What are the top colleges for nursing?

I'm interested in pursuing nursing and want to find the best colleges that offer strong nursing programs. What schools are known for having excellent nursing programs, particularly in terms of clinical experience and career support? If you've gone through a nursing program, what did you love or wish was different about it?

The field of nursing is expanding, and many respected institutions offer robust nursing programs. Here are a few universities that are known for their strong nursing programs and the unique features they offer:

1. University of Pennsylvania: UPenn's School of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the top graduate nursing schools in the nation. It offers a direct-entry BSN program that provides rigorous coursework combined with numerous clinical experiences in diverse settings. The advantage of this program is its commitment to interdisciplinary learning – students learn from and work with faculty and students from other health profession schools at UPenn.

2. Duke University: Duke's School of Nursing provides an accelerated BSN program that is renowned for its clinical training and research opportunities. What stands out about Duke is the extensive support students receive in their transition into the nursing profession plus their excellent nursing research facilities.

3. Johns Hopkins University: The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing has a direct-entry MSN program for non-nurses that offers exceptionally comprehensive clinical experience. A major advantage of this program is the networking opportunities available due to the school's affiliation with the Johns Hopkins Hospital and its global reputation.

4. University of Michigan: UMich offers both traditional BSN and MSN programs, providing lots of options for aspiring nurses. One unique feature of UMich's program is a strong focus on community health and involvement, which can be valuable for nurses interested in public health.

In terms of career support, all of these universities have strong alumni networks and connections to healthcare institutions, which can enable multiple opportunities for you post-graduation. Additionally, these schools also provide comprehensive career counseling and job placement services.

It’s also worth noting that the right program for you depends on your specific goals and preferences. Everything from the school culture to the location can impact your education experience. So, make sure to do your research and, if possible, visit these campuses or talk to current students or alumni to get a better sense of what attending these programs would be like.