Best universities for pursuing a career in nursing?

I’m really interested in nursing, but with so many programs out there, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Which colleges or universities are well-regarded for nursing education?

To start, yes, the field of nursing has countless programs to offer, and while finding the right one may seem daunting, it's crucial to select a program that aligns with both your career goals and your personal needs.

Among the universities known for exceptional nursing programs is the University of Pennsylvania, which offers a renowned nursing program. At Penn, students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements at top healthcare facilities. On the West coast, you have University of California--Los Angeles, which is well-respected for its bachelors and masters programs in nursing.

Johns Hopkins University also has a prestigious nursing school, but only for the graduate level. Hopkins provides diverse clinical experiences and offers a variety of study areas including public health nursing, pediatric nursing, and adult-gerontology primary care nursing.

Closer to the midwest, the University of Michigan--Ann Arbor also offers a well-regarded nursing program which places an emphasis on inter-professional education, providing the opportunity to learn alongside other health professionals.

Now, while these are some notable examples, keep in mind that the "best" nursing program ultimately depends on what you’re seeking. What nursing specialty interests you? Where do you want to live post-graduation (which could influence where you go to school)? Do you prefer small class sizes or are you comfortable in a larger, more impersonal environment?

Keep these factors in mind as you're comparing nursing programs and remember, while ranking might give some indication of a program’s reputation, the most important thing is that the program meshes well with your personal and career objectives. Best of luck in your nursing journey!