Find Your Perfect School
How Do I Become a Nurse?
There are many ways and times in life to enter into a career in nursing and if you have some time to spare, then now is a good time to do it. Whether you’re a high school senior or middle-aged professional who is looking to give back to society, you can become a nurse.
Age is just a number and nursing is always a good idea. It is important to note, however, that nursing can be a tiring profession. Many times you are on your feet all day long running from patient to patient. There is a lot of information to keep in your head and this requires clarity of thought in addition to some energy and enthusiasm.
Still at any age nursing is a wonderful career. You have the opportunity to help sick people become well as well as save lives. If you enjoy caring for others then nursing may be the perfect career for you.
To become a nurse you must first become registered to be a nurse. You can become a registered nurse at a community college or you could become a registered nurse by way of a bachelor’s degree at a nursing school or university. After passing the NCLEX-RN examination you are eligible to apply for jobs to become a nurse.
You may wish to go straight through a program to become a nurse practitioner or an advanced nurse. After some years on the job, you can head back to school to gain a specialization in the field or continue to pursue a career as a nurse educator.
If you’re thinking you may want to head back to school we have a list of the best schools in the country for nursing students. This ranking takes into consideration the academic rank of the university, the percentage of students who graduate, as well as the average salary of those who graduate from their programming. Take a look!
The 20 Best In-Person Nursing Schools in America
1. University of Pennsylvania
Premium Score: 98.00
Acceptance Rate: 6%
National Rank: 5
The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League university located in Philadelphia. The university enrolls 25,860 students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1.
UPenn is a research university with the highest level of research activity according to Carnegie. The staff at UPenn are second-to-none with some of the best nursing educators on staff at their nursing school.
Undergraduates may pursue a BSN program which is hands-on offering clinical practice as well as nursing research opportunities. According to their site UPenn, “puts intense focus on community involvement”.
If you are looking for hands-on learning in an academically rigorous setting then you will certainly want to investigate UPenn. Still not sure? Take a look at a few of the courses for the BSN:
- Biologically-Based Chemistry
- The Nature of Nursing Practice
- Fundamentals of Nutrition
- Psychological and Social Diversity in Health and Wellness
- Nursing of Women and Infants
- Nursing of Young and Middle-Aged Adults
UPenn also offers a number of fantastic graduate-level programs with a wide range of specializations including:
- Neonatal,
- Psychiatric Mental-Health,
- Family,
- Women’s Health/Gender-Related
- and many more.
As you can see whether you are just starting your academic career in nursing or continuing it there really is something for all at UPenn.
2. Duke University
Premium Score: 94.75
Acceptance Rate: 6%
National Rank: 1
Duke University School of Nursing
Duke University is a private 4-year university located in Durham, North Carolina. There are 16,606 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1.
According to the US News, Duke University ranks as the 10th best university in the nation, 8th best value school, 26th most innovative school, and 17th for best undergraduate teaching. The university offers four degrees in nursing: an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Ph.D.
The ABSN is a second degree program for individuals who have already completed another bachelor’s degree. It is a 16-month degree program. Here’s a sample of courses from their curriculum:
- Health Assessment and Foundations for Nursing Across the Lifespan
- Professional Nursing: Past, Present, and Future
- Physiologic Homeostasis and Principles of Pharmacology
- Nursing Care and the Childbearing Family
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
If you are a BSN or already hold a master’s degree in nursing then check out Duke’s DNP program. This program is a blended program (both on-campus and online) and the DNP project may be completed at your work. There are several great options for individuals looking to either join the field of nursing or advance in their careers.
3. Columbia University
Premium Score: 92.00
Acceptance Rate: 6.1%
National Rank: 15
Columbia University School of Nursing
Columbia University is an ivy league university located in New York City that enrolls over 30,000 students. The university has the highest research activity according to Carnegie and ranks as the 3rd best school in the nation according to US News.
Additionally, Columbia ranks highly for value, innovation, undergraduate engineering, undergraduate research, writing and so much more. Columbia has been an academic powerhouse since 1754.
The Columbia College of Nursing has in combination with the JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing over 100 years of nursing education. The college offers small classes and no boasts no waitlists meaning you get to participate sooner and in smaller more intimate classroom settings.
Even undergraduate students may study part-time and have the opportunity to transfer in up to 60 credits. Take a look at some classes from the undergraduate curriculum:
- Nutrition and Health
- The Novice Nurse
- Apprentice in Practice
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
- Community Nursing: Local and Global Perspectives
Their master’s program is an MSN with a focus in clinical nurse leadership. The program is 17 months long and holds small classes and is blended meeting in person and online. These programs are specifically designed with the realities of working professionals in mind. If you’re thinking of heading back to advance your career why not investigate the Columbia College of Nursing.
4. University of California Los Angeles
Premium Score: 87.00
Acceptance Rate: 11%
National Rank: 30
The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university that enrolls over 40,000 students. Their student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. According to US News, UCLA ranks as the 20th best university in the nation, 4th for best colleges for veterans, 27th for innovation and number 1 for top public schools.
The UCLA school of nursing offers five degrees ranging from bachelor of science in nursing all the way to doctor of nursing practice. Take a look at a few of the courses from the BSN degree:
- Fundamentals of Professional Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Medical-Surgical A-C
- Nursing Care of Geriatric Patients and Families
- Public Health Nursing
- Physical Assessment
UCLA offers two masters-level courses one of them for entry clinical nurses. This master’s program admits individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject area.
Upon completion, students are awarded the MSN and are prepared to sit for the NCLEX. Additionally, students may pursue a doctor of philosophy and a doctor of nursing practice.
5. Samuel Merritt University
Premium Score: 82.00
Acceptance Rate: 56%
National Rank: 46
Samuel Merritt University is a 4-year specialty focus university located in Oakland, California. There are 2,054 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.
The special focus is health and Samuel Merritt offers degrees in nursing, physician assistant, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and podiatric medicine.
Their school of nursing offers 10 degrees including three bachelor’s degrees, 5 master’s degrees, and two doctoral degrees. Take a peek at a few courses from their accelerated bachelor’s program:
- Introduction to Professional Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Health Aging
- Research
- Community Health
- Mental Health Nursing
There are a few great master’s and doctoral options as well and two of them work for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Samuel Merritt also offers online programming.
6. Johns Hopkins University
Premium Score: 98.00
Acceptance Rate: 9.9%
National Rank: 2
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. There are 26,152 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1. JHU ranks as the 10th best school in the nation and the 19th best value school as well as the 23rd most innovative school. When it comes to health JHU is well-known ranking among the best in the world for their medical degree.
If you already have a bachelor’s either in nursing or another topic, you may want to check out the nursing degrees available at JHU. Here’s a sample of just a few of JHU’s nursing degrees and professional certifications:
- DNP Advanced Practice Track: Pediatric dual primary/ acute care nurse practitioner
- DNP Advanced Practice/ PHD Dual Degree
- DNP Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- DNP Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- DNP Advanced Practice Track
- DNP Clinical Nurse Specialist Online
- DNP Executive Track
- MSN Entry Into Nursing
- MSN Health Systems Management/MBA Dual Degree
- MSN Public Health Nursing/MPH Joint Degree
- And Many more degrees and certifications
As you can see there is something for everyone seeking an advanced degree including individuals who have an undergraduate degree in another field.
7. Georgetown University
Premium Score: 92.00
Acceptance Rate: 12%
National Rank: 31
Georgetown University (Georgetown) is a private university located in the District of Columbia. The university enrollment is 19,204 with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. According to US News, Georgetown ranks as the 24th best university in the nation, 6th best college for veterans, 16th best undergraduate teaching school, 27th best value school, and 33rd most innovative school.
Georgetown made it to our ranking not only for their academic accolades but also the high percentage of students who graduate from their programming, and the high salary that students receive upon graduation.
Georgetown offers bachelor’s, masters and doctoral degrees in the field of nursing. Their BSN is a traditional 4-year degree. Let’s take a peek at the curriculum:
- Health Assessment
- Nutrition and Disease Prevention
- Human Growth and Development
- Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan
- Care of the Older Adult
There are a number of graduate programs offered at Georgetown including four online master’s degree programs. Their doctoral degrees include a post-BSN DNP, post-MSN DNP, and a nurse anesthesia program.
8. Linfield College
Premium Score: 84.00
Acceptance Rate: 83%
National Rank: 281
The Linfield College School of Nursing is a four-year specialty focus school based in Portland, Oregon. This is an all undergraduate school with 335 students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
Some of the highlights from their nursing program include “one-to-one time with faculty, small classroom sizes, and an “open-door policy.”
We like this program for the high success rates and for the high salary students receive upon graduation. Let’s take a closer look at their nursing curriculum:
- Foundations of Community-Based Nursing Practice
- Evidence-Based Nursing
- Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Population-Based Nursing
- Nursing Leadership
The curriculum is comprehensive and rigorous and uses “clinical reasoning” as well as an evidence-based practice. The college offers an on-campus option as well as an online option. All of their programming is based on the wider context of the healthcare system.
9. American University of Health Sciences
Premium Score: 83.00
Acceptance Rate: 100%
National Rank: 443
The American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) is a private four-year university located in Signal Hill California. The university enrolls 293 students and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1.
This is a special focus four-year institution with three main sub-focus areas: nursing, clinical research, and pharmacy. The nursing school offers a BSN as well as and MSN. Here’s a look at a few of the nursing and clinical courses for the BSN:
- Physical Assessment Laboratory
- Introduction to Nursing Health Care
- Clinical Studies
- Health Care Communication
- Older Adult Health Nursing Care
- Human Life Cycle
- Women’s Health Nursing Care Clinical
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Care
If you are looking to pursue a master’s degree you have three options: the family nurse practitioner option, nurse educator, or the nurse leadership and management option. The family nurse practitioner degree requires 85 credits to complete whereas the others require 65. All of the programs are areas in high demand.
10. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences
Premium Score: 89.00
Acceptance Rate: 14%
National Rank: 84
SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Nursing
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a special focus area 4-year medical school and center. There are 1,846 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1.
We selected this program as it ranks highly academically for its nursing programming, nursing-midwifery program, and others. Additionally, SUNY Downstate graduates have a high success rate and on average a high salary upon completion. Their school of nursing offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as advanced certificates.
Their accelerated BS in Nursing is a 15-month program for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s in any discipline ahead of the program. Here’s a list of their programs:
- Accelerated BSN
- RN to BSN
- MS Family NP
- MS Women’s NP
- MS Nurse Midwifery
- Advanced Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education
- Advanced Certificate in Women’s Health Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Each of their programs are designed to fill a specific need for nursing professionals whether you’re heading back to school to initiate your career as a nurse or are heading back to advance your career there are many fantastic options at SUNY Downstate.
11. MGH Institute of Health Professions
Premium Score: 87.00
Acceptance Rate: 55%
National Rank: 68
MGH Institute of Health Professions: Nursing
The MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGHIHP) is a private 4-year institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. This is a special focus four-year institution that enrolls 1,250 students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.
In addition to nursing programs, MGHIHP offers degrees in communication sciences, genetic counseling, health profession education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physical assistant studies. These are their nursing degrees:
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing
- Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: For Advanced Practice Nurses
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: For Nurse Executives
- Master of Science in Nursing Post BSN Program
Their accelerated bachelor of science in nursing is a 16-month immersive program in nursing. The program offers a 1:6 student-faculty ratio.
The curriculum includes programming in health assessment, nursing practice, common problems of adult health, ethical issues in health care, maternal child nursing, and an internship. Are you ready to jump into the field of nursing? Try the accelerated program at MGHIHP.
12. University of Virginia
Premium Score: 91.00
Acceptance Rate: 21%
National Rank: 45
The University of Virginia is a public research university that is the flagship of the University of Virginia schools. It ranks 19th in the nation according to US News as well as 9th as best colleges for veterans, 23rd for best undergraduate teaching, 32nd for best value school, 72nd for most innovative school, and 4th for top public schools.
Their program made it to our list of the best nursing universities because its graduates are successful and have a high average starting salary. Their nursing school offers a strong, supportive and academically rigorous environment for students from a wide range of backgrounds.
The University of Virginia school of nursing offers programs for bachelors, master’s and doctoral students. For those pursing an MSN there are seven areas of concentration:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care CNS
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Clinical Nurse Leader (Direct Entry)
- Clinical Nurse Leader (For RNs)
- Family NP
- Neonatal NP
- Pediatric NP- Acute Care
- Pediatric NP- Primary Care
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
So whether you are just starting off your career as a nurse or looking to specialize the programs as the University of Virginia are an exciting option.
13. Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences
Premium Score: 83.00
Acceptance Rate: 59%
National Rank: 477
Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Saint Luke’s College of Health and Science is a special-focus four-year college that offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The university enrollment is 665 and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
The college boasts a 100% employment rate not to mention rigorous academics from a high-quality curriculum. We selected this program for the high graduation rate, the high salary, and the excellent curriculum. Let’s take a look at their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):
- Pathophysiology
- Health Assessment and Promotion
- Introduction to Nursing
- Adult Health Nursing
- Foundations of Professional Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
- Gerontology
As you can see their entry-level program is well-rounded and provides an excellent foundation to nursing. With a 100% employment rate and high average salary, a BSN from Saint Luke’s is an excellent career option.
If you are looking to advance in your career or specialize, their master’s degrees are an excellent option. You could study AGACNP, Family NP, or Nurse Educator. All three of these careers are in high demand. If you’re looking to initiate or further your career as a nurse the degrees from Saint Luke’s are a great place to start.
14. Oregon Health and Science University
Premium Score: 94.50
Acceptance Rate: 2.28%
National Rank: 16
Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) is a public four-year special focus university located in five locations across the state of Oregon. The university enrolls 3,000 students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
According to the US News rankings for the best graduate nursing programs in the nation, OHSU ranks 2nd for midwifery, 12th for family specialty NP, and 12th for pediatric primary care NP. OHSU offers many accelerated nursing programs including their accelerated bachelors to DNP program.
This program includes a 15 month accelerated bachelor’s degree that goes straight into a three-year DNP program. The accelerated bachelor’s offers the following courses:
- Health Promotion
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
- Acute Illness
- And More…
All of their program has the same focus- positive change for healthcare for all types of citizens in the state of Oregon and in the US.
15. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
Premium Score: 81.00
Acceptance Rate: 84%
National Rank: 877
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is a private special-focus health professions school located in Peoria, Illinois. There are 607 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
The center offers BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees and their campus has a 600-bed major medical center. Their graduation rate is high and so are the average salaries of their graduates. Here’s a look at a few of the core nursing courses for the BSN:
- Health Assessment
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacological Basis of Nursing Practice
- Nursing and Healthcare Ethics
- Conceptual Basis of Nursing
- Conceptual Basis of Nursing Clinical
- Trends and Issues for Professional Nursing
Their accelerated MSN is for students who have an associate’s degree in nursing with 59 credits of pre-nursing courses. Additionally, masters seeking individuals may pursue a degree in adult gerontology, family NP, Neonatal NP, nurse educator, nursing management leadership, psychiatric mental health NP.
16. University of Nebraska Medical Center
Premium Score: 96.00
Acceptance Rate: 48%
National Rank: 41
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a public 4-year university with 4,000 students enrolled and a student-to-faculty ratio of 2:1.
Their graduates have an extremely high success rate as well as high salary upon completion and UNMC ranks highly for multiple health-related programs according to US News. They rank 12th best medical school for primary care, 62nd for best medical school research, 61st for best nursing school master’s, 15th for best physician assistant programs and many more.
The nursing school offers three bachelor’s options and three graduate degrees. Among these programs is their accelerated one-year BSN for individuals who have previously obtained a bachelor’s degree. Let’s take a look at what that program is like:
- 12 months
- Challenging
- Packed With Learning Opportunity
- Cohort-Based
- Small Classes
- Full-Time
- Rigorous
If you think you have what it takes, then heading back to UNMC for a career change is an excellent idea.
17. Touro University Nevada
Premium Score: 83.5
Acceptance Rate: N/A%
National Rank: 624
Touro University Nevada is a private 4-year university located in Henderson, Nevada. There are 1,479 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1. Their school of nursing features four main programs and RN-BSN, MSN Program, Post-MSN Graduate Certificate, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
The RN-BSN program is designed with nurses in mind as a one-year degree with online classes. The Post-MSN program is for individuals looking to meet the requirements of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The RN-BSN program includes online courses in:
- Research
- Healthy Delivery, Information Management, and Technology in Nursing
- Nursing Health Assessment and Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology for Nurses
- Family Community and Global Populations
- Health Policy & Leadership in Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing focuses on advanced nursing practice across the continuum as well as treatment for disease and mental wellness. If you are interested in advancing your career as a nurse the rigorous curriculum at Touro University Nevada can help you get there.
18. Emory University
Premium Score: 93.00
Acceptance Rate: 76%
National Rank: 6
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Emory University is a private university located in Atlanta, Georgia. There are 14,458 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1. The US News ranks Emory as the 21st best school in the nation and Emory also ranks highly for value, innovation, and first-year experiences.
The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers BNS programming, accelerated nursing programming for students returning to school from a background other than nursing, MSN program, and doctoral programming. Take a look at the curriculum for the accelerated BSN:
- Social Responsibility and Bioethics in Nursing
- Foundation of Nursing Practice
- Pathophysiology for Nurses
- Health Promotion and Wellness
- Health Assessment
- Population Health
- Pharmacology for Nurses
- Acute and Chronic Care
- Clinical Integration
- Mental Health Nursing
- And Much More
Their accelerated curriculum is also available online. If you are looking to advance your practice and specialize Emory offers a number of options including neonatal, gerontology, emergency nurse, family nurse practitioner, pediatric acute care, nurse-midwifery, and women’s health.
19. University of Michigan
Premium Score: 89.00
Acceptance Rate: 20%
National Rank: 17
University of Michigan School of Nursing
The University of Michigan Ann Arbor is the flagship university for the UM university system. There are nearly 50,000 students enrolled at this public university and the student-to-faculty ratio is still just 11:1. That’s because UM is exceptionally research-heavy.
US News ranks UM as the 25th best school in the nation, 7th best college for veterans, 44th best value school, 12th most innovative school, and 3rd best public school in the nation. The University of Michigan school of nursing offers a BSN, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. Here are a few of the courses for the BSN:
- Health Assessment
- Culture of Health
- Pharmacology Foundations of Nursing
- Intro to Clinical Practice
- Evaluating Data Sources and Evidence for Nursing Practice
Those with a BSN may wish to pursue their online master’s in nursing (MSN) and follow an area of specialization including adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, primary care, nurse midwifery, primary care family nurse, nurse-midwifery/primary care pediatric nurse among others.
20. Boston College
Premium Score: 82.50
Acceptance Rate: 28%
National Rank: 21
Boston College is a private four-year university located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. There are 14,720 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. Boston College ranks as the 37th best university in the nation, 52nd for most innovative school, 8th in service-learning, 31st in undergraduate research, and 34th in value.
The Connell School of Nursing offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Take a look at their curriculum for their bachelor’s degree program:
- Adult Health Nursing Theory
- Childbearing Nursing Theory
- Nursing Assessment of Health
- Principles of Nutrition
- Child Health Theory
- Child Health Clinical
- Actualizing the Role of Professional Nurse
- Psyche Mental Health Clinical
There are two doctors of nursing practice programs including one in nursing practice anesthesia. We were excited to see Boston College’s accelerated DNP program for students with degrees in other areas. Their direct entry DNP program is a great fit for any individual looking to change careers and fulfill a role as a high-demand nurse practitioner.
As you can see each program is worth investigating as each program has as different emphasis or focus. Not to mention each institution is decidedly distinct. If in-person education is not an option for you, then maybe you’re considering studying nursing online.
*https://www.nursingschoolsalmanac.com/rankings/national
Can I Study Nursing Online?
As nursing is such a hands-on career you may be wondering if you can even study nursing online. The fact is, nursing is in such high demand that universities have created programs to match the fast-paced and hectic lives of modern day professionals.
There are many programs that offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nursing online.
There may be instances where students have to go in for some intensives once or twice a year of complete part of the program in-person utilizing a hybrid format. More or less, however the majority of programming may be accessed online.
If you are already a professional it is possible to use your place of work for your clinical experience.
Before initiating your program you may want to ask yourself some of the following questions:
- How busy am I? Do I have time for any travel during this program?
- Do I like to learn in person with a class or is it okay to learn independently?
- Will I be able to get time with a professor?
- Can I afford to head back to school right now?
It is important to note that online education is as rigorous as on-campus education. An online degree really shines for convenience, affordability, and access? Are you ready to take a further look at some of the best schools offering online nursing programming? Here’s our ranking of the best.