The 5 Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs in the US – Nursing school can be an intimidating experience, especially if you’re starting out at the undergraduate level rather than earning an associate degree or certificate and then moving on to a bachelor’s program. The quality of undergraduate nursing programs in the United States varies greatly by institution, however, so it’s important to choose wisely before diving into your studies. Here are five of the best undergraduate nursing programs available in the US today…
What is an Undergraduate Nursing Program?
To become a registered nurse, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This type of program prepares you for entry-level positions and is designed to produce graduates who are licensed to work as a professional nurse. While undergraduate programs are available for nursing students at all levels, it’s typical for undergraduate students to attend college or university courses related directly to their career goals. Some schools offer an associate’s degree program, which allows current RNs or medical professionals with two years of experience or fewer to obtain a BSN (Bachelor of Science) without obtaining a bachelor’s degree first. It takes four years on average to complete an associate’s degree program and approximately two years to complete a bachelor’s degree program.
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Here are the 5 Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs
1. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison
2. University of Texas at Austin, Austin
3. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
4. Duke University, Durham
5. Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland
1) Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. A member of the Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt offers undergraduate and graduate programs to an enrollment of 10,070 students. Undergraduates can choose from more than 40 majors and minors offered by eight different schools. Vanderbilt’s nursing program is widely regarded as one of the best undergraduate nursing programs in the country—in 2014 U.S. News ranked it tied for third nationally alongside Johns Hopkins University and behind only Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing at Harvard University. In 2015, Money magazine ranked Vanderbilt as No.
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2) Harvard University
With an acceptance rate of only 3.9%, it’s a challenge to get into Harvard—but it’s worth it. Admissions are based on academic achievement and personal character, but one of the most important parts of Harvard’s application is your essay. You need to discuss your long-term career goals and why you believe studying at Harvard will help you achieve them. You also need to explain why nursing is your passion.
3) Yale University
Yale University’s School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major or minor in nursing. The undergraduate program is designed to prepare students for careers as professional nurses. Students are instructed on leadership and communication skills while they learn various nursing techniques, medications and other important topics pertinent to nursing practice. Additionally, Yale University School of Nursing offers master’s degree programs that prepare students for advanced practice roles.