Nursing Graduate School Rankings

In the 2012 edition of U.S. News & World Report's rankings of America's Best Graduate Schools, several nursing programs have garnered national recognition for their academic excellence, clinical training, and commitment to advancing the field of nursing. Among these, Johns Hopkins University has emerged as a leader, tied for the prestigious first position with the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Washington, both of which are known for their world-class nursing programs. This top ranking is a testament to the continued excellence of these institutions in fostering nursing leaders, researchers, and practitioners who shape the future of healthcare.

Johns Hopkins University’s School of Nursing, consistently ranked among the best nursing schools in the world, stands out for its commitment to research, innovation, and evidence-based practices. The school's graduate nursing programs are known for their rigorous academic training, clinical preparation, and focus on interdisciplinary care. As part of the renowned Johns Hopkins Medicine system, the School of Nursing is deeply integrated with world-class hospitals, providing students with unique opportunities for hands-on learning in a clinical setting. The university's emphasis on advancing healthcare through research ensures that its students are equipped with the latest knowledge and practices in the nursing field. This blend of academic rigor, clinical experience, and research-based learning has helped propel Johns Hopkins to the top of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, where it is tied for first place with the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Washington.

Similarly, the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing is a leader in nursing education, practice, and research. Tied with Johns Hopkins for the No. 1 position, the University of Pennsylvania’s nursing programs are known for their comprehensive curricula, exceptional faculty, and commitment to addressing the most pressing healthcare issues of the day. The school’s focus on advanced practice nursing, research, and leadership training equips its graduates to play pivotal roles in transforming healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes. Penn Nursing's programs are also highly recognized for their commitment to integrating nursing theory with practical application, ensuring that graduates are not only prepared for clinical roles but also for leadership and research positions that influence healthcare policy and the future direction of the field.

Likewise, the University of Washington School of Nursing, also tied for first place, has earned a reputation for its strong clinical programs and research-driven approach to nursing education. As one of the leading nursing schools in the United States, the University of Washington emphasizes the importance of population health, nursing leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The school has a diverse array of specialties, including advanced practice roles in nurse-midwifery, family nursing, and psychiatric nursing, among others. Additionally, the University of Washington has long been recognized for its research contributions to nursing practice, particularly in areas such as healthcare disparities, patient care outcomes, and healthcare systems improvement. The school’s strong ties to the University of Washington Medical Center and the regional healthcare system further enrich the academic experience, providing students with ample opportunities to engage in clinical practice and research that address real-world healthcare challenges.

In addition to these top-ranked institutions, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing holds a prestigious place in the rankings, tying for fourth with the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. UCSF has long been regarded as one of the best nursing schools in the nation, and its ranking in 2012 further cements its status as a leader in nursing education. UCSF is especially well known for its programs in family nurse practice, psychiatric/mental health nursing, and clinical nursing leadership, where its emphasis on advanced practice and the integration of nursing science with clinical care positions it as a powerhouse in nursing education. UCSF’s program is also known for its commitment to research, with faculty and students engaging in groundbreaking work that improves patient care, enhances nursing practice, and contributes to the understanding of public health and healthcare delivery.

Another noteworthy institution is the University of Colorado-Denver, which is ranked 15th overall for its graduate nursing program. The University of Colorado’s nursing school is recognized for its focus on preparing advanced practice nurses and healthcare leaders who are equipped to address the challenges of an increasingly complex healthcare system. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and leadership, ensuring that its graduates are prepared to take on critical roles in healthcare delivery, policy-making, and education. The University of Colorado-Denver’s nursing program offers a range of specializations, including nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery, and clinical nursing leadership, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.

Further down the rankings, the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Nursing stands out, ranked 36th out of 467 schools. Despite being lower in the rankings, the University of Nebraska Medical Center offers an excellent graduate nursing program, known for its strong academic curriculum and clinical training opportunities. The school’s graduate programs prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in clinical settings, education, research, and healthcare administration, and the faculty’s dedication to excellence in teaching and mentoring has helped many students achieve professional success. With accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the University of Nebraska Medical Center provides students with a solid foundation for nursing practice and leadership.

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State L.A.), is also notable for its inclusion in the U.S. News rankings. Cal State L.A.'s nursing master's degree program is ranked among the top nursing programs in the nation, positioning it as a strong competitor in the realm of graduate nursing education. As one of only two public universities in the Los Angeles area to make it into the top 100, and the only California State University (CSU) campus to do so, Cal State L.A. is recognized for its high-quality nursing education. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), and its graduates are known for their readiness to practice in a variety of healthcare settings, from hospitals and clinics to community health centers and schools. The nursing school’s commitment to preparing culturally competent, compassionate, and skilled nurses who can provide high-quality care to diverse patient populations contributes to its growing reputation.

Finally, the University of Missouri-St. Louis' (UMSL) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is ranked 64th out of 467, placing it among the top 14 percent of graduate nursing programs in the United States. UMSL’s MSN program is fully accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and prepares its students to pursue careers in nursing leadership, clinical practice, and education. Despite being a smaller program compared to some of the top-ranking schools, UMSL has made a name for itself through its high standards of education and its dedication to producing competent, compassionate, and capable nurses who are ready to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare.