Top 10 Nursing Schools

A quality nursing education is just as important to students of a program as it is their future patients. In this field, a good education can go a long way toward making sure the quality of the health care system continues to improve. If you’ve been looking for a top-notch nursing program, you’re in luck. The schools below are widely considered to be the best programs in the country.

1. University of Washington

The University of Washington, already known for its history of excellence, offers the best nursing program in the country. It has been ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report since 1984 and isn’t in danger of losing this ranking anytime soon. The program offers 19 master’s degree specialties and large multitude of faculty members who are well skilled in all areas of nursing, so if you’re looking for the best, look no further than the University of Washington.

2. University of California, San Francisco

The nursing program at the University of California in San Francisco was recognized as the #1 nursing program in the U.S. from 2003-2006 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) partially due to its diversity in programming and large number of specialty areas. But that’s not all. The school also boasts an amazing 1:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This and its primary teaching, research, patient care and public service goals keep this program at the forefront of nursing education.

3. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania proudly boasts a top-notch nursing program that offers the latest technologies out there. The program is unique because it has a lab with mannequins that respond like humans for nursing students to use for practice. In addition, the students are able to train in the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, making the learning experience very hands-on.

4. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is already known for being a leader in the medical field, which makes participating in the nursing program even more special. Of course, being one of the nation’s oldest and significant schools for nursing education doesn’t hurt either. If you enroll in this program, you will be provided with leadership skills to help advance the nursing profession and improve the state of health care. You will also have the opportunity to further your education by getting a master’s degree or Ph.D.

5. Yale University

Yale University was the first school to offer an academic nursing program rather than a traditional apprenticeship program. Since its creation, the program has continued to pioneer as a leader in nursing education. Students are able to work alongside their instructors in clinical environments to get hands-on experience. They are also encouraged collaborate with other students to take their knowledge to the next level.

6. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan’s School of Nursing has held its rank as one of the top schools for nursing for many years, partially due to its challenging curriculum. Whether students are participating in the schools three undergraduate programs or 20 masters programs, by working with faculty members who are considered experts in their fields, the students will undoubtedly be challenged to be their best.

7. University of Maryland, Baltimore

The nursing program at the University of Maryland in Baltimore is known for its innovative educational opportunities at the bachelors, masters and doctorate levels. More than 1700 students are enrolled in the nursing program annually, and each student is given a great opportunity to impact the nursing profession thanks to the latest technologies, forward-thinking faculty, and partnerships with the health community.

8. University of Texas

If you want your bachelors, masters or doctorate degree then you’re in luck. The University of Texas offers top-notch nursing programs at every level. In fact, the programs at this institution have been revered as some of the best in the nation due to the nurse-run clinic where students are able to provide a service to the community while earning practical experience. Not to mention that the school is involved in a number of research projects that receive recognition in the field.

9. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina places research high on its priority list, which is why students in the nursing program have so much success when they graduate. But this is not the only reason that the nursing program is placed on many lists as one of the best in the country. Students are able to earn bachelor degrees or opt for advanced degrees. And if they want to learn more after graduating, they can take continuing-teach classes to stay abreast of what’s going on in the field.

10. University of Illinois, Chicago

The faculty members at the University of Illinois’s nursing program are known leaders in the field able to teach from experience. Along with having access to respected faculty, students also have access to the nation’s largest medical school. With nursing students being required to participate in clinical opportunities, they have a chance to acquire a great deal of experience before they even graduate.