Best Nursing Schools in the United States
Among the institutions leading the way in nursing education are the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Columbia University, all of which are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report in their 2016 Best Graduate Schools rankings. These schools offer world-class education in nursing, with exceptional programs across various specializations, and have become the go-to institutions for aspiring nurse leaders, researchers, and clinicians.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) is widely regarded as one of the premier nursing schools in the United States. In the 2016 U.S. News Best Graduate Schools rankings, Penn Nursing achieved the top spot for master’s programs in nursing, earning a perfect score of 100 percent. This ranking reflects the school’s commitment to excellence in nursing education, research, and clinical practice. Penn Nursing has consistently been recognized as a leader in the nursing field, and its innovative approach to nursing education has set a standard for nursing schools across the country.
One of the distinguishing features of Penn Nursing is its comprehensive approach to nursing education. The school offers a range of graduate programs that cater to various nursing specialties, including nurse practitioner (NP) roles, nursing administration, and nurse anesthesia. Among the six categories in which Penn Nursing was ranked No. 1 in the 2016 U.S. News survey were Nurse Practitioner (adult/gerontology, acute care), Nurse Practitioner (adult/gerontology, primary care), Nurse Practitioner (family), Nurse Practitioner (pediatric, primary care), and Nurse Practitioner (psychiatric/mental health, across the lifespan). These rankings highlight Penn’s leadership in preparing nurses to care for a diverse range of patient populations, from pediatric to geriatric patients, across both primary and acute care settings.
Penn Nursing’s commitment to producing highly skilled nurse leaders extends beyond the classroom. The school’s faculty includes some of the most renowned figures in nursing research and practice, and its research initiatives focus on advancing nursing knowledge in areas such as health policy, nursing outcomes, and patient safety. This integration of research and education allows Penn Nursing students to engage with the latest developments in nursing science and apply evidence-based practices in their clinical work. Additionally, Penn’s extensive network of clinical partners offers students ample opportunities for hands-on experience, ensuring that they graduate with the practical skills necessary to excel in their careers.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
In the 2016 U.S. News rankings, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing was ranked second in the nation, tying with the University of California, San Francisco. Johns Hopkins is renowned for its cutting-edge research, high-quality education, and leadership in public health nursing. The school has a long history of excellence in nursing education, and its graduate programs continue to attract top-tier students from around the world.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers a range of graduate programs, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. The school’s MSN program provides students with advanced clinical training, with specialization options such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Nursing Administration. Like Penn Nursing, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, which encourages collaboration between nursing students and students from other health-related fields, such as public health, medicine, and social work. This multidisciplinary approach equips students with the knowledge and skills to address complex healthcare issues in a team-based environment.
One of the school’s standout features is its online graduate nursing programs, which were ranked 3rd in the U.S. News 2016 survey. These programs offer flexible learning opportunities for working nurses who wish to advance their education without putting their careers on hold. The online programs cover a wide range of nursing specialties, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career goals. The online platform is designed to provide a rigorous academic experience, combining virtual learning with practical clinical placements in students' local areas. This flexibility makes Johns Hopkins an attractive option for nurses looking to balance professional and academic commitments.
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing also ranks among the nation’s top nursing schools, securing the 5th spot in the 2016 U.S. News rankings, up from 7th in the previous year. The university is recognized for its strong clinical training, commitment to research, and diverse program offerings. The school is known for offering a wide range of specialized nursing programs, including those in Nurse Anesthesia, Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), and Nursing Administration.
Pitt’s Nurse Anesthesia program is one of the best in the nation, holding the #1 ranking in the 2016 U.S. News survey. This prestigious program trains students to become nurse anesthetists, providing them with the advanced skills needed to safely administer anesthesia in a variety of clinical settings. Similarly, the school’s Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program was ranked 3rd nationally, preparing students for leadership roles in the clinical setting. The University of Pittsburgh’s emphasis on clinical excellence and leadership development is evident across its nursing programs, as the school aims to prepare students to meet the growing demand for skilled nurse leaders in the healthcare system.
The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing is also highly regarded for its research initiatives, particularly in the areas of nursing outcomes, pediatric care, and healthcare delivery systems. The school’s faculty members are leaders in nursing research, and their work helps to shape nursing practice and policy across the United States. Students at Pitt have the opportunity to engage in research projects, which enhances their educational experience and allows them to contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge.
Columbia University School of Nursing
Columbia University School of Nursing made a significant leap in the 2016 U.S. News rankings, moving from 21st to 11th, placing it within the top 15 nursing schools in the nation. This improvement reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, research, and clinical training. Columbia University’s nursing school offers a wide range of graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. The school is particularly known for its innovative approach to nursing education, which integrates clinical practice with cutting-edge research and education in public health and healthcare policy.
Columbia’s nursing specialties are also highly ranked, with five of its programs being listed among the top 10 in the nation. This includes specializations in Nurse Practitioner (Adult Gerontology), Nurse Practitioner (Family), and Nurse Practitioner (Psychiatric/Mental Health). The school’s focus on interdisciplinary learning and its strong connections to clinical settings in New York City provide nursing students with the opportunity to gain invaluable practical experience in a diverse, high-stakes environment. Columbia’s position as a top nursing school is only expected to grow as it continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of the healthcare system.
