Whether you’re a parent looking to find the best nursing schools for your child or a prospective student looking to learn more about which school would be best for you, there are several things to consider. You’ll want to choose a school that is located in a state with a high number of registered nurses, and that offers quality education and training.
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University of Iowa
Located on the University of Iowa health sciences campus, the College of Nursing is an integral part of the University. It provides a learning-centered environment with outstanding clinical experiences. It encourages students to enter the nursing profession and contributes to patient care, teaching, and research.
The College of Nursing offers innovative undergraduate programs that prepare students to enter the professional nursing practice. Its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE, ACEN, and COA. Students can choose from several nursing degree programs including Bachelor, Master, and Doctor of Nursing.
Iowa’s College of Nursing consistently earns high marks in U.S. News & World Report rankings. The school has a strong record of helping students find their first nursing jobs. Graduates have a 99 percent job placement rate within six months of graduation.
Yale School of Nursing
Founded in 1923 by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Yale School of Nursing (YSN) was the first school within a university to prepare nurses for careers in the field. It was also the first to adopt strong professional standards.
Yale School of Nursing offers a wide range of nursing specialties, including Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Nurse Management. The school is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Yale School of Nursing also offers programs that prepare nurses to take on leadership roles. The DNP Capstone Project is completed in the third year of study, and students work with a DNP Capstone Project Advisor to complete the project. The program’s faculty includes nationally recognized professionals in the field.
St. Xavier University
Xavier University is one of the best nursing schools in the United States. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its graduates have gained important positions in nursing administration and internationally. The institution is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Saint Xavier University is also recognized by the National League for Nursing for its excellence in nursing education. The University’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences is a CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) accredited program.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences has three undergraduate BSN tracks, including the Traditional Pre-licensure option. This four-year program requires a minimum 2.75 GPA and a TEAS test score. There is also the Accelerated-BSN (BSN/ACC) option, which is an intensive year-round program.
Samuel Merritt University
Located in Oakland, California, Samuel Merritt University offers graduate and undergraduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant practice. Located on the campus of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Samuel Merritt University was founded in 1909. A private, not-for-profit institution, Samuel Merritt University has been educating health professionals in California for more than a century.
Samuel Merritt University’s School of Nursing was named one of the top 10 best nursing schools in California for 2020. The school’s curriculum blends theory with practice and research. The faculty members have expertise in best practices, outcomes-based healthcare, and social determinants of health.
The School of Nursing administers several merit-based scholarships. These scholarships include the Sharon Clark Diaz Scholarship, Marshall Steele, Jr. Scholarship, and the Henry & Bernice Bigge Scholarship.
Villanova University
Founded in 1842, Villanova University is a private university in the Philadelphia suburbs. It offers a variety of academic experiences, including the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies. The university’s nursing school is ranked among the best in the region. The school offers the RN to BSN online degree option.
Villanova University’s nursing school graduates secure gainful employment at a rate of 98.8%. The average starting salary for graduates of Villanova University’s nursing school is $69,380. The program is also ideal for students who wish to change careers.
Villanova University offers several graduate programs, including the Ph.D. program. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Ph.D. program is composed of 51 credits and allows for on-campus or online classes. In addition, Villanova University offers the RN-BSN online degree option.
