health/gender-related nurse practitioner track connects students with opportunities to manage both low- and high-risk pregnancies, assist in family planning, and provide general gynecologic care. 

While this curriculum is offered online, those without a prior nursing education background need to complete a “PreSpecialty year” within a daily commute of Nashville, Tennessee.

Duke University School of Nursing (Durham, NC)

With several #1-ranked nursing programs in the U.S. News & World Report, Duke University’s School of Nursing allows family nurse practitioners to specialize in areas like HIV. 

Students spend at least 725 clinical hours engrossed in skills-based work. In the Center for Nursing Discovery, for example, nursing students can engage in simulations focused on conducting advanced procedures and managing complex illnesses.

Duke boasts the only pediatric nurse practitioner (acute care) degree program in North Carolina. 

This seven-semester program is distance-based, though students have abundant opportunities to engage in clinical experiences close to their home location.

Another claim to fame is the nursing school’s women’s health nurse practitioner program, which grants short-term clinical opportunities in domestic and international sites. 

Group learning experiences take place each semester, and coursework focuses on addressing issues like infertility, high-risk pregnancy, and veteran women’s health.

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Philadelphia, PA)

Rivaling peer institutions like UNC and Duke, Penn’s School of Nursing claims the #1 nursing school ranking worldwide! 

They have held this honor since 2016. This ranking is banked on Penn’s rigorous and innovative curriculum, expert staff, and overall research contributions. 

In addition to its current rankings, the school has a long list of “firsts.” 

They started the first privately funded nursing research center in the U.S., the first nursing doctoral degree in the Ivy League, and they are one of the first nursing schools to use simulated patients.

With over 1,250 students, Penn maintains one of the highest enrollments for a U.S. nursing school. 

Half of these participants are enrolled in the BSN pathway, while 416 are enrolled in the MSN, and others are pursuing a doctorate or PhD. 

Recent cohorts achieved a 100% pass rate for the AMCB certification exam – Penn is one of only 13 nationwide programs to achieve this distinction.

Many nursing students gravitate to Penn because of its research reputation. 

Nurse practitioner candidates can earn project funding through the Hillman Scholars program starting in the first year. Also unique to Penn is its focus on community engagement.

Nurse practitioner candidates in all specialty areas participate in various community outreach programs, which inevitably expose them to how intersecting forces like socioeconomic status, age, and ethnicity can affect access to healthcare and healthcare outcomes.

The post The 10 Best Nurse Practitioner Schools in the US appeared first on collegegazette.com.

The best nursing schools challenge students to develop a deep foundational knowledge of the human body and developmental markers, along with patient interaction and ethical practices. 

Modern technology has paved the way for devices poised to revolutionize the healthcare industry. 

In simulations and clinical settings, students work under the supervision of healthcare professionals and expert faculty members to make diagnostic and treatment-based decisions.

It’s never too late to become a nurse. Some people who have already worked in several jobs or industries are hesitant to research nursing careers because they assume multiple barriers. The fact is that many first-class nursing schools have accelerated options for students who have taken this route in life.

We’ve compiled a list of the best nursing schools in Canada. In addition to employing top faculty members, these schools are situated in thriving, intellectually stimulating cities proximal to exquisite outdoor attractions. 

Without further ado, here are 10 of the best nursing schools in Canada.

University of British Columbia School of Nursing (Vancouver, BC)

Our first exceptional nursing school in Canada is located in what is consistently voted as one of the world’s best cities to live in: Vancouver. 

Term 1 nursing school students complete a 13-week nursing placement with older adults and their families before gaining experience in childbearing individuals, youth, and people living with mental health challenges in the following terms.

In the BSN program, nursing students can rank their clinical placement preferences online, but the university does not make any guarantees that they will receive their top selection. 

All nursing students will spend considerable time in the Clinical Practice and Simulation Lab (SSL), a learning environment of 20 hospital beds and advanced technology models and simulators. 

The lab models are designed to provide a low-stakes environment for nursing students to address higher-stakes issues.

McGill University Ingram School of Nursing (Montreal, QC)

At McGill University’s Ingram School of Nursing, students can choose among three degree tracks: a BScN, an integrated BN (bachelor of nursing), or an online integrated BN. 

The standard BScN takes 3-4 years to complete and places current nursing issues at the core of the curriculum. 

The learning environment is structured to foster close learning circles of 6-8 students working in tandem with an expert professor. 

Nursing students practice problem-solving in the teaching hospital as early as their first semester. 

One of the highlights of McGill’s program is how it devotes special attention to individuals and families at their progressing stages of development.

McGill’s nursing program culminates in a five-week clinical placement, and students have the option to complete the requirement in international settings! 

Queen’s University School of Nursing (Kingston, ON)

Fun fact: Kingston has been voted the most cyclable city in Ontario! Its proximity to two major Canadian metropolitan areas and the United States border makes it an appealing option for nursing students who love to travel and experience the vibrant culture of their surrounding area.

Queen’s University’s courses look enjoyable to sit in on. While taking classes like nutrition and health, developmental psychology, and management and leadership in health care, students will participate in clinical placements in community health, pediatric, maternity, mental health, and hospital settings. 

Ready to move at a faster pace? The Accelerated Standing Track (AST) Nursing Program allows students to build on top of their prior university experience and complete the same BScN degree within two years.

McMaster School of Nursing (Hamilton, ON)

Did you know that McMaster’s School of Nursing was recently ranked #15 worldwide? Nearly 2,000 nursing students pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree at McMaster annually. 

These students benefit from a problem-based learning approach in which learning occurs through guided practice (and constructive feedback). 

Nursing students rely on dialogue to resolve real-life issues in the Clinical Learning Centre simulation lab.

McMaster’s Basic (A) Stream program tasks students with building a solid foundation in health promotion and the social sciences in the first year of study, all while developing basic skills in the lab. 

In the second year, nursing students spend eight hours per week at a clinical placement where they collaborate with peers and a faculty advisor on surgical and medical scenarios. 

In years three and four, students progress from 12 to 24 hours per week in rotating clinical settings.

Speaking of settings, Hamilton is an up-and-coming star when it comes to desirable Canadian cities in which to live. 

It has recently built a reputation for economic diversity, and there are great outdoor recreational gems like the Royal Botanical Gardens, Niagara Escarpment, and 50+ free parks.

University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing (Edmonton, AB)

Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing is one of only six in Canada to grant a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school was the first to endorse a nursing Ph.D. program in Canada fully. 

In addition to the collaborative undergraduate BScN program, students can choose from an honors program, a master’s program, and a bilingual BScN.

The standard BScN is called the “Collaborative” program because nursing students can split their in-class time among the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Red Deer College, Keyano College, or Grande Prairie Regional College. 

The flexible nature of this program makes Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing an appealing choice for those looking for the best value school.

U of Alberta’s BScN-Bilingual program requires participants to demonstrate proficiency in both English and French, and students will spend part of their class time on other campuses.

University of Ottawa School of Nursing (Ottawa, ON)

Ottawa: currently the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Canada and ranked as one of the world’s top 20 cities in which to live. 

The city’s public transit system and light rail station facilitate easy transportation among some of the city’s most intriguing locations. 

Outdoor enthusiasts can spend the entire year whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and sunbathing on the beach. 

Over 1,800 students pursue a BScN at Ottawa – in English and/or French – each year. 

Each nursing student will complete clinical placements in areas like complex nursing care, care of adults experiencing illness, and consolidation. 

Students can also anticipate support as they transition to their new nursing careers. 

The University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute offers programs and certificates in topics like coding for veterans, project management, and workplace writing.

University of Toronto Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (Toronto, ON)

Toronto is acclaimed for being one of the most diverse cities in the world, with nearly half of its residents born outside of Canada. 

Students attending the Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing have the advantage of all the festivals, special events, and sports matches this energetic city offers on a regular basis.

One of the best aspects of Toronto’s BScN is that it is accelerated: students can complete it in two years! 

In this brief time, nursing students work with peers to care for sick and vulnerable people, promote healthy behaviors, address health-related equity issues, and improve their collaboration skills.

In the second year of the accelerated program, nursing students choose an area of specialization and complete an 11-week clinical practicum. They still take classes at this time, such as “Current Topics in Medical Microbiology.”

University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing (Calgary, AB)

Calgary is an excellent option for students seeking pleasant weather: the city witnesses more days of sunshine than any other major Canadian city! 

With proximity to the Rocky Mountains and plenty of outdoor recreational areas, Calgary provides an idyllic setting to pursue a rigorous degree.

There are three pathways to a nursing degree at the University of Calgary, the standard of which is a standard BScN. 

Students living in rural communities or within the Siksika Nation can complete a set of general requirements at their home campus prior to transitioning to Calgary’s campus, making the degree more accessible to people living outside of Canadian urban centers.

The Faculty of Nursing takes part in the university’s five modes of experiential learning, meaning nursing students will take part in co-curricular, curriculum-integrated, community-engaged, research-integrated, and work-integrated learning. 

The goal of this type of exposure is to prepare students to operate effectively in the kinds of work roles they’ll eventually assume.

Dalhousie University School of Nursing (Halifax, NS)

Nursing students at Dalhousie complete their BScN degrees over eight semesters for direct entry into the profession. 

In this fast-paced window, learners develop foundational knowledge in anatomy, family health, and proper hygiene practices while applying their new knowledge and skills in clinical settings.

One attractive offering is the school’s Arctic nursing program in Iqaluit, Nunavut. 

The nursing curriculum instills awareness and appreciation for Inuit culture and prepares nursing students to work with indigenous populations in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings.

Halifax is a great place to live and work, and the cost of living is lower in comparison to other big cities like Toronto or Vancouver. 

The only major deal breaker is that the winters can be extremely cold. The town has beautiful areas to enjoy year-round, like Point Pleasant Park, Halifax’s largest park. 

York University School of Nursing (Toronto, ON)

The 4-year direct entry nursing program at York emphasizes leadership and elder care, mental health, and acute-critical care. 

From the beginning of their degree tracks, nursing students will develop confidence by completing tasks in the Nursing Simulation Centre and clinical placements. 

There is also a 2nd entry program ideal for students who have some collegiate experience and are commencing a nursing career after already working in a different industry. 

Within six semesters, nursing students will have gained sufficient experience to meet the requirements of a standard BScN degree.

York seeks to prepare graduates able to work in a variety of sub-industries, including nonprofits, case management, pharmacy, and public policy. 

Living and attending school in Toronto is beneficial for students looking to hone in on their desired work setting.

The post The 10 Best Nursing Schools in Canada appeared first on collegegazette.com.

While nurses have a chance to make a hands-on difference in the lives of others, from labor and delivery to geriatrics and every age in between, nurses also are needed now more than ever. 

That demand is only expected to grow, too, thanks in part to the aging Baby Boomer generation requiring more medical care and many current nurses nearing retirement age. 

The need for registered nurses, in particular, will be especially great in this decade, with an estimated 175,900 RN jobs estimated to open each year through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2019-2029. 

The job pays well, too: The median annual wage for RNs in May 2020 was $75,330, according to the bureau.

That leaves many openings for young nurses to step up, making now a better time than ever to join a college nursing program. 

Nursing students can pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing or diplomas from approved nursing programs. A 2010 Institute of Medicine report about nursing called for more baccalaureate-prepared nurses, and many schools have stepped up their efforts in their nursing programs to prepare their students better to meet the country’s needs.

Getting into a top-notch nursing school doesn’t need to be a challenge, either. These are the 10 nursing schools with the highest acceptance rates that are also ranked in the top 100 nursing schools nationwide according to Educationcorner.com

10. Missouri Western State University (St. Joseph, MO)

Missouri Western State University takes hands-on education to the next level. Students in the bachelor’s program in nursing learn in the campus’ Nursing Simulation Lab, which features equipment, mannequins, simulators and more to help students develop their skills. It’s even open for independent practice. 

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the bachelor’s program also aims to prepare students for their licensure exam with clinical courses that have small class sizes (10 students to one teacher), research projects and hands-on clinical practice in St. Joseph and Kansas City area healthcare facilities.

The school has options, too, for students who already have a diploma or associate degree in nursing and want to earn their BSN. The university teamed up with an area community college to give students flexible options for earning their BSN, with classes offered online, letting most students finish their degree within two years.

Acceptance rate into nursing program: 100%

9. Indian River State College (Fort Pierce, FL)

Potential nurses have several options for study at Indian River State College, which has five campuses throughout Florida, plus several other educational sites in the state. 

In the School of Nursing, students can pursue an associate degree in nursing, a certificate in practical nursing, or a certificate to become a nursing assistant. 

Nursing Schools Almanac ranked Indian River #12 in its list of the Best Associate’s Degree in Nursing Programs in Florida. That program also is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. 

Current RNs, meanwhile, can continue their studies to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing in the RN to BSN program. This 121-credit program builds on the nurse’s existing knowledge with 10 online lectures and clinical learning courses.

The college also is a bargain for Florida residents. As a state school, its tuition and fees for in-state residents came to just $2,764 for the 2019-20 academic year, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Acceptance rate into nursing program: 100%

8. Weber State University Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing (Ogden, UT)

Celebrating 60 years of nursing education, Weber State University gives nurses of all kinds a chance to build on their skills as they move up the degree ladder. 

The associate degree in nursing is the perfect starting place for those entering the field or for practical nurses looking to advance their careers. 

Students eligible to take the licensed practical nurse board examination after completing one year of study, and after they finish the two-year program, students can move into the workforce or continue on to Weber’s bachelor’s nursing program. BSN grads will be eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing licensure exam.

The School of Nursing has a wide reach, too, offering classes at Weber’s Ogden and Davis campuses as well as online and hybrid (a mixture of online and clinical work) programs. The university also has nursing programs at three other schools: Bridgerland, Davis and Ogden-Weber technical college. 

And there’s even more rungs on that degree ladder after that, with options to earn a master’s in nursing and a doctorate in nursing practice.

Acceptance rate into nursing program: 100%

7. University of Texas at El Paso School of Nursing (El Paso, TX)

The multicultural setting of the University of Texas at El Paso gives students a chance to learn and practice their skills in an environment reflective of the country’s diversity. And nursing students seem to be interested in this school on the U.S.-Mexico border, as enrollment is higher than ever.

The program has a long history as well, founded as a training school for nurses in 1898, which the university later absorbed. 

Its students not only benefit from classroom and clinical experience but research opportunities as well. Both undergraduate and graduate students have opportunities to team up with faculty for research in which they can “investigate and meet global healthcare needs,” according to the school.

The university offers a traditional bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as an online program for registered nurses to complete their BSN, and Nursing Schools Almanac ranked the program #25 in its 2021 list of the Best Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs in Texas.

One of its big draws, though, is its graduate programs for nurses looking to advance their careers. Options include master’s degrees in nursing administration and management, nursing education, and nurse practitioner studies. It has post-master’s and doctoral programs, too.

Acceptance rate into nursing program: 99.8%

6. Tennessee Technological University Whitson-Hester School of Nursing (Cookeville, TN)

Students interested in hands-on, clinical work will find that and more at this rural university. 

Tennessee Tech nursing undergrads spend more than half of the program in a clinical setting, experiencing different healthcare fields, such as pediatrics and mental health, so they can figure out what areas interest them.

Those bachelor’s programs – four-year, a second-degree, and RN to BSN options – earned Tennessee Tech the #3 spot on Nursing Schools Almanac’s 2021 list of the Best Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs in the state. 

More than 95% of its BSN graduates pass the RN licensure exam on their first try. 

Nursing students can begin their degree at several approved community colleges and then complete their clinical studies at Tennessee Tech, which also has graduate nursing programs.

The university recently stepped up its efforts to help the community, too, through Grand Challenge: Rural Reimagined. The program aims to use “the university’s unique assets to develop and support the success of rural areas throughout Tennessee” in the hope that it becomes a model for other colleges.

Acceptance rate into nursing program: 97.4%

5. Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO)

Located not far from the Mississippi River, Southeast Missouri State not only has a reputation for properly preparing its nursing students for their careers but also makes an effort to keep their education affordable.

The suburban university offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as a completely online RN to BSN program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 

The online program caters to working students by offering year-round classes and four-, eight-, and 16-week courses. BSN grads have a 100% pass rate for their licensure exams, thanks in part to the well-trained faculty, more than half of whom have doctorates. 

SEMO also boasts low faculty-student ratios (1:8-9 in first-year lessons) and gives students hands-on experience in nursing specialties during clinical practice.

In-state tuition costs $8,033 in 2020-21, according to U.S. News & World Report, but 70% of students are eligible for the university’s scholarship program. 

Those who qualify for Federal Pell Grants also are eligible for SEMO’s Will To Do Award, which covers any costs left over after the student’s grant and other scholarships have been applied.

Acceptance rate into nursing program: 97.2%

4. Metropolitan State University College of Nursing and Health Sciences (St. Paul, MN)

Marking 40 years of nurse education in 2021, Metropolitan State offers programs at its St. Paul campus and several affiliated community colleges in the area and out of state. 

Undergraduate offerings include the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education Bachelor of Science in Nursing (MANE BSN) and the RN to BSN program. 

Students in the latter program can take lessons entirely online or in a hybrid online/in-person setting, making it an excellent option for working nurses.

Students learn in a variety of settings, not just in the classroom but also in simulation labs and online. Taking courses in subjects such as biology and interpersonal communication gives them a strong foundation for more advanced subjects, including pharmacology, nursing leadership and evidence-based nursing practice. 

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has accredited the BSN program, which also is endorsed by the American Holistic Nursing Credentialing Corporation, meaning grads can sit for the holistic nurse certification exam in addition to the regular RN licensure exam. 

Metropolitan State offers a master’s in nursing and doctorate in nursing practice as well for students who want to continue their studies.

Acceptance rate into nursing program: 96.7%

3. Missouri Southern State University (Joplin, MO)

This recently revamped nursing program is an affordable option for residents of Missouri and several nearby states.

This public university – ranked #6 in U.S. News & World Report’s list of top public colleges in the Midwest – offers just a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 

During their clinical studies, Missouri Southern students gain real-world experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospices, schools, specialty hospitals, and long-term care facilities. 

Alumni have proven just how well Missouri Southern prepared them, too, with 89% of nursing grads passing the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt.

In-state tuition and fees came to $7,462 in 2020-21, with out-of-state tuition costing about twice as much, according to U.S. News & World Report. 

The school’s Lion Pride Tuition program, however, grants local tuition rates to students from Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas. 

And, students have an excellent career outlook if they stay in Missouri after graduating: nearly 65,000 RNs work in the state and pull in a median annual salary of about $57,000.

Acceptance rate into nursing program: 96.7%

2. Washburn University School of Nursing (Topeka, KS)

Washburn University places a strong emphasis on making a positive impact in the community with the help of its nursing students.

In its COACH program, the university gives students clinical experience while also helping people in need. 

With the help of community partners, students help offer preventative health programs and health screenings in areas such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and nutrition. 

And, by providing training and simulations of true-life scenarios to organizations such as hospitals, health agencies, and even fellow Washburn students, they get to pass on what they’ve learned.

Washburn offers three ways for students to earn a bachelor’s in nursing: the traditional four-year BSN program, an LPN-to-BSN program, and an RN-to-BSN program. 

Students do their clinical training at more than 65 healthcare facilities in a variety of settings across Northeast Kansas. It also offers graduate nursing programs and a post-graduate APRN certificate program for nurses to build on their education.

The university is an affordable option for residents of Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas, too, as they all pay the Kansas resident tuition rate, which was $8,704 in 2019-20, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Acceptance rate into nursing program: 95.5%

1.  Wichita State University School of Nursing (Wichita, KS)

Students can finish their nursing degree in a little more than one year at Wichita State.

Located in Kansas’ largest city, the university offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as a traditional BSN program and RN-to-BSN program. 

The accelerated program is the only one of its kind at a state university in Kansas and helps “qualified students become qualified nurses in only 13 months.” 

BSN students rack up more than 1,000 of clinical experience in addition to gaining experience in the lab and simulations. 

They also prepare to move into the working world through a capstone program in which they team up with an RN for a five-week clinical rotation.

Students can actually gain two bachelor’s degrees if they join the Wichita State University Pathway to Nursing Program at Kansas State University. 

They earn a bachelor of science from Kansas State University’s College of Health and Human Sciences plus a BSN from Wichita State’s College of Health Professions.

Acceptance rate into nursing program: 95.2%

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In order to practice healthcare, nurses must complete an approved program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination. Many choose to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to enhance their knowledge and career. This higher degree leads to better patient outcomes, advancement opportunities, and leadership roles. 

Nursing courses include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and patient care. Outside of lectures, nursing students participate in a clinical rotation to learn to work with patients in a hands-on setting. Top nursing programs include other opportunities to apply classroom knowledge through student organizations and research. These learning experiences are essential to gain important skills such as communication, compassion, and critical thinking.

Due to a quickly aging population, the demand for healthcare services continues to rise. Nursing positions are expected to rise faster than average, with a 7% increase over the next decade. 

New Jersey, one of the most populated states, is no exception. The state is home to over 100,000 nurses and many programs to meet the healthcare demand. Here are the ten best nursing schools in New Jersey, based on the US News Top Nursing Schools ranking. If a tie exists according to US News, the College Gazette editorial team will determine the tiebreaker. If a school is not listed on the US News ranking, College Gazette will determine its placement.

10. Thomas Edison State University W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing

At Thomas Edison State University, the self-paced programs are designed to shape clinically competent and technologically adept nursing leaders. Thanks to the flexibility of the BSN program, students can complete all nursing courses in as little as 15 months.

The hallmark of the School of Nursing is personalized nurse-to-nurse advising. As experienced nurses, advisors are practiced in the demands of working and the critical role of the position. In addition, these mentors guide students through their courses and facilitate online discussions. Along with advisors, professors further nursing education by teaching in a variety of learning environments. Students interact with mentors, faculty, and peers to create a community of learners.

TESU also provides many scholarships for all nursing students. Many require essays demonstrating their personal aspirations and academic merit. These awards, such as the W. Cary Edwards Foundation Nursing Scholarship, support nursing students throughout their education.

9. Kean University School of Nursing (Union, NJ)

The Kean University School of Nursing focuses on educating nurses who have already passed their licensure exams, through RN-to-BSN and MSN programs. The advanced courses and education framework promotes success in the classroom and the workplace. 

In 2019, an impressive 100% of Kean graduates were employed six months after graduation. Through license reciprocity, Kean University RNs can practice in all 50 states.

The Integrative Student Growth Model, developed by 3 Keen faculty members, is a new nursing education framework that is being introduced nationwide. The model focuses on each student, building on individual strengths. 

In addition, a nurse’s role as part of an interdisciplinary clinical team is highlighted in the classroom. This transformative educational model beat out many top universities to win the 2018 Excellence in Scholarship award. As a result, the ISGM was introduced at a national level and will continue to be refined through further research.

8. Rowan University School of Health Professions (Rowan, NJ)

Rowan University aims to lead the industry in innovative nursing education and evidence-based practice. In order to best serve their diverse community, the School of Health Professions educates the next leaders in healthcare through campus, hybrid, and online degree programs. These nursing programs are designed to accommodate the busy schedule of working nurses and can be completed on a part-time basis. 

Along with general education courses, nursing students at Rowan University can customize a plan of study to meet their individual interests. There are various advanced courses such as pathophysiology, health care policy and finance, community health nursing, and research applications in nursing practice.

As a result of the top-notch education and clinical experiences, the average NCLEX passing rate at Rowan is above 83% for both the ADN and BSN program.

7. Stockton University (Galloway, NJ)

Stockton University’s Simulation Center uses healthcare simulation as an instructional tool to recreate a clinical environment. Spanning over 3,500 square feet, the facility houses computerized human mannequins, live patient actors, intensive care units, and surgical suites. The Anatoimage classroom consists of a 3D interactive table that allows for anatomy examination and patient diagnosis. 

Under the mentorship of experienced faculty members, access to the latest technologies promotes a lifelike clinical experience for nursing students.

The Interprofessional Education Team at Stockton brings students from different professions to prepare them for their future careers. Nursing, health science, PT, and occupational therapy students learn about and with each other to support collaboration. This allows students to build their networks and develop communication skills that are essential for quality care.

6. Saint Elizabeth University (Morristown, NJ)

Saint Elizabeth University, located in Morristown, was recognized by Colleges of Distinction for their Nursing program in 2021 and 2022. This ranking highlights the best colleges to learn, grow, and succeed at. In addition, Colleges of Distinction recognized their commitment to supporting each student. The nursing ranking was based on qualitative and quantitative information from college administrators across the United States.

Along with highly rated programs, Saint Elizabeth University fosters leadership development in students, with a focus on service and social responsibility. Students have the opportunity to bring their coursework to life by volunteering in the community. By traveling to rural and urban areas to participate in service-learning, nursing students experience patient advocacy and healthcare in the real world. These programs include work with youth, elder, and hospice care. In order to complement their work, students learn about complex healthcare issues in their communities.

5. Ramapo College of New Jersey (Mahwah, NJ)

The Adler Center for Nursing Excellence, a 36,000 square feet education facility, houses over 450 students who use the facilities on a daily basis. The center contains three simulation rooms, computer labs, classrooms, and laboratories. Using these resources, faculty recreate real-life medical scenarios for nursing students and provide individual feedback.

Laboratory courses, such as Nursing Skills and Anatomy and Physiology, help students practice the basics of nursing in a hands-on setting. In addition, they study the physical assessment of patients and other skilled nursing procedures.

Thanks to Ramapo’s prestigious clinical partnerships, students can work at clinics unique in nursing education. 

Clinical affiliates include St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, and the Bergen County Department of Public Health. At the Valley Hospital, a magnet hospital and a Center of Excellence in Nursing, students experience healthcare in one of the best departments nationwide.

4. Fairleigh Dickinson University (Teaneck, NJ)

At Fairleigh Dickinson University, nursing students learn from 18 full-time faculty. With the majority earning doctorates in nursing or education, the qualified staff provides a top-tier education. They are also highly experienced in theory, research, administration, and many other nursing specialties. Faculty research covers a variety of topics, from educational outcomes to transcultural issues.

Outside of the classroom, students practice their nursing skills at various medical centers, rehabilitation institutes, hospitals, clinics, and schools. Graduate students can choose a clinical position that meets their interests best, whether with a nurse practitioner or private practice. 

As a result of the experienced faculty, Fairleigh Dickinson’s nursing programs are highly respected nationwide. The Family Nurse Practitioner Program is ranked as #6 in the United States based on median post-graduate salary, while the online degree program is #1 for 10-year return on investment.

3. Monmouth University Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies (West Long Branch, NJ)

Monmouth University’s nursing program enrollment is limited to 60 students each year. This allows each student to receive personalized attention that Monmouth is known for. Along with faculty interaction, the university provides one-on-one mentorship to support personal and professional growth. This close collaboration with faculty, mentors, and peers give students confidence in their abilities.

At Monmouth, simulation is the art and science of replicating clinical environments. These models help students apply classroom knowledge and practice essential nursing skills. By teaching students how to make decisions and think critically, their collaborative skills are refined before interacting with actual patients. In addition, simulation as a teaching tool keeps students engaged and can be adjusted to fit all learning styles.

In addition to simulation, students develop their abilities through laboratory and clinical aspects of the curriculum. Clinical begins in junior year and enables students to work with actual patients in area medical centers.

2. Seton Hall University College of Nursing (South Orange, NJ)

Established in 1937, Seton Hall offered the first Baccalaureate nursing program in the state. Today, Seton Hall is home to one of the highest-ranked nursing programs nationwide. The university is a leader in healthcare education and continues to educate innovators and leaders in the industry.

The school’s long history of excellence can be seen in the College of Nursing graduates. Spread across New Jersey, the US, and worldwide, the network of Seton Hall alumni is an impressive resource for nursing students. These industry connections give them a competitive advantage in the workplace.

Staffed by dedicated Health Sciences librarians, the Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus at Seton Hall is dedicated to supporting nursing students. The facility promotes evidence-based practice to help nurses provide patient care. Whether nursing students want to do research or further class study, the library houses over 2 million eBooks, thousands of journals, and over 400 databases.

1. Rutgers School of Nursing (Newark, New Brunswick, & Blackwood, NJ)

Rutgers ranks among the nation’s top 20 nursing schools, according to US News. Placing #15 for the DNP program and #19 for the MSN program, these rankings show the excellence of Rutgers’ faculty and students. The university is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.

As an extensive and comprehensive nursing school, Rutgers is home to many research projects that help transform lives worldwide. The program is dedicated to solving the most significant challenges in nursing science and healthcare. Students can collaborate with recognized faculty members. Receiving $55.4 million in external funding, the School of Nursing has the resources to develop breakthroughs in care.

The Research Centers at Rutgers bring community members together to implement nursing practice at home and abroad. For example, the Center for Community Health Partnerships develops sustainable community-linked infrastructures to improve community health.

The post Here Are the 10 Best Nursing Schools in New Jersey appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Nurses are compensated well because they serve a vital role in society. More than even doctors, nurses do hands-on work with patients, caring for them, coordinating with family, and prepping physicians. 

But such an important job means one must take their preparations seriously. It’s vital to choose the right school to study nursing. 

For that reason, some might skip over Las Vegas when choosing a place to study. After all, while most states and major cities have several nursing schools in the area, Las Vegas offers only one, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Nursing. 

But that one school is so impressive that it competes with the best in any area. With a beautiful 332-acre campus, UNLV features a comforting learning environment and access to one of the most exciting cities in the world. Additionally, the school has a $305 million endowment, which it uses to advance research in fields such as nursing. 

Not sold yet? Well, don’t worry, because there’s a lot more to learn about studying nursing at UNLV Nursing. In this article, we cover all of the benefits that the school offers its students, and then we’ll give some advice on getting accepted into their program.

University of Nevada at Las Vegas Nursing School

The flagship school in the Nevada university system, UNLV was established in 1957 as a public land-grant institution. Ranked as a tier-one research school, UNLV has a reputation for cutting-edge developments and excellent faculty, especially in the sciences. Working with an $83 million endowment for research in the sciences, the school pushes forward to new discoveries and methods. 

That’s especially true of the UNLV’s medical program, which works in conjunction with the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. The 18^th largest public hospital in the United States, UMC features a number of resources to aid students in the medical field. In addition to a level 1 trauma center, the facility has the state’s only burn care center, the largest HIV care center in the state, an adult and pediatric emergency department, and much more. When combined with the city’s vast tourist network, the hospital sees patients from all over the world, allowing students to study all manner of scenarios. 

All of these resources are a boon to those in the nursing program. The program began in 1965 with an inaugural class of 27. Over the decades that followed, UNLV Nursing has pursued its goal of educating nurses to promote, improve, and sustain human health through evidence-based education and advances in research and practice. Offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in nursing, the school gives future nurses the skills and knowledge they need to care for their patients. 

In addition to the University Medical Center, UNLV Nursing offers several resources to improve their student’s abilities. The 31,000 square-foot Clinical Simulation Center of Las Vegas allows students to learn and develop their skills using low and high-fidelity manikins, standardized patient interactions, simulations, and surgical labs. In the center’s five simulation rooms, students work in a recreation of specific hospital environments, including an emergency department and a delivery room. 

High-tech manikins give students practice in taking vital signs and practicing key soft skills, such as professional communication, team management, task performance, and decision making. Faculty and staff monitor students through a two-way mirror, observing their actions and making alterations to the simulated patients, to better recreate real-world situations. The faculty can record sessions in the simulation center and use them in later teaching discussions. 

UNLV Nursing builds interest among future generations by holding its annual Nurse Camp, in which junior and senior high school students participate in one of two week-long sessions. During these sessions, students are exposed to academic, clinical, and community activities, which develop realistic expectations about nursing school and working as a registered nurse.

UNLV Nursing is also committed to caring for future generations through its active research agenda. Following the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities framework, research programs within UNLV Nursing focus on biology, behavior, physical environments, socio-cultural environments, and healthcare systems. 

By focusing on these elements, the school’s nurse researchers work within the context of influences relevant to individuals trying to achieve their best health. Across the school of nursing, UNLV’s research addresses all domains of influence, from biological studies of hormones and stress makers to population-level studies of the organization of our health system.

Not only does the school’s research program look toward the future of nursing education, but it focuses on health issues associated with an urban environment. Currently, UNLV provides active grants to faculty working on essential topics such as the effect of hypobaria on muscle inflammation and regeneration after injury and hemorrhagic shock or the Baaniilaa Project, which improves chronic illness management in the Crow Nation.

With so many resources, it’s no surprise that UNLV Nursing has high standards. Only 73 of the 218 applications last year were given offers of admission, for an acceptance rate of 33%. 

How to Get Accepted

With such a low acceptance rate, those who hope to study at UNLV Nursing must be strategic when filling out their applications. Of course, future nurses should work to earn high grades in their science courses and strive to have a high GPA. But admissions to UNLV Nursing, or really any reputable school, isn’t just a numbers game. Admissions counselors want well-rounded students in their program, not just those who can do well on exams. 

To ensure that they receive those types of students, UNLV Nursing’s admission committee looks at more than just grades and test scores. Future students must apply to the pre-nursing program at UNLV or must consult with an advisor to have credits from another program transferred over to this new course of study. 

In addition to a basic application, UNLV Nursing also requires additional material. While this might seem like an unnecessary redundancy, the additional material does in fact work in the favor of most students. With these materials, an applicant has even more chances to stand out and show the school the well-rounded student they could be.

In particular, the school requests letters of recommendation. Most know that a strong letter of recommendation should come from a professor who is respected in their field, but that’s not all of it. The recommender should not only be able to speak to your strengths and abilities (in other words, don’t ask for a letter from a professor who gave you a B in their class) but also should be someone who knows you well. 

To secure a good letter of recommendation, one should start early. Figure out which professors have strong reputations in the field into which you plan to enter and take steps to work with them. Take several classes with them and volunteer with them to establish a working relationship. And of course, be sure to earn good grades in their classes. 

Letters of recommendation speak to your abilities and characters more than any other part of the application. But with good grades and a strong letter, you’ll have the best chance of being one of those rare people who get accepted into the UNLV School of Nursing. 

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nurses will grow by 7% over the next year. The average salary of nurses is only expected to grow, reaching $75,300 annually. 

That rate of pay may seem surprising, but it’s clearer once you consider all that nurses do. More than any other healthcare professional, nurses serve as the primary point of contact for the patient and their family, caring for the whole person. 

For those reasons, future nurses must do thorough research when choosing the school where they’ll learn their trade. In addition to its beautiful scenery and cultural variety, the Centennial State has some of the best nursing programs in the United States. 

With so many fine options, it can be challenging to choose a school. There are lots of factors that go into that decision, including location, faculty, and concentration. One of the best resources for making that decision is the rankings published by the highly respected outlet, U.S. News & World Report. 

You can also get help in making your decision by reading this article. This list follows the rankings provided by U.S. News (in the case of a tie, the editorial team at College Gazette judges the tiebreaker). But we’ve built on their work by giving you a full description, complete with all the information you need to make your first steps toward a financially and personally rewarding career in nursing.

6. Colorado Christian University School of Nursing and Health Professions (Lakewood, CO)

Every school on this list provides the future nurses of Colorado with all the knowledge and experience they’ll need to care for their patients. But Colorado Christian University’s School of Nursing and Health Professors offers something unique: access to nurses outside of Colorado. With its one-of-a-kind online master’s degree in nursing program, CCU Nursing allows nurses who already have a nursing degree to gain the accreditation to take on greater roles, without ever having to come to the school’s Lakewood campus. 

For those in the Lakewood area, CCU Nursing provides even more. Students working toward a Bachelor of Science in nursing can choose between a traditional pathway designed for freshmen and sophomores coming from high school or community college, and the adult student pathway, for working adults who need some online classes to accommodate their schedules. Along with their traditional Master of Nursing and Doctor of Nursing degrees, CCU Nursing has options for every learner. No matter which goals you have for your career, CCU Nursing gives you the tools and experience you need to succeed. 

CCU Nursing provides a range of possibilities because it is committed to offering high-quality education to anyone who wants it. As part of the largest Christian university in the state, CCU Nursing has all of the resources and support of a college that consistently ranks among the top 2% of institutions in Colorado.  

5. Regis University Loretto Heights School of Nursing (Denver, CO)

At Regis University’s Loretto Heights School of Nursing, students learn the fundamentals of the profession from a Jesuit perspective, following the emphasis on critical thinking and social action taught in that religious tradition. Since its founding in 1916 as the Loretto Heights School for Women, the institution has blended compassion and diversity with Christian instruction, teaching students to care for others. 

As indicated in the school’s philosophy statement, those values still drive Loretto Heights. Their missions states that they “challenge students of all cultural backgrounds to seek excellence in academic pursuits, and to think logically, critically, and creatively in formulating a global view of nursing and health care.” To this end, Loretto Heights provides ample resources to those working toward the many undergraduate and graduate degrees the school confers. 

Those resources include a fully appointed Simulated Health Center, allowing students to gain hands-on experience running through scenarios in hospital, outpatient, and home care scenarios. Under the guidance of faculty members, students use the Simulated Health Center to prepare for situations they’ll face in their regular practice. While working in the Center, students get the chance to hone their identity as nurses, gaining the confidence they’ll bring into their future careers. 

Loretto Heights’s devotion to creating well-rounded nurses has earned the school national recognition. The Nursing Schools Almanac places Loretto Heights within the top 100 nursing programs in the nation, and the American Society of Registered Nurses has ranked the school #25 in the West.  

4. Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction, CO)

With its Department of Health Sciences, Colorado Mesa University understands that great nurses come from all walks of life. To accommodate as many learners as possible, CMU has designed a Bachelor of Nursing degree with several different tracks.

In addition to a traditional BSN degree, in which students take four years to gain the education and experience necessary for their degrees, CMU also has two multipart programs. Students can study for one year to become a licensed nurse practitioner; when they’re ready or able, they can enter the three-year LPN-BSN program, which builds off knowledge already acquired to earn a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, students can earn an Associate of Arts degree in nursing in two years to become a registered nurse and later enroll in CMU’s online two-year RN-BSN program. 

Just as importantly, CMU strives to make the college experience as affordable as possible. Their program supports students in applying for scholarships from the National Student Nurses Association. Furthermore, students can apply to the Public Health Nurses Association of Colorado scholarship fund, which provides $1000 in support each academic year. 

CMU graduates move into their new careers following the footsteps of thousands of alumni committed to community service. These nurses go on to serve in some of the biggest hospitals in the state, as well as in specialty services. Thanks to the work done by CMU’s faculty and staff, Colorado is a healthier and safer state. 

3. Colorado State University School of Nursing (Pueblo, CO)

No matter how impressive they may be, every medical school needs to grow and evolve to face the needs of new generations. Colorado State University has had an excellent nursing program since it first began awarding the major in 1964. But in 2017, CSU renewed its commitment to the field by reorganizing the programs as part of its official school of nursing. In no more than five years, CSU Nursing has established itself as one of the best places in the state to learn the profession. 

With this new program, CSU Nursing gains new and essential resources, including first-class nursing labs. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, these nursing labs include all of the equipment that practitioners will be sure to use in their everyday practices, as well as practice mannequins in adult, pediatric, and infant models. Under the supervision of faculty, students can practice various simulations within these labs, including those designed for scenarios in emergency rooms, intensive care clinics, and medical-surgical units. 

With these excellent resources, it’s no surprise that CSU Nursing has been lauded by national observers. Study.com included the program on its 2020 list of top 50 nursing programs, while RegisteredNursing.com ranked CSU Nursing’s BSN degree #4 in the nation. Perhaps even more importantly, CSU Nursing was named a Best Value Nursing School by GraduateNursingEDU.org, recognizing the school for its excellent resources and low cost. 

2. University of Northern Colorado School of Nursing (Greeley, CO)

As this list has shown, simulation programs are a standard of nursing schools. Every nurse needs the opportunity to learn and make mistakes in a safe and supervised environment. 

But the University of Northern Colorado’s School of Nursing gives a unique twist on the practice with its poverty simulation kit. These poverty simulation kits help students understand the stresses experienced by those under the poverty line and better see how that situation affects their health. With this knowledge, nurses become better trained to meet the needs of those who too often go unrecognized in the healthcare system. 

The poverty kit is just one example of UNC Nursing’s progressive approach to the subject. According to the school’s mission statement, UNC Nursing strives to prepare compassionate, courageous, and competent nurses who can improve the health of society. 

To its credit, UNC Nursing sees first-rate teaching and resources as central to its goal. To that end, the program features not only a faculty staffed by student-focused experts in the field but also state-of-the-art labs and equipment. 

So impressive is UNC Nursing that U.S. News & World Report places the school within the top 100 in the nation for its Masters and Doctorate programs. With these supports in place, UNC Nursing has trained nurses who now serve as professors and fellows in some of the most respected institutions in the nation. 

1. University of Colorado College of Nursing (Aurora, CO)

As the flagship institution in the University of Colorado system, it’s no surprise that UC’s College of Nursing tops this list. In fact, the school ranks near the top of every national list, with U.S. News & World Report putting UC Nursing’s online MA program at #17 and their iLEAD MA program at #14. Best Health Degrees goes further, putting the school’s online program at #2 in the nation. 

Part of UC Nursing’s current success can be attributed to its history of innovations in the field, including founding the country’s first nurse practitioner program. In the intervening years, nearly every nursing school has instituted its own nurse practitioner program, recognizing that the degree brings more caring and qualified people into the profession, even if they cannot commit to a longer degree path. 

However, the other secret to UC Nursing’s success is its Anschutz Medical Campus. A world-class research and teaching campus, Anschutz features not one, but two of the top hospitals in the nation: the University of Colorado Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Colorado. These hospitals give students real-world and hands-on experience working with a wide variety of scenarios, all under the watchful eye of the school’s top-ranked faculty. Additionally, the Anschutz Medical Campus houses cutting-edge research projects, thanks to its $550 million endowment. 

Together with an impressive research endowment, cutting-edge resources, and dedicated faculty, UC Med is the best place for Colorado’s next generation of nurses to earn their degrees.

The post The Best Nursing Schools in Colorado appeared first on collegegazette.com.

Because it is such an important job, future nurses should do their research when choosing the school that will teach them their trade. But while people generally think of Ivy Leagues such as Harvard and Yale, one can find excellent schools everywhere, especially in the field of nursing. In fact, future nurses would do well to consider Arizona as the place to look for a good nursing school. In addition to a pleasant and warm climate, the Grand Canyon State features a diverse population, one that the nursing schools in the state are dedicated to working with. 

With so many options, it can be challenging to choose the best school. Many factors go into deciding upon a college, including location, faculty, and concentration. To start making the decision, one can look at the list of best nursing schools published in the highly respected outlet, U.S. News & World Report. 

You can also get help in making your decision by reading this article. This list follows the U.S. News rankings (in the case of a tie, the editorial team at College Gazette judges the tiebreaker). 

Here are the best nursing schools in Arizona.

5. Grand Canyon University College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions (Phoenix, AZ)

A private, for-profit Christian institution, Grand Canyon University exists to help students realize their purpose. For the College of Nursing and Health Care Professionals, this means using systems- and evidenced-based practices, all while emphasizing a Christian worldview. That can be a real benefit for those whose career decisions are influenced by their religious beliefs. 

Another appealing element of GCU Nursing is its versatility. The program offers a variety of degrees, including eight online Master of Arts degrees. After three initial courses that teach nursing theory, research, and ethical practice, students develop an evidence-based project that demonstrates the knowledge they’ve gained. 

Two Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees are available from GCU Nursing, including one emphasizing educational leadership. But most students benefit from the RN to BSN degree, which allows those with nursing experience to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. 

Like every other quality institution, GCU Nursing isn’t cheap. But even in that case, GCU can help out. For those who need help paying for college, GCU directs students to several limited-time tuition scholarships. Between these payment assistance options and the range of degree courses available, GCU Nursing is perfect for working professionals who want to study nursing from a Christian perspective. 

4. Brookline College (Phoenix, AZ)

Founded in 1979 as the Arizona Institute of Business and Technology, Brookline College has developed into one of the state’s best institutions for studying business, healthcare, and law. In each discipline, Brookline strives to make a quality education affordable for students. The Healthcare College and Nursing School features more than twenty degree programs, including in-person, online, and blended courses.

These options mean that students can choose between a traditional college experience, in which they learn from instructors in a face-to-face classroom setting, or they can learn online, working their schooling around busy family and job schedules. Or, they can take blended classes, which combine classroom learning with online components. Of particular interest to many students is Brookline’s BSN program, which allows students to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as little as 32 months. The program runs year-round, making the most of the student’s time. 

These programs are all part of Brookline College’s mission to provide students with the education and skills to reach their goals. To that end, the school maintains fixed tuition to help students plan their finances, dedicated staff and faculty to support each student, and job placement guidance for those making their way into their fields. 

In short, Brookline College supports its students every step of the way, from helping to pay for school all the way to their days on the job market. 

3. Northern Arizona University School of Nursing (Flagstaff, AZ)

At Northern Arizona University’s School of Nursing, students find a school committed to not only training the next generation of healthcare providers, but also to taking concrete steps to improve the wellness of their communities. NAU Nursing recognizes that students who enter the nursing field do so because of genuine care for others, and the school reflects that care with their community programs. 

These programs include initiatives to foster diversity and civility in the relationship between the school and the Flagstaff community. Doing so demonstrates that NAU Nursing recognizes its dependence on those around them. Even more importantly, the school’s initiatives include plans to become the nation’s leading school of nursing serving American Indians by actively recruiting within Indigenous populations across the southwest and removing traditional barriers to entry. 

More than mere good deeds or marketing bullet points, these initiatives improve the quality of care for all by finding good healthcare workers in places too often ignored. By enriching both their school and their community, NAU Nursing enhances the wellness of the world. 

In addition to face-to-face classes on the Flagstaff campus, NAU Nursing provides several online options for working adults. These various tracks empower students to control their path through college and to their careers. Whether studying in a face-to-face accelerated BSN program or an online doctorate program, NAU offers everything future nurses need to become caring professionals. 

Simply put, NAU Nursing is the perfect program for those who not only want to learn the tools of their trade, but also want to take concrete steps to improve their larger community. With a diverse student body advancing a forward-thinking agenda, NAU Nursing teaches nursing skills while demonstrating its importance. 

2. University of Arizona College of Nursing (Tucson, AZ)

As part of the state’s flagship university state institution, the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing is among the best in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranks the school 33^rd in the country for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and 39^th for its Master of Nursing program. 

Those accolades don’t come easy. They’re the result of concentrated efforts on the part of the UA Nursing team to not only teach the fundamentals of the profession but also create a supportive learning environment. One of the best ways to make that environment is to recognize excellent work whenever you see it. To that end, UA Nursing has joined with the DAISY Foundation (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) to draw attention to extraordinary nurses in their program. Similarly, the SUNFlower Award goes to those who provide enthusiastic mentoring for students in the program. These awards announce to the world that UA Nursing cares deeply about good character and top-quality nursing, and refuses to let good practitioners work in the shadows. 

Recognition programs operate alongside programs to help students gain practical experience working in UA Nursing’s Steele Innovative Learning Center, a state-of-the-art simulation lab. The lab features 12 beds, several high-fidelity mannequins, and cutting-edge equipment. With these innovative features preparing them, UA’s nurses lead the way to the next generation of healthcare professionals. 

1. Arizona State University Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Phoenix, AZ)

With just a glance, one can clearly see why Arizona State University’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation tops this list. U.S. News & World Report ranks their Master’s program #39 in the nation and places their Doctor of Nursing Practice #27. In other words, ASU Nursing isn’t just the best program in the state; it’s one of the best in the country. 

Despite achieving such milestones, ASU Nursing has no intention of resting on its past successes. Instead, the school has launched a five-year initiative called Edson 2026, which outlines its plans to move the school to the forefront of the field. Edson 2026 identifies 14 areas of innovation, including learning to work and local impact initiatives. ASU Nursing works to anticipate the healthcare needs of the future and train nurses ready to address them. 

These programs build on the school’s already impressive resources, such as the Grace Center for Innovation in Nursing and the new Health Futures Center. While the former provides a realistic training lab for students to put their skills into practice, the latter partners with the Mayo Clinic to transform healthcare standards.

The post The Best Nursing Schools in Arizona appeared first on collegegazette.com.

The profession earns that pay rate because it is among the most important in the world. More than any other healthcare professional, nurses serve as the primary point of contact for the patient and their family, caring for the whole person. 

With such a great responsibility placed upon them, those who want to enter the nursing field must spend time doing proper research to choose the school that will teach them the trade. Fortunately, the great state of Georgia has many options for future nurses. 

Unfortunately, one may get overwhelmed with so many potential schools. One must consider several factors when deciding upon a nursing school, including location, faculty, and concentration. One of the best resources for making that decision is the rankings published by the highly respected outlet, U.S. News & World Report. 

This article can also help you make your decision. Although this list is based on the order as presented by U.S. News (in the case of a tie, the editorial team at College Gazette judges the tiebreaker), we go further to provide a full description for each entry, complete with all the information you need to make your first steps toward a financially and personally rewarding career in nursing. 

10. Valdosta State University College of Nursing and Health Sciences (Valdosta, GA)

As part of the School of Health Services, the heart of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Valdosta State University is the Center for Exercise Medicine and Rehabilitation. In addition to housing a fitness and wellness center that all VSU students can enjoy, the center also allows nursing students to gain hands-on learning. 

The Center serves a vital role in the various degree tracks that one can take in VSS Nursing. For those pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing, VSS offers both a traditional pathway, designed for freshmen and sophomores coming from high school or community college, and the adult student pathway, for working adults who need some online classes to accommodate their schedules. 

With these excellent resources, VSS gives future nurses everything they need to enter the field, no matter what experience and needs they currently have. 

9. Middle Georgia State University Department of Nursing (Macon, GA)

Located in Macon George, Middle Georgia State University’s Department of Nursing is dedicated to delivering evidence-based education in a liberal arts environment. To that end, MGS Nursing features both a remarkably diverse student body and a diverse faculty, with 43% of teachers in an ethnic minority. This stat stems from the school’s commitment to providing quality education to as many students as possible. 

To that end, MGS Nursing offers both a traditional BSN and an online-focused RN to BSN degree for those who want to study while already working in the field. Likewise, the school features online versions of its MA degree, as well as a two-year associate’s degree. 

MGS Nursing’s focus on diverse education ties into its demand for academic excellence. The school has a relatively open 50% acceptance rate, but it also has high expectations for grades. ASN students have an average 3.08 GPA, while BSN students average 3.47. 

8. Kennesaw State University WellStar School of Nursing (Kennesaw, GA)

As part of the state-of-the-art WellStar College of Health and Human Services, the School of Nursing at Kennesaw State University is the most extensive such program in northern Georgia. The school strives to create academically disciplined and compassionate nurses who serve as leaders in their community. They achieve these goals with a program that features experienced faculty and numerous scholarship opportunities. 

The KSU Nursing BSN degree has both traditional and accelerated tracks. In the former, students participate in in-class theory courses, eventually gaining hands-on practice in clinical roles. The accelerated program is designed for those who already hold degrees in other fields, allowing them to earn a BSN in four semesters. 

These programs have earned KSU Nursing several high-profile recognitions. U.S. News & World Report puts the university among the top 75 most innovative schools in the nation and 

BestOnlineColleges.com ranks it as the #2 best online college in Georgia. 

7. Georgia Southern University School of Nursing (Statesboro, GA)

The School of Nursing at Georgia Southern University organizes itself around four primary paradigms: person, nursing, health, and environment. By foregrounding these paradigms, GSU Nursing calls upon its students to look at the relationship between the individual patient and the person, recognizing that their environment affects their health. With these principles in mind, GSU directs future nurses to use critical thinking, ethical principles, and technological advances to communicate and care for the whole humanity of their patients. 

In addition, GSU Nursing offers students two study abroad opportunities. The Nursing and Service Learning in Costa Rica program sends students to the country for two weeks to employ theoretical techniques in a real-world scenario. For the Healthcare Study Abroad Program, students spend 11 days getting to know the country’s program to broaden their understanding of the profession. 

6. Clayton State University School of Nursing (Morrow, GA)

Since its founding in 1969, the School of Nursing at Clayton State University has improved diversity within the healthcare field. This goal involves numerous Nursing Workforce Diversity grants, study abroad programs to Haiti and Guadalajara, and a partnership with Daejeon Health Sciences University in Korea. 

CSU Nursing’s commitment to diversity is part of its larger mission to create fully developed and engaged healthcare professionals. As stated in the school philosophy statement, CSU Nursing puts its faculty and resources toward creating critical thinkers with mastery of skills such as comprehensive care, theory-based practice, research, and communication. 

Goals and philosophies are only as good as the results they produce, and CSU Nursing boasts impressive credentials to prove their worth. 87.25% of students in the ADN program pass the NCLEX their first time, while 87.86% of students in the BSN program pass the NCLEZ their first time. 

5. Brenau University Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing (Atlanta, GA)

The Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing at Brenau University has always worked to bring new learners into nursing. To achieve this goal, they embarked on their latest effort by launching an Entry Level Master of Science program in May 2021. Based on a combination of online and face-to-face classes, along with 600 hours of clinical experience, the program allows students to earn a master’s degree in only five semesters. 

The Entry Level Master of Science program is just the latest in a long line of innovations and degrees. Grindle provides three undergraduate degrees, including a BS in health science with a nursing concentration. Graduate students have seven different paths to choose from, as well as the entry-level program. 

In each of these tracks, students have access to not only a cadre of accomplished faculty but also a first-rate simulation lab. 

4. Mercer University College of Nursing (Atlanta, GA)

In 1901, a group of ministers established the Tabernacle Infirmary and Training School for Christian Nurses, using a five-room cottage in downtown Atlanta as their campus. Over the next 120 years, the school has gone through numerous changes, eventually becoming the College of Nursing at Mercer University. But in every form, Mercer Nursing remains dedicated to healing the needy and the sick. 

Mercer Nursing took its latest steps toward that goal by establishing the Diversity in Nursing Scholarship to help talented nurses from underprivileged communities. All students coming into Mercer Nursing participate in a program that values excellence, Christian compassion, social responsibility, and other fundamental values.

As these values suggest, Mercer Nursing works to bring out the best in their students. As they gain the skills and experience they’ll bring into their future careers, students at Mercer also develop the personal qualities that make them excellent caretakers, ready to improve the wellness of the whole patient.  

3. Georgia State University Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions (Atlanta, GA)

Every school on this list features excellent faculty and unique resources to train future nurses. But the Byrdine F. Lewis School at Georgia State University adds to these learning tools a commitment to research. Lewis prides itself on advances such as the Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (SMRA) Initiative, which makes contextual work and studies available to clinicians, students, and policymakers. 

These research goals do not distract from Lewis’s ability to teach. On the contrary, they enhance it. The effectiveness of the school’s approach is demonstrated by statistics from their students. Amazingly, 100% of Lewis students have passed the NCLEX, and 97.5% passed the Advanced Practice Nurse registration exam. 

As these statistics indicate, Lewis gives their students everything they need to enter the profession. Not only do they have the knowledge and soft skills necessary in a good nurse, but Lewis students also have the critical thinking skills to find new treatments. 

2. Augusta University College of Nursing (Augusta, GA)

As part of the historic Augusta University, the college of nursing emphasizes the same values as its host institution. The teaching of medical skills comes from the perspective of collegiality, compassion, excellence, inclusivity, integrity, and leadership. 

No matter if you’re a high school student looking to start your nursing mission, a graduate with a degree in a different field, or a registered nurse, Augusta Nursing has options for you. Students on all of these tracks will be trained by an award-winning faculty with years of experience in the field. 

Additionally, they will all gain hands-on training in their new Nurse-Managed Health Center. This state-of-the-art building allows students to gain real-world experience under the supervision of their faculty mentors. Furthermore, the Nurse-Managed Health Center allows Augusta Nursing to participate in innovative research projects, such as a recent initiative to study age-related diseases. 

1. Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (Druid Hills, GA)

Not only is Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing the best nursing school in the state of Georgia, it’s one of the best in the United States. U.S. News & World Report places the school’s Doctor of Nursing program #8 in the nation and its Master of Nursing program #2. 

Working in concert with its nationally recognized parent school, Emory Med boasts a faculty that includes some finest of the experts in the medical field. These faculty members teach their craft with an excellent simulation center and several labs, which allow nurses to practice a variety of scenarios. 

Unsurprisingly, this school with such a stellar reputation has a competitive acceptance rate. Only 63% of those who apply to the school receive offers of admission. Yet those who do enroll can avail themselves of remarkable resources, driven by the school’s $12.8 million research endowment.  

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However, nurses with at least a BSN over an associate’s degree have many advantages and may have more job options. For example, nurses with a BSN or MSN can provide the same level of patient care as those with just an associate’s degree, but they also have flexible options to go into administration or even public health education.

Today’s nurses can work in a variety of settings. Nurses can work in health care, health education, or even private home health. Furthermore, they can find employment with hospitals and major medical treatment centers to private health practices, and even health care facilities that meet specialized needs. Moreover, they must be able to work independently but also with teams of other healthcare providers. 

Therefore, it’s essential to choose the right school for a nursing education, and Texas has several top-ranked schools, based on their appearance in the U.S. News and World Reports Best Nursing Schools list. In the event of a tie on the U.S. News list, the editorial team at College Gazette judges the tiebreaker for this article. If a school is unranked by US News, the College Gazette team will rank it for this article.

10. Lamar University Joanne Gay Dishman School of Nursing (Beaumont, TX)

The Joanne Gay Dishman School of Nursing at Lamar University offers degrees in nursing, nursing education, and nursing administration at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. It is rated among the top 200 nursing programs in the country. Although the nursing program is offered on the Beaumont campus, the other programs are online.

Students gain extensive hands-on experience in the school’s three simulation labs. Basically, the labs have several different rooms devoted to different types of patient situations in order to give students more comprehensive training in complex and difficult situations. For example, students work in diverse simulations like labor and delivery, critical and emergency care, surgery, mental health, older adults, and more. In some cases, students even work with “Standardized Patients,” or community volunteers who have been trained to portray a patient with a background of a particular health condition; this training increases students’ abilities to communicate with a diverse community effectively.

9. Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing (Houston, TX)

Located within the Texas Medical Center, Prairie View A&M University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and is among the top 200 nursing programs in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report. Unlike many BSN programs, Prairie View A&M’s undergraduate BSN degree is actually a 4 ½ year program. However, students who already have an Associate’s degree in nursing and are an RN can complete the BSN program in as little as 12 months.

The college expects its students to understand the facets of nursing and related fields. For instance, graduate students studying nursing administration must take business and informatics courses in addition to the core nursing content. 

Students are also encouraged to learn from others and gain broader perspectives through the many nursing-related student groups. The American Red Cross Student Nurses’ Volunteer Committee, for example, provides nursing services to the Houston area and is available to all students enrolled in a clinical studies course. Likewise, the American Association of Men in Nursing is dedicated to enhancing the growth and career development of the school’s male nursing students.

8. University of Incarnate Word Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions (San Antonio, TX)

Founded in 1931, the University of Incarnate Word was the first school west of the Mississippi River to offer an accredited bachelor’s degree in nursing. In addition to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in nursing, this private Christian-based university offers Texas’s only doctorate-level psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. Because of the school’s academic achievements, it received three awards from the Texas Nurses Association in 2018. 

Students at this San Antonio school receive a liberal arts education combined with nursing training, emphasizing implementing evidence-based and holistic patient care. Students gain a better understanding of all of the factors that can impact a person’s health, including genetics and lifestyle choices and factors like culture, spirituality, and even language. The School of Nursing and Health Professions is also specifically committed to meeting the needs of low-income and underserved communities.

7. Texas A&M University-Texarkana Department of Nursing (Texarkana, TX)

At the Texarkana campus, Texas A&M offers a traditional BSN program and an MSN degree but does not have options for doctoral study. Plus, since the fall of 2021, the school has also been offering a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program. And because of its consistent academic excellence, the school frequently finds itself on “best of” lists. For example, Best Value Schools ranked it among the Best Texas Colleges in Nursing in 2021. And U.S. News ranks the master’s program as #152 in the country. 

The department’s mission is to educate tomorrow’s nurses to understand the intrinsic value of each patient and seek out compassionate and holistic treatments. Therefore, undergraduate students, for example, are expected to take courses in the sciences and nutrition but also liberal arts foundation courses like history, government, language, and cultural studies. However, in addition to this liberal arts foundation, students also get hands-on experience through laboratories, participation in simulations, and clinical rotations. 

6. University of Texas at El Paso School of Nursing (El Paso, TX)

The UTEP School of Nursing is ranked among the best nursing schools in the United States, according to several organizations. For example, the website NursingSchoolsAlmanac.com ranked the university as the #30 nursing school in the Southwest, which included Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranked UTEP as having the #131 master’s nursing program in the country.

Undergraduates at UTEP can choose from a traditional four-year BSN degree. Or, for students who are already RNs, the college has an RN-to-BSN option that can be completed in as little as 2 ½ semesters. What’s more, the RN-to-BSN program is entirely online, giving working nurses flexible opportunities to advance their careers. Likewise, the master’s programs are equally flexible. For example, many of the lecture-based courses are only seven weeks long and incorporate online learning activities.

5. Texas Women’s University College of Nursing (Denton, TX)

The nursing programs at Texas Women’s University strive to balance an education in nursing sciences with the art of providing quality patient care. Although the main campus is in Denton, TWU also has facilities in Dallas and Houston. Students can choose from undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in on-campus, online, or hybrid deliveries. 

U.S. News and World Report highly ranks TWU’s programs. For example, according to U.S. News’s list of Best Online Programs in nursing education, TWU master’s program was ranked #2 in the country. What’s more, the family nurse practitioner master’s program was ranked #1 in Texas and #9 in the United States overall. 

TWU’s faculty maintain strong research agendas. Because of the university’s founding as a women’s university, much of the research is likewise focused on advancing women’s health, especially cancer risks. However, faculty are also engaged in research about management health systems, achieving higher quality patient outcomes, and improved education for future nurses through clinical simulations. 

4. UT Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Arlington, TX)

The College of Nursing and Health Innovation at the University of Texas-Arlington is proud of the institution’s many accomplishments. For example, more baccalaureate-educated nurses in Texas attended UT-Arlington than any other school. And it’s the biggest non-profit school of nursing in the country, with about 17,000 students attending on-campus and online classes. The college even has two designations as a National League of Nursing Center of Excellence. U.S. News ranks the master’s nursing programs as #60.

The online programs, in particular, have received many accolades. NursingProcess.org has ranked it as the #1 accelerated online BSN degree in the U.S.; similarly, College Rank has also awarded the online SBN program the top spot. Nursing School Hub also declares that UTA has the nation’s #16 most affordable online master’s nursing degree among nursing educator programs. Plus, in 2020, Best Health Degrees’ list of best online MSN degrees put UTA at #7. And the awards don’t stop there, either. In 2020, the Nursing Schools Almanac ranked the college #6 among nursing programs in the American Southwest. 

The college credits these rankings to the school’s dedication to personalized instruction and one-on-one coaching. For example, all classes, whether they meet in-person or online, are small to encourage student-faculty interaction. In this way, even though the college has thousands of students, they all receive a high-quality education from faculty members who genuinely care about their success.

3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing (Lubbock, TX)

Students at Texas Tech receive a broad foundation education in nursing with opportunities to specialize in niche disciplines. Actually, it’s the only nursing school in West Texas with all levels of education (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral) and classes offered in a variety of formats. The school has 22 different nursing programs meeting every nursing career goal and aspiration. For example, graduate students can study fields as diverse as nursing administration to midwifery, pediatric nursing, psychiatric mental health nursing, and more.

The School of Nursing is actively trying to address the country’s nursing shortage by educating professionals to deal with the complexities of tomorrow’s healthcare needs. As such, the school has been an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education since 2014. U.S. News ranks Texas Tech as having the #34 best nursing school.

2. University of Texas Health Science Center Cizik School of Nursing (Houston, TX)

As a nationally recognized institute for nursing education, the University of Texas-Houston has one of the top nursing programs in the United States. U.S. News ranked the program as #32 for incoming students in 2022. Moreover, the Nurse Anesthesia Program is among the top 10 in the U.S. And what’s more, students at the Cizik School of Nursing don’t have to choose between quality and affordability, because the school offers very low tuition rates in comparison to other top nursing schools in the country. 

The programs are housed in the School of Nursing and Student Community Center. This 8-story building includes classrooms with the latest technology, an auditorium, dining and gathering spaces, research labs, and a bookstore. It was the first LEED-Gold certified building in the University of Texas system and promotes the intersection of health, access to natural features, and good indoor air quality. The building is near the Texas Medical Center, where students can participate in hands-on learning activities and clinical experiences.

1. University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing (Austin, TX)

The School of Nursing at UT-Austin is at the top of our list of the best nursing programs in Texas. U.S. News ranks the university as the #21 nursing program in the country. In addition, the TFE Times named the school as #10 among public schools of nursing. And beyond its academic standing, the college is also well-respected for its affordability. Value Colleges has frequently ranked the BSN and Ph.D. programs to be some of the best values in the country.

Plus, the college has aggressive research programs and is ranked #15 in funding from the National Institutes of Health among schools of nursing. UT-Austin’s School of Nursing has over a dozen centers and research initiatives into a diverse set of health problems across many demographics. For example, the African American Mental Health and Wellness Program teaches students to support Black Americans’ physical and psychological health. Similarly, the Center for Excellence in Aging Services and Long Term Care is working to improve the standards of geriatric care in the United States. 

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In California, the top nursing programs include both private and public institutions, and each has its strengths. Most—but not all—offer programs at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and postgraduate levels and offer degrees like the BSN and MSN (Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing) and the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice). Today, students need at least a BSN to sit for the NCLEX (National Council Licensing Examination), which is required to become a Registered Nurse.

Therefore, potential nursing students have many factors to consider when choosing an academic program. Of course, the strength of courses in the natural and social sciences is one aspect to consider. However, class size, research agendas, the ability of technologically advanced facilities, community partnerships, and graduates’ NCLEX pass rates are important, too. 

The following list of the top 10 schools of nursing in California is based on the rankings of Best Nursing Schools from U.S. News and World Report. In the event of a tie between two schools, the editorial team at College Gazette judges the tiebreaker.

10. Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing (Azusa, CA)

The Azusa Pacific University is a private, faith-based institution that started in 1899. The university offers innovative programs and small classes. Moreover, classes are available online or at one of eight locations in Southern California.

Because of the school’s high-impact experiences (like internships with community partners, mission trips, and working with the homeless) and the overall quality of nursing education, APU is ranked in several prestigious lists. It made the list of the Best Nursing Schools from the U.S. News and World Reports. Plus, in 2017, USA Today ranked the school among the top 9 colleges to earn a nursing degree. And in 2020-2021, ASU’s School of Nursing was also named a Nursing College of Distinction, one of only seven schools in California to receive this honor.

What’s more, all of APU’s new students receive some sort of financial aid, whether through scholarships, grants, or loans. For example, scholarships for incoming freshmen or transfer students range from the Mary Hill Award at $10,000 per year to the Trustees’ Scholarship, which covers 100% of a student’s tuition. In fact, high students can start to earn “micro-scholarships” for their scholastic and personal achievements before they even apply to ASU.

9. CSULA Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing (Los Angeles, CA)

The School of Nursing at California State’s LA campus was rated as the #76 program in the country, according to the U.S. News and World Reports. 

The school is committed to diversity, and the University is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. In fact, the nursing program received a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award in 2017. But the school’s diversity expands beyond demographics and into the classroom; with the diverse curriculum, students can study everything from entrepreneurship as it relates to the nursing field to how to work with under-reached populations or marginalized groups.

Students in the Chin School of Nursing have many opportunities for service learning, including community health rotations and providing immunizations at the local Children’s Hospital. However, because nurses must work with teams of other professionals, students may be paired with those from other departments during service learning. For example, master’s students from the School of Nursing partner with Social Work students to provide services to the area’s homeless population. 

8. San Diego State University School of Nursing (San Diego, CA)

Although the School of Nursing at San Diego State University does not offer doctoral programs, undergraduate and graduate students can pursue several nursing degree options. U.S. News ranks the master’s program as #74 in the country. 

SDSU’s School of Nursing focuses on hands-on education. As such, it has four state-of-the-art labs that are open to students, including a Media Lab, Nursing Fundamentals Skills Lab, Health Assessment Lab, Sharp Healthcare Human Patient Simulation Center. Each one provides multiple opportunities to practice skills in an educational setting.

Moreover, all undergraduates programs in SDSU’s College of Health and Human Services—including nursing–have an international component. The goal of these experiences is to broaden students’ understanding of cross-cultural issues. For example, students examine how cultural, economic, and political factors play into global health. 

7. CSU-Fullerton School of Nursing (Fullerton, CA)

Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, many of Cal State-Fullerton’s nursing programs are nationally ranked. For example, U.S. News and World Report declared it’s the #63 best nursing school in the nation for master’s students. Moreover, in 2016 and 2017, some of the school’s programs—specifically, the graduate programs in Nurse Anesthesia and Nurse-Midwifery—were also ranked by U.S. News. 

The school’s accomplishments have much to do with the curriculum, which follows the Student Success Model. Basically, this approach encourages students, faculty, and staff to work together to prepare nurses to serve diverse populations in complex healthcare environments. In addition, all students engage in hands-on learning in some manner. This experimental learning may occur through research, in three different on-campus simulation labs, 11 partner hospitals, or other out-of-classroom activities. For instance, at the annual Community Action Poverty Simulation, students are exposed to real-life situations and learn how to meet the needs of low-income patients. 

6. University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions (San Francisco, CA)

The University of San Francisco offers a private liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition, stressing justice for all and an understanding of diverse global perspectives. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #53 among the best master’s programs in nursing. 

In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in activities that expand their viewpoints and help them reach underserved groups. As just one example, the school collaborates with the Department of Veteran Affairs Northern California Health Care System to provide care to veterans at the school’s Sacramento campus. Additional clinical rotation locations include Mercy San Juan Hospital and the Shriners Hospital. 

USF students are also encouraged to be active inside and outside the classroom. As a result, the school has several student organizations that help cohorts create networks, build leadership skills, and become advocates in the ever-changing healthcare industry. These associations also work to make changes on campus and advocate for additional training that nurses need. For instance, the Nursing Student Association saw the NEED for more certification classes on campus. As a result, students at USF can receive certificates in areas like Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Basic Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and more.

5. University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science (San Diego, CA)

Unlike most of the other schools on this list of the best nursing schools in California, the University of San Diego does not offer an undergraduate bachelor’s program. Instead, this private, Catholic-based school offers several advanced degrees, including the DNP and MSN. However, students at USD can also pursue a Master of Science in Health Care Informatics and even a Ph.D. in Nursing, making USD somewhat unique in its offerings. Often ranked among the best nursing schools in the country, U.S. News and World Reports ranked the University of San Diego as the #46 best nursing school in the country; the doctoral program is also nationally ranked. 

Most of the students who come to the University of San Diego are already working nurses looking to further their career opportunities. And since the school caters to advanced professionals, there is a strong emphasis on research. Specifically, faculty research initiatives span from working with returning veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome to the depression often experienced among low-income mothers.

4. UC Irvine School of Nursing (Irvine, CA)

U.S. News ranks the School of Nursing at the University of California at Irvine as the #45 master’s program in nursing in the country. Through bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and post-graduate programs, students receive an interdisciplinary education that ranges from biology to the behavioral, social, and pharmaceutical sciences. As such, the school has received over $17 million in grant funding to study diverse health care needs in HIV/AIDS management, mental health, health policies, pediatrics, and even promoting self-care.

The school’s focus on leadership development and community health is woven throughout the curriculum. In fact, faculty and students devote a combined 10,000 hours annually to work with local vulnerable groups, like the homeless, older adults, community members with mental health illnesses, and children attending schools in low-income neighborhoods. 

3. UC Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing (Sacramento, CA)

Although the school has a shorter history than many of the other schools in this top 10 list, the Moore School of Nursing has quickly established itself as one of the best nursing schools in California. In fact, the school was not established until 2009 after receiving a $100 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, which was the country’s biggest grant for nursing education at the time. The master’s program was ranked the #24 program in the country by U.S. News and World Report in 2022. 

UC Davis has five innovative nursing programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. All programs are led by an interprofessional team of faculty members from diverse disciplines, including nursing and medicine as well as sociology, public health, and nutrition. More specifically, the school has eliminated lecture-style classes and instead uses so-called flipped classrooms. That is, students are expected to review material before coming to class, where they engage in discussions about the material with their fellow classmates and faculty. This style of learning encourages collaboration and student-driven education.

2. UCLA School of Nursing (Los Angeles, CA)

UCLA’s School of Nursing has a national and international reputation for high standards in nursing education, applied research, and hands-on clinical experiences. The rigorous curriculum includes both classroom and clinical education settings. U.S. News and World Reports has ranked the school as #20 among graduate nursing schools. UCLA has a particularly top-notch faculty, with half of the members being fellows in the American Academy of Nursing, a prestigious academic honor.

UCLA has a very diverse student population with about a quarter of students being White, a quarter being of Hispanic descent, just under a quarter being Black, and the remainder belonging to American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander groups. The research centers are diverse, too, including the Center for Vulnerable Populations Research, the Center for American Indian/Indigenous Research and Education, and the Center for the Advancement of Gerontological Nursing Science. This range of initiatives reflects the school’s commitment to advancing health for all populations. Moreover, the UCLA School of Nursing is ranked as the number 9 institution for nursing grant research funded by the National Institutes of Health. 

1. UCSF School of Nursing (San Francisco, CA)

The School of Nursing at the University of California – San Francisco is frequently ranked among the top nursing schools in the country. Specifically, U.S. News has declared it to be the #9 school among master’s programs in nursing and the top nursing program in California. It’s also the #1 recipient of NIH (National Institutes of Health) funding in the U.S.

The school has master’s, doctoral, and post-graduate programs for students who already have bachelor’s degrees in nursing, but options are available for students who are not registered nurses, too. And although most of the applicants are California residents, UCSF also accepts non-California residents and international students. Plus, about 40% of UCSF’s students are from underrepresented communities, and about 58% are the first students in their families to attend college.

UCLA aims to create leaders in the health profession, as demonstrated by the research and outreach activities of the diverse faculty body. For example, several UCSF School of Nursing faculty members are working to change California health care through evidence-based research. The school has also received over $18 million in grants that support public health initiatives like improving newborn health in California and ending tobacco use.

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