The University of Rhode Island’s College of Nursing has leapt into the top-100 rankings of graduate nursing programs nationwide, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 Best Graduate Schools survey. The nursing master’s program ranks 79th among hundreds of schools across the nation and is the only nursing school in Rhode Island ranked in the top 100.
“This achievement is a testament to the academic rigor of our curriculum, rooted in the robust teaching and research of our faculty,” said Barbara Wolfe, dean of the College of Nursing. “Such a ranking is particularly meaningful because we have such a strong program with outstanding students and exceptional faculty.”
As the field of nursing becomes increasingly complex and demanding, more nurses are choosing to pursue advanced training and expertise through graduate studies. “A graduate degree can lead to professional advancement and a potential salary increase,” said Anita Narayan, managing editor of Education at U.S. News, noting that the rankings can help students make informed choices.
U.S. News surveyed hundreds of the nation’s nursing schools with graduate programs accredited in late summer 2016 by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. To collect the data, nursing school deans and deans of graduate studies were asked to rate the academic quality on 14 weighted indicators. In addition, other indicators include research activity, faculty credentials, percentage of faculty members with important achievements and faculty participation in nursing practice.
The statistical data were collected from nursing schools using a single online statistical survey in fall 2016 and early 2017.
The complete list of ranked programs and more information can be found on the U.S. News website.