Nursing School Ranking - Top Nursing Programs
Among the top nursing programs in the US, Duke University School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Pennsylvania stand out, each achieving high rankings for their master's and doctoral programs. Furthermore, institutions such as Emory University, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), University of Rochester, and Florida Atlantic University have also garnered significant attention for their exceptional graduate nursing programs.
Duke University School of Nursing
Duke University School of Nursing has long been recognized as one of the top nursing schools in the United States, consistently ranking at the top of national surveys and rankings. According to U.S. News & World Report, Duke ranked 1st nationally among 532 master's programs in nursing. This distinction is a testament to Duke's commitment to excellence in nursing education, clinical practice, and research. The school's programs are known for their rigor, innovation, and a holistic approach to nursing education that integrates evidence-based practice with compassionate care.
Duke’s master's programs are particularly renowned for their depth and breadth. The school offers several advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) tracks, including Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs across specialties such as Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The school also offers a comprehensive Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, preparing nurses for leadership roles in both clinical and administrative settings. The DNP program equips nurses with the necessary skills to drive healthcare transformation, focusing on policy, management, and system-level change. Additionally, Duke’s PhD in Nursing program prepares nurse scholars who contribute to advancing nursing science and practice through research.
A standout feature of Duke’s nursing programs is its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. The school’s collaboration with the Duke University Health System, one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, gives students hands-on clinical experience in a world-class environment. This unique connection allows students to work closely with expert clinicians and gain valuable insight into both the scientific and humanistic aspects of healthcare.
Johns Hopkins University
Ranked 2nd in the U.S. News 2016 survey, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing is another beacon of excellence in nursing education. Johns Hopkins has been consistently recognized as one of the top nursing schools in the country, known for its innovative programs, world-class faculty, and leadership in nursing research. The school is especially renowned for its research-oriented approach to nursing education and its strong focus on healthcare innovation.
Johns Hopkins offers a wide range of graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD in Nursing. The MSN program is designed for nurses who wish to advance their careers in clinical practice, leadership, or administration. Students can choose from various specialties such as Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology, Acute Care), Nurse Practitioner (Family), and Nurse Anesthesia. The DNP program, on the other hand, focuses on the translation of evidence-based research into clinical practice, and students are trained to be leaders in healthcare systems, driving change and improving patient outcomes.
A unique feature of Johns Hopkins’ nursing programs is its emphasis on global health and community-based care, areas in which the university is a recognized leader. With its world-renowned faculty and expansive clinical network, Johns Hopkins students have access to cutting-edge research, global health initiatives, and clinical placements at leading hospitals and health organizations. This international and interdisciplinary approach ensures that students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to lead in diverse healthcare settings.
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the United States and globally. In the 2016 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Penn Nursing was ranked 3rd nationally, a testament to the school’s legacy of innovation, research, and clinical excellence. Penn Nursing offers a diverse range of programs that cater to students at various stages of their careers, from those pursuing advanced clinical practice to those aiming for research-oriented careers.
Penn’s graduate programs include the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD in Nursing. The school is known for its highly specialized tracks, including Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology, Acute Care), Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Additionally, Penn Nursing is renowned for its commitment to leadership and healthcare policy, areas in which students are trained to shape the future of the healthcare system. The school’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary education, and global health ensures that graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings.
Emory University
Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing has seen a significant rise in its national rankings, moving from 8th to 4th place according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 rankings. This improvement reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier education, cutting-edge research, and community-focused healthcare initiatives. The school is renowned for its highly ranked Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, which rose from 10th to 8th in the rankings.
Emory’s graduate programs emphasize clinical practice, research, and nursing leadership, offering a variety of specialties, including Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, and Nursing Administration. The school’s strong emphasis on patient-centered care and evidence-based practice ensures that students are equipped to address the complex healthcare challenges of today and tomorrow.
UTHealth School of Nursing:
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Nursing holds a No. 23 ranking among 532 master’s programs in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. UTHealth’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program also ranks highly at No. 23. As the highest-ranked nursing school in Texas, UTHealth offers a robust array of graduate programs, including the MSN and DNP, with specializations in areas such as Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Administration.
UTHealth’s programs are recognized for their strong clinical training, research opportunities, and commitment to preparing nurses for leadership roles. The school’s strong partnerships with healthcare institutions in the Houston area ensure that students have access to diverse clinical settings and real-world experiences.
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has shown significant progress in national rankings, rising to No. 36 among 292 ranked programs. This rise reflects the school’s growing reputation for providing a rigorous education and fostering research excellence. The school offers graduate programs in Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Leadership, and its focus on evidence-based practice and clinical outcomes has earned it a spot among the nation’s best.
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is ranked No. 44 for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and No. 45 for its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The school is recognized for its strong focus on advanced clinical practice, patient safety, and healthcare leadership. Its programs, particularly in Florida, are highly respected for their rigor and their ability to produce highly skilled nurse leaders.
