Top Nursing Schools for 2017
Trying to determine which nursing school is going to best for you can be a daunting task. Below we've listed the top nursing schools in the nation as reported by U.S. News & World Report and the National Institute of Health (NIH). Schools are ranked according to several criteria, the largest being peer assessment. Only fully accredited programs in good standing are found on our list of top ranked nursing schools.While rankings provide a relative benchmark of quality, they should not be construed as an absolute indication of quality of education. We recommend looking at various factors when considering which schools to attend include cost, placement rate, location, specialties and program reputation.
| Rank | School Name | Description |
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Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing | The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing is the number one ranked nursing program in the United States. It is also one of the nation's oldest nursing program. The school offers several pre-licensure options, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. It has top ranked programs in community health and nursing service administation. |
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University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing | Also known as SON. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing. It is a top-ranked private nursing institution with a focus on science and research. The school offers a BSN Degree, RN-to-BSN program, several advanced practice nursing specialist programs, two nursing administration programs as well as RN programs in nine specialities. |
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University of Washington School of Nursing | Currently ranked No.3 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Washington School of Nursing is unquestionably one of the best nursing programs in the nation. Degrees offered includ Bacher of Science Nursing (BSN), Accelerated BSN or ABSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD). |
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University of California San Francisco School of Nursing | UCSF is currently ranked 4th in the nation among accredited nursing schools. Seven of the school's specialty nursing programs also rank among the top ten in the nation including its adult/medical surgical nurse, mental health nurse, family nurse, gerontology/geriatrics nurse practitioner, public health nursing and adult nurse practitioner programs. |
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University of North Carolina School of Nursing | Nationally recognized as one of the top nursing schools in the nation, UNC School of Nursing offers a full complement of education programs for aspiring nurses and nurse practitioners. Education options at UNC include Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), RN-MSN, Post-master's program, Doctoral progarms and pre- or -post-doctoral fellowships. |
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University of Michigan School of Nursing | The University of Michigan School of Nursing offers programs designed for both professional development and community education. The school is dedicated to providing students a world-class nursing education. Undergraduate programs include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Accelerated BSN. Graduate programs are offered various specialties including acute, critical & long-term care, health promotion, and systems leadership. |
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Duke University School of Nursing | Located in Durham, NC the Duke University School of Nursing offers an accelerated Bachelor Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), and Ph.D. program. The school has consistently been ranked among the top 10 nursing programs in the nation for over a decade. Several of the school's individual nursing programs also rank among the top ten nationally. |
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Oregon Health and Science University School of Nursing | The OHSU School of Nursing is a national ranked nursing school located in Oregon that offers bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing that are designed to help student prepare for successful careers in nursing. The school also offer several doctoral and postdoctoral degree programs for students interested in pursuing leadership and independent research opportunities in the healthcare arena. |
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University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing | Ranked among the top ten by both U.S. News & World Report and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Univesity of Pittsburgh School of Nursing offers a comprehensive selection of fully accredited nursing programs. Degree options in the Bachel or Science in Nursing (BSN), Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN, RN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Nursing certificates and minors are also available. |
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Yale University School of Nursing | The Yale School of Nursing (YSN), located in New Haven, Connecticut has consistently been ranked one of the top nursing schools in the nation for the last twenty years. It has world-wide reputation for excellence in teaching, research and clinical practice. It has has one of the top ten graduate nursing programs in the United States. |
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University of Illinois College of Nursing | The UIC College of Nursing offers a comprehensive selection of nursing programs designed to prepare students for careers in research, teaching and clinical practice. Whether you want to become a Registered Nurse, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Research or Education, UIC offers a nursing program that can help you meet your professional goal. |
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University of Iowa College of Nursing | A renowned faculty, innovative leadership, advanced clinical experiences and exceptional education programs make the College of Nursing at The University of Iowa one of the top nursing schools in the United States. Several of the colleges individual nursing programs, such as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Gerontological Nursing, and Nurse Anesthesia, also rank among the nation's very best nursing programs. |
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University of Maryland School of Nursing | For over 125 years the University of Maryland School of Nursing has been at the forefront of nursing education and research. It is one of the top ranked school in terms of educational offering as well as funding for nursing schools from the National Institute of Health (NIH). Education programs allow students to study as a generalist in direct patient care or specialize in various areas of advanced practice nursing. |
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Case Western Reserve University (Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing) | As a globally-recognized leaders in nursing education and research, the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University is currently ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the nation. The school offers bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in nursing. The school also offers a Dual Doctorate DNP/PhD program. |
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Indiana University School of Nursing | The Indiana University School of Nursing Indianapolis is one of the top ranked U.S. News & World Report nursing schools in the United States. It is also a ranked the 8th ranked among public universites that receive funding from the NIH. The school offers a myriad of undergraduate and graduate degree program in nursing that prepare for careers as Nurse Practition, Registered Nursing, and Clinical Nurse Specialist, among others. |
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Rush University College Nursing | Rush University College of Nursing, a division of the Rush University Medical Center, has a reputation of excellence that has lasted for over a century. It offers engaged faculty, innovative educational programs, quality, affordability, and a top rated distance learning program. The school is a top choice among pre-nursing students and RNs seeking to further their education and career. |
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University of Colorado College of Nursing | The College of Nursing at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus it the top ranked nursing school in Colorado and among the top in the nation. It offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in nursing and just launched new academic programs in acute care nursing, nursing education and veterans' health. |
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University of Virginia School of Nursing | The University of Virginia School of Nursing is leader in nursing education, service and research. It is consistently ranked among the top 5% of nursing schools in the nation. Degrees offered include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN-to-BSN, 3rd Year Transfer to BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post-master's, Doctoral (PhD and DNP) and Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). |
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Vanderbuilt University School of Nursing | The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN), a division of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, offers graduate level education in nursing. It is well known for its renowned teaching hospital and its research and development in electronic medical records. The school is consistently ranked among the top 20 nursing schools in the United States. |
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Arizona State University College of Nursing & Health Innovation | The College of Nursing & Health Innovation is an autonomous division of Arizona State University. It is the top nursing school in the state offering one of the most reputable nursing programs in the nation. Arizona State University is one of the few accredited institutions to provide a fully online nursing option for distance learners. |
