Nursing is my career path, and I'm searching for the best schools nationally. What are top nursing schools in the U.S., and do any offer accelerated programs for getting into the workforce faster?
Certainly! There are many prestigious nursing schools throughout the U.S. Each offers unique opportunities and benefits, so finding the right fit for you can help kick-start your nursing career. Here are a few top nursing schools in the U.S. you could consider:
1. University of Pennsylvania: Their School of Nursing consistently ranks as one of the best. They offer an accelerated BSN program called the "Second Degree Program" that’s designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
2. Duke University: Duke's Nursing School offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, after which students might start their career or pursue an MSN, DNP, or PhD at Duke.
3. Yale University: Yale School of Nursing has exceptional programs. They provide a Graduate Entry Pre-specialty in Nursing (GEPN) program that allows students with a non-nursing bachelor’s to become an MSN-prepared nurse in just a few years.
4. University of Washington: Another school ranked highly for its nursing program. While they don't seem to have an accelerated BSN program, their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is renowned and worth considering.
5. University of California--San Francisco: The UCSF School of Nursing offers a Masters Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree wanting to enter the nursing profession.
6. Emory University: Emory's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers an Accelerated BSN program for students who have already received a bachelor's degree.
These are seven outstanding options, but there are many high-quality nursing programs out there. When choosing, consider the school's clinical rotations, NCLEX pass rates, accreditations, and specialized programs or tracks. Location can also play a big role due to the regional medical partnerships and job opportunities.
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