Hi all! I'm getting my college list together and am looking for the best nursing schools across the US. Are there any top-ranked schools you recommend for nursing or insider tips on where to apply?
Hello! You're asking a great question and I'm glad to see you're planning ahead. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding field to study and one with a lot of demand. There are several top-notch nursing programs in the U.S., and here are a few that consistently rank well:
1. University of Pennsylvania - The Penn Nursing Science program is one of the top nursing programs globally. It provides world-class faculty, rigorous academics, and great clinical exposure in a large-city hospital setting.
2. Duke University - The Duke University School of Nursing is known for its graduate and doctoral nursing programs. Their undergraduate bachelor's program is also very well-regarded and offers students the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field.
3. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (UNC) - UNC's School of Nursing is particularly popular because of its well-regarded undergraduate BSN program, their BS-MSN program for students wishing to fast track to a Master's degree, and fantastic affordability for in-state students.
4. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - This school is known for its rigorous academic nursing program with a strong emphasis on research. It also provides excellent clinical experience through the extensive UMich health system.
5. Emory University - Emory's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is recognized for its focus on patient-centered care, community health, and leadership development.
When compiling your list, remember to consider factors that are important to you, such as location, size of the program, student to faculty ratio, and opportunities for internships or practicums. However, one recommendation I will give is to make sure any program you apply to is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to ensure program quality and make transitioning to graduate schooling or job application processes smoother.
Best of luck in your college search!
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