List Of Top Nursing Schools In The US For Potential Medical Students

Ready to discover the best places to begin your nursing education? Let’s help you take that daring first step!

Top Nursing Schools In The US For Undergraduate Students

Starting a nursing career begins with selecting the right educational institution. The United States of America presents numerous esteemed nursing programs. 

Each program or course offers unique strengths to prepare students for the challenging healthcare field. Below, we look into two of the nation's top nursing schools for undergrads.

Duke University 

• Location: Durham, North Carolina
• Graduation Rate: 95%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 99%

Brief History: Established in 1931, Duke University School of Nursing has evolved into a global leader in nursing education. The school emphasizes research and evidence-based practice, contributing significantly to advancements in healthcare.

Best Nursing Programs Offered: Duke offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. It is a full-time, campus-based 16-month program designed for individuals who have completed an intermediate degree in a non-nursing field.

Notable Alumni:

• Dr. Ernest Grant: President of the American Nurses Association.
• Dr. Catherine Gilliss: Former Dean of Duke University School of Nursing.
• Dr. Marion Broome: Dean of Duke University School of Nursing.

University of Pennsylvania 

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Graduation Rate: 96%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%

Brief History: Founded in 1935, the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is renowned for its research and teaching excellence. It has consistently been at the forefront of nursing education, integrating cutting-edge research into clinical practice.

Best Nursing Programs Offered: The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that combines detailed academic coursework with extensive clinical experiences. It is to fully prepare students for diverse healthcare settings.

Notable Alumni:

• Dr. Claire M. Fagin: First female interim president of the University of Pennsylvania.
• Dr. Afaf I. Meleis: Former Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.
• Dr. Linda Aiken: Renowned researcher in nursing outcomes and policy.

Top Graduate Nursing Schools In The US

Pursuing advanced nursing education is a significant step toward leadership and specialized roles in healthcare. The United States is home to several prestigious institutions offering exceptional graduate nursing programs.

Johns Hopkins University

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Graduation Rate: 93%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 86%

Brief History: Established in 1889, the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing has a long-standing tradition of excellence in nursing education. It has consistently been ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation. This reflects its commitment to advancing the field through education, research, and practice.

Best Nursing Programs Offered: Johns Hopkins offers a range of graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The DNP program, in particular, has been ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report. It emphasizes the school's leadership in advanced nursing practice.

Notable Alumni:

• Isabel Hampton Robb: The first dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and a leading figure in nursing education.
• Mary Adelaide Nutting: The world's first professor of nursing and a key figure in nursing education reform.
• Ernestine Wiedenbach: A renowned nursing theorist known for her contributions to maternity and clinical nursing.

Yale University

• Location: New Haven, Connecticut
• Graduation Rate: 97%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%

Brief History: Founded in 1923, the Yale School of Nursing has been at the leading edge of nursing courses, research, and practice. It was one of the first schools to adopt the nurse practitioner model, reflecting its innovative approach to healthcare education.

Best Nursing Programs Offered: Yale offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with various specialties. This includes the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The school has been ranked among the top ten graduate nursing schools in the country, underscoring its excellence in advanced nursing educational programs.

Notable Alumni:

• Florence Wald: Considered the mother of the American hospice movement.
• Margaret Grey: Former dean of the Yale School of Nursing and a leader in pediatric nursing research.
• Linda Honan: Known for her innovative teaching methods in nursing education.

Top Nursing Schools In The USA For International Students

The United States allows overseas students a wealth of opportunities to engage with diverse healthcare systems and cultures. Selecting an institution that not only provides exceptional education but also supports international scholars is crucial. 

Let's explore two distinguished schools widely recognized for their nursing programs and commitment to global inclusivity.

University of Michigan

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Graduation Rate: 93%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.6%

Brief History: The University of Michigan's involvement in nursing education began in 1891 with the establishment of the University of Michigan Training School for Nurses. The University of Michigan School of Nursing has a rich history of integrating global perspectives into its curriculum. Through the Office of Global Affairs, the school offers diverse transformative global learning opportunities. It encourages students to engage with different health contexts and cultures.

Best Nursing Programs Offered:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Designed for individuals beginning their nursing education.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Offers advanced clinical and leadership roles.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Focuses on clinical practice-oriented leadership training.
• Ph.D. in Nursing: Emphasizes research and scholarly inquiry.

Notable Alumni:

• Dr. May L. Wykle: A distinguished nursing educator and former president of the International Council of Nurses.
• Dr. Ada Sue Hinshaw: The inaugural director of the National Institute of Nursing Research.
• Dr. Beverly Malone: CEO of the National League for Nursing and former president of the American Nurses Association.

Emory University

• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• Graduation Rate: 89%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 87%

Brief History: Emory University's nursing education dates back to 1905 with the founding of the Wesley Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses in Atlanta. In 1944, the program was integrated into Emory University, and in 1967, it was named the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. Emory's inclusive community attracts students from over 100 countries, fostering a rich cultural exchange.

Best Nursing Programs Offered:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): For students looking to start their nursing careers.
• Accelerated BSN: An expedited program for individuals holding a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Prepares nurses for advanced practice roles.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Emphasizes clinical leadership and application of evidence-based practice.
• Ph.D. in Nursing: Focused on developing nurse scientists and researchers.

Notable Alumni:

• Dr. Linda McCauley: Dean of Emory's School of Nursing and a leader in environmental health nursing research.
• Dr. Susan Grant: Chief Nursing Executive for Emory Healthcare, recognized for her leadership in nursing practice.
• Dr. Marla Salmon: Former dean of Emory's School of Nursing and an advocate for global health initiatives.

Top Registered Nurse (RN) Schools In The United States

Pursuing a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in America requires selecting a program that offers comprehensive education, clinical experience, and a strong support system. 

While multiple institutions are respected for their contributions to healthcare, it's important to note that not all provide a traditional undergraduate nursing program leading to RN licensure.

However, the next mentioned prestigious schools each provide pathways and programs that contribute significantly to the nursing profession.

Harvard University

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Graduation Rate: 97%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%

Brief History: Harvard University, established in 1636, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Harvard has significantly contributed to the nursing field through various initiatives. In 2020, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in collaboration with the Harvard Kennedy School, launched the Harvard Global Nursing Leadership Program. This is to promote nursing and midwifery professions worldwide.

Best Nursing Programs Offered: The top-notch Global Public Health for Nurse Leaders Certificate Program. It is an online program featuring interactive, case-based learning with peer group collaboration, finishing an applied project under the guidance of course instructors and a project mentor.

Notable Alumni:

• Dr. Paul Farmer: Co-founder of Partners In Health, known for his work in global health and social medicine.
• Dr. Atul Gawande: Renowned surgeon, writer, and public health researcher.
• Dr. Jim Yong Kim: Former President of the World Bank and co-founder of Partners In Health.

Stanford University

• Location: Stanford, California
• Graduation Rate: 94%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: N/A

Brief History: Founded in 1885, Stanford University is globally recognized for its contributions to healthcare through its medical center and research initiatives. Although it does not offer a traditional undergraduate nursing program, Stanford Health Care provides one program. It is designed to support the successful transition of newly graduated registered nurses into clinical practice.

Best Nursing Programs Offered: The Nurse Residency Program, is thoughtfully designed for highly motivated, determined, and dedicated new graduate nurses. This initiative aims to support their transition into surgical professions.

Notable Alumni:

• Dr. Abraham Verghese: Physician and author known for emphasizing the importance of the doctor-patient relationship.
• Dr. Lucy Shapiro: Developmental biologist recognized for her work in microbial genetics.
• Dr. Thomas Südhof: Neuroscientist awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Top Nursing Schools In The US HBCUs

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been highly influential in shaping the nursing profession over the years. These institutions offer programs that combine sophisticated academics with a commitment to serving diverse communities.

Howard University 

• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Graduation Rate: 65%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%

Brief History: Established in 1867, Howard University has a century-long tradition of excellence in healthcare education. The Division of Nursing, founded in 1969, has been at the front end of training nurses to address diverse and challenging healthcare needs. Through clinical fieldwork, research, and classroom instruction, students are prepared to excel in various therapeutic settings.

Best Nursing Programs Offered:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A comprehensive program that integrates liberal arts, sciences, and humanities to prepare students for thorough nursing care.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Designed for BSN graduates aiming to advance their careers, this program offers specialized tracks to develop expertise in specific areas of nursing.

Notable Alumni:

• Dr. Beverly Malone: Former president of the American Nurses Association and CEO of the National League for Nursing.
• Dr. Bernadine Lacey: Founder of the nursing program at Bowie State University and a leader in nursing education.
• Dr. Patricia E. Bath: The first African American woman doctor to receive a patent for a medical invention, known for her work in ophthalmology.

Hampton University

• Location: Hampton, Virginia
• Graduation Rate: 56%
• NCLEX Pass Rate: 81.8%

Brief History: Founded in 1868, Hampton University has a rich history of providing quality education in the medical field. Its School of Nursing is one of the oldest continuously operating nursing programs among HBCUs. It has a legacy of producing competent and compassionate nursing professionals.

Best Nursing Programs Offered:

• Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A program that prepares students for professional nursing practice, emphasizing critical thinking and evidence-based care.
• RN to BSN Program: Designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education and obtain a bachelor's degree.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Offers advanced practice roles and leadership positions in nursing.

Notable Alumni:

• Dr. Mary Elizabeth Carnegie: A leading nurse educator and author, known for her contributions to nursing education and the advancement of African American nurses.
• Dr. Lillian Holland Harvey: The first African American dean of the University of Alabama School of Nursing, helpful in the desegregation of nursing education in the South.
• Dr. Sylvia Trent-Adams: Former Deputy Surgeon General of the United States, recognized for her leadership in public health.

Points To Consider When Selecting The Best Nursing Schools In The US

Choosing the right nursing school is a crucial decision that can shape your career and future. To ensure you select a program that aligns with your goals and aspirations, look at the following factors:

Accreditation Status

Confirm the nursing school holds accreditation from recognized bodies. These include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 

Accreditation guarantees that the program meets established standards of quality and that your degree will be recognized by employers and licensing boards. 

For instance, the University of Washington School of Nursing has been a top-rated nursing school by U.S. News & World Report for twenty years. It offers a range of accredited nursing degrees.

NCLEX Pass Rates

Review the school's NCLEX-RN pass rates, as they reflect the program's effectiveness in preparing students for the licensing exam. High pass rates indicate strong academic preparation and support systems. 

For example, the University of Washington's graduating BSN class has passed the NCLEX exam at a strong 93% first-try rate over the past decade.

Clinical Placement Opportunities

Investigate the school's partnerships with healthcare facilities for clinical placements. Strong affiliations with hospitals and clinics provide diverse, hands-on experiences essential for developing practical nursing skills. 

The University of Washington offers clinical placements through active partnerships with more than sixty healthcare providers in Indiana, including five well-known facilities directly on campus.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Assess the availability of financial aid, scholarships, and grant programs. Many nursing schools offer scholarships to help compensate for tuition costs. 

For personalized assistance in crafting compelling scholarship essays, consider utilizing our professional scholarship essay writing service to enhance your application.

Program Specializations

Explore the specializations and advanced practice options offered by the program. Schools that provide a variety of tracks, such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist programs, offer pathways to advanced careers in nursing. 

The University of Washington offers a PhD in nursing science and 11 DNP tracks, catering to diverse career aspirations.

Student Support Services

Evaluate the support services available to students, including tutoring, mentorship programs, and career counseling. A supportive environment can significantly impact your academic success and professional development.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select a nursing school that best fits your educational and professional objectives.

All In All,

With a variety of options available across the U.S., it's important to review each school carefully based on factors like program quality, faculty expertise, and clinical opportunities. 

Whether you’re aiming for a top-ranked institution or seeking specialized programs, we have tried our best to guide you toward the best fit. 

If you're looking for expert assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to our “do my essay for me” service. We’re here to help you craft essays that stand out and make certain your journey toward a successful nursing career is off to the best start.