US Top Nursing School Ranking

The U.S. News & World Report 2008 rankings of the best graduate nursing programs in pediatrics highlight institutions that excel in educating nurses who will specialize in pediatric care. These universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, the University of Colorado–Denver, the University of Washington, and the University of California–San Francisco, represent the leading institutions in preparing pediatric nurses with the advanced clinical skills, research capabilities, and leadership qualities needed to excel in this field.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn), ranked first in the U.S. News & World Report 2008 pediatric nursing program rankings, has a long tradition of excellence in nursing education. The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has been at the forefront of nursing education and research for over a century, and its pediatric nursing program is a prime example of the school’s commitment to producing highly skilled professionals who are capable of meeting the complex needs of children and families.

Penn’s pediatric nursing program is renowned for its emphasis on both clinical practice and research. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical training, ensuring that students develop both the technical skills and the compassionate care required to work with young patients. Penn's faculty members are leaders in pediatric nursing research, particularly in areas such as pediatric oncology, pediatric neurology, and child development. This research-driven approach to pediatric nursing allows students to learn from cutting-edge discoveries that influence best practices in pediatric care.

Additionally, Penn’s pediatric nursing program is designed to foster leadership qualities among its students. The school emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty from other health-related disciplines within the university's health system. This collaborative environment equips students with the skills they need to work effectively in a team-based care model, which is essential in pediatric settings where multiple healthcare professionals are often involved in a child's care.

Yale University

Ranked second in the U.S. News & World Report 2008 pediatric nursing rankings, Yale University’s School of Nursing has a distinguished reputation for producing highly competent pediatric nurse practitioners (NPs) and nurse leaders. The school offers a variety of advanced nursing programs, including a pediatric nurse practitioner track that prepares nurses to provide specialized care to children and adolescents.

Yale’s pediatric nursing program is characterized by its strong focus on evidence-based practice. The program integrates the latest research findings into clinical training, ensuring that students are prepared to provide care based on the most current and effective treatments. Yale’s faculty members are recognized leaders in pediatric nursing research, and they encourage students to engage in research projects that address pressing issues in pediatric health, such as childhood obesity, pediatric asthma, and childhood developmental disorders.

One of the distinguishing features of Yale’s pediatric nursing program is its emphasis on holistic care. Yale’s faculty believes in treating the child as a whole, considering not only physical health but also emotional, social, and developmental factors that influence a child's well-being. This approach is particularly important in pediatric nursing, where understanding the emotional and developmental needs of children can have a significant impact on their recovery and overall health.

Yale’s strong clinical affiliations with some of the top healthcare institutions in the nation, including Yale-New Haven Hospital, provide students with abundant opportunities for hands-on learning. Students gain experience in pediatric care settings ranging from primary care clinics to specialty care hospitals, where they treat a wide range of pediatric conditions and develop the expertise needed to become leaders in the field.

University of Colorado–Denver

The University of Colorado–Denver, ranked third in the U.S. News & World Report 2008 rankings, has one of the most comprehensive pediatric nursing programs in the country. The university’s pediatric nursing track is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of pediatric care, from common childhood illnesses to complex medical conditions that require specialized interventions.

The University of Colorado–Denver is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education. The School of Nursing works closely with the university’s medical, dental, and public health schools, allowing nursing students to gain a broad understanding of healthcare systems and collaborate with students from other disciplines. This interdisciplinary training is critical for pediatric nurses, who must be able to work effectively with pediatricians, therapists, social workers, and other professionals to provide comprehensive care for children.

Students in the pediatric nursing program at the University of Colorado–Denver are trained in the latest evidence-based practices and benefit from the school’s extensive research focus. Faculty members conduct research in areas such as pediatric cardiology, pediatric neurology, and pediatric infectious diseases, and students are encouraged to participate in these research projects, gaining valuable experience in clinical research and its application to pediatric care. The program also emphasizes the importance of leadership in nursing, preparing graduates to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations, pediatric clinics, and educational settings.

University of Washington

The University of Washington (UW), ranked fourth in the U.S. News & World Report 2008 rankings, is another leading institution for pediatric nursing education. The UW School of Nursing is widely regarded for its focus on research, community health, and clinical excellence. The university’s pediatric nursing program provides students with a solid foundation in both general nursing practice and specialized pediatric care.

One of the unique features of the University of Washington’s pediatric nursing program is its emphasis on research. UW is known for its strong research programs in pediatric nursing, particularly in areas such as child health policy, pediatric pain management, and pediatric chronic illness management. Students have the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research projects that address critical issues in pediatric care, and they are encouraged to incorporate research into their clinical practice. This integration of research and practice ensures that graduates are prepared to provide evidence-based care that improves health outcomes for children.

Additionally, UW’s School of Nursing is committed to improving healthcare for underserved populations, and students in the pediatric nursing program have opportunities to work with diverse populations in both urban and rural settings. This focus on serving underrepresented communities prepares students to work in a variety of settings, including public health clinics, pediatric hospitals, and community outreach programs, where they can make a significant impact on the health of children in need.

University of California–San Francisco

The University of California–San Francisco (UCSF), ranked fifth in the U.S. News & World Report 2008 rankings, is another top institution for pediatric nursing education. UCSF is known for its strong emphasis on preparing pediatric nurse practitioners (NPs) who are capable of providing high-quality care to children and adolescents. The UCSF School of Nursing offers a pediatric nurse practitioner track that prepares students to work in a variety of settings, including primary care, specialty clinics, and hospitals.

UCSF’s pediatric nurse practitioner program is particularly noted for its emphasis on leadership and clinical practice. Students are trained to become advanced practice nurses who not only provide direct care to children but also play a role in shaping healthcare policy and improving healthcare delivery. UCSF’s faculty are leaders in pediatric nursing research, and students have the opportunity to engage in research projects that address key issues in pediatric health, such as childhood trauma, pediatric immunization, and the management of chronic pediatric conditions.

The university’s commitment to improving health outcomes for underserved populations is another key feature of its pediatric nursing program. UCSF is located in the heart of a diverse and underserved community, and nursing students have ample opportunities to work with these populations through clinical rotations and community-based healthcare initiatives. This focus on community health ensures that graduates are prepared to address the unique healthcare needs of children from diverse backgrounds.

Ranking of Top 25 Graduate Nursing Schools in US:

Rank, Institution
1. University of Washington
2. University of California–San Francisco
3. University of Pennsylvania
4. Johns Hopkins University
5. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
5. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (School of Nursing)
7. Oregon Health and Science University
7. University of Illinois–Chicago
7. University of Maryland–Baltimore
7. University of Pittsburgh–Main Campus
7. Yale University
12. University of California–Los Angeles
12. University of Iowa
12. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (School of Public Health)
15. Case Western Reserve University
15. Duke University
15. Indiana University-Purdue University–Indianapolis
15. University of Colorado–Denver
19. Columbia University
19. Rush University
19. University of Texas Health Science Center–Houston
19. University of Texas–Austin
19. University of Virginia
19. University of Wisconsin–Madison
19. Vanderbilt University

Nursing Specialty Rankings:

Best Graduate Nursing Programs - Pediatric:
1. University of Pennsylvania
2. Yale University
3. University of Colorado–Denver
4. University of Washington
5. University of California–San Francisco
6. University of Pittsburgh–Main Campus
7. Rush University
8. Columbia University
8. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (School of Nursing)
10. Boston College

Best Graduate Nursing Programs - Gerontological/Geriatric:
1. University of Pennsylvania
2. University of Iowa
3. New York University
4. Case Western Reserve University
5. Oregon Health and Science University
6. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
7. University of California–San Francisco
8. University of Texas Health Science Center–Houston
9. Rush University
10. Duke University

Best Graduate Nursing Programs - Adult/Medical-Surgical:
1. University of California–San Francisco
2. University of Washington
3. Indiana University-Purdue University–Indianapolis
3. Yale University
5. University of Pennsylvania
6. University of Colorado–Denver

Best Graduate Nursing Programs - Psychiatric/Mental Health:
1. University of Washington
2. University of California–San Francisco
2. University of Pennsylvania
4. Yale University
5. University of Virginia
6. Indiana University-Purdue University–Indianapolis

Best Graduate Nursing Programs - Nursing Service Administration:
1. University of Iowa
2. University of Pennsylvania
3. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (School of Nursing)
4. University of Illinois–Chicago
4. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
6. University of Maryland–Baltimore
7. Johns Hopkins University

Best Graduate Nursing Programs - Family:
1. University of Washington
2. University of California–San Francisco
3. University of Pennsylvania
4. Yale University
5. University of Colorado–Denver
5. University of Maryland–Baltimore
7. Columbia University
8. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (School of Nursing)
9. Pace University
10. Rush University

Source: US News & World Report 2008 Edition