Rush University Profile & Rankings

Rush University is a prominent academic institution dedicated to health sciences, serving as the academic arm of the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. The University stands out for its distinctive practitioner-teacher model, which emphasizes both the education of students and the clinical practice of its faculty. This model is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world medical practice, ensuring that students receive not only theoretical knowledge but also practical, hands-on experience in the fields of healthcare. The university's focus on translational research, which involves translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications, further bolsters its reputation as a leader in medical education and healthcare innovation. Additionally, Rush University prides itself on fostering a nurturing academic environment that supports the professional development of its students while prioritizing community and global health.

Rush University offers a range of health sciences programs at the graduate level, including highly respected schools and colleges such as the College of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences, and the Graduate College. These programs provide students with the training and expertise required to excel in various healthcare professions, including nursing, speech-language pathology, audiology, health system management, and many others. The University has become a key player in healthcare education, both nationally and internationally, by attracting top students and faculty and contributing significantly to the advancement of medical and healthcare knowledge.

The academic environment at Rush University is designed to foster collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. As part of Rush University Medical Center, students have unparalleled opportunities to work alongside leading clinicians and researchers in various medical fields. The institution’s commitment to a holistic approach to healthcare education is evident in its emphasis on developing well-rounded professionals who are not only skilled in their technical expertise but also compassionate and mindful of the social, psychological, and environmental factors that impact health outcomes.

Rush University’s dedication to community health is another hallmark of its mission. With programs focused on addressing health disparities, public health issues, and global health challenges, the University prepares its students to become leaders who will drive positive change in healthcare systems both locally and globally. Through various community engagement initiatives and partnerships, Rush University provides its students with opportunities to engage with diverse populations, ensuring that they develop the cultural competence and empathy necessary to work effectively in a variety of settings. These experiences help students understand the broader contexts of healthcare, including socio-economic and environmental factors, while also equipping them with the skills to address these issues through their clinical and professional work.

Rush University’s high academic standards and dedication to excellence have earned it a distinguished place in the landscape of American higher education. The institution consistently receives recognition for its academic programs, with particular acclaim for its nursing, audiology, speech-language pathology, and health systems management programs. In the 2011 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Graduate Schools” survey, Rush University was ranked among the top institutions in the health specialties category. Its College of Nursing, in particular, was ranked 19th out of 390 nursing colleges with graduate programs. More impressive, however, were the program rankings within specific nursing specialties, where Rush University stood out in multiple areas. The Nursing Anesthesia program ranked 3rd in the nation, while specialties like Community/Public Health Nursing, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Gerontological/Geriatric Nursing, and Family Nurse Practitioner were all ranked in the top 10. These rankings reflect the quality of education, clinical training, and research opportunities available to students at Rush University, which is recognized for producing highly skilled healthcare professionals.

Rush University’s College of Health Sciences also garnered high rankings in several key disciplines. The Doctor of Audiology program was ranked 9th in the nation, while the Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology was ranked 18th, and the Master’s in Health System Management was ranked 25th. These rankings are a testament to the rigorous academic programs and the expertise of faculty who are deeply involved in advancing the practice and research in their respective fields.

Rush University’s achievements in healthcare extend beyond education. The Rush University Medical Center, which serves as the clinical and research arm of the university, has garnered national and international acclaim for its clinical care and medical research. In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 rankings for “America’s Best Hospitals,” Rush Medical Center was recognized for its excellence in several specialties. In particular, the Medical Center was ranked 12th nationally in Orthopedics, and 12th in Neurology and Neurosurgery. The rankings continued with strong performances in other critical areas, including 24th in Geriatrics, 26th in Gastroenterology (digestive disorders), 29th in Kidney Disease, 30th in Heart and Heart Surgery, 31st in Urology, 50th in Gynecology, and 50th in Ear, Nose, and Throat. These rankings not only reflect the hospital’s expertise in treating a wide range of complex medical conditions but also demonstrate the close integration between Rush University’s academic programs and clinical care practices.

Moreover, Rush University Medical Center’s commitment to quality care and patient outcomes is exemplified by its consistent ranking in the top 10 in the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) annual Quality and Accountability study. This ranking highlights Rush’s dedication to maintaining high standards of healthcare delivery, which benefits both its patients and the students who train there. Through its clinical rotations and hands-on learning experiences, students at Rush University gain access to some of the nation’s leading experts in various medical fields, preparing them for successful careers in the healthcare industry.

Rush is also widely recognized as one of the top cardiovascular hospitals in the country. According to the Solucient 100 Top Hospitals: Cardiovascular Benchmarks for Success study, Rush University Medical Center is consistently ranked among the nation’s best in cardiovascular care. This distinction reflects the Medical Center's state-of-the-art facilities, advanced research in cardiovascular health, and commitment to improving patient outcomes in heart disease and related conditions.

Beyond its clinical and academic excellence, Rush University plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery through its commitment to translational research. By translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications, Rush University is at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, such as chronic diseases, aging populations, and emerging infectious diseases. The research conducted at Rush University Medical Center and its associated institutions contributes directly to the advancement of healthcare practices, with a focus on improving the quality of life for patients and enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatments.

Rush University’s emphasis on community and global health ensures that its graduates are not only proficient healthcare professionals but also socially responsible citizens. The university provides numerous opportunities for students to engage with local and global health issues, whether through research projects, internships, or volunteer activities. These experiences allow students to understand healthcare beyond the clinical setting and prepare them to address the complex social, economic, and cultural factors that influence health outcomes around the world.

In conclusion, Rush University stands out as a leading institution in the health sciences, providing world-class education and training for healthcare professionals. Its practitioner-teacher model, commitment to translational research, and focus on community health distinguish it as an institution dedicated to both academic excellence and societal well-being. With top-ranked programs in nursing, health sciences, and audiology, and a highly respected medical center, Rush University continues to be a leader in shaping the future of healthcare. Its influence extends beyond education and research, positioning it as a key player in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes on a national and global scale.