The Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions traces its roots to the founding of the Hahnemann Hospital Training School for Nurses in 1890. The college's undergraduate studies program includes accelerated career and co-op options for the bachelor of science in nursing program. Graduate studies include master's and doctoral degree programs, as well as post-graduate nurse practitioner and nurse anesthesia programs.
The Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing in Philadelphia offers undergraduate programs leading to the bachelor of science in nursing. Since 1891, the school has educated nurse clinicians, educators and researchers. The university also grants associate, master's and doctoral degrees in nursing. Post-master's certificate programs are also available in a range of fields, including neonatal care, nursing informatics, women's health and advanced acute care.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing offers undergraduate programs towards a bachelor of science in nursing, and graduate programs at the master's and doctoral levels. Accelerated programs are also available for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree and a joint bachelor-master's program. The school has a state-of-the-art simulation lab and classrooms with the latest hospital-based electronic medical records technology. Clinical experience is provided at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
In the US News & World Report's last ranking of nursing schools in 2007, the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing ranked seventh in the United States. The university grants the bachelor of science in nursing, the master of science in nursing, and the doctorate in nursing. The school also offers a master's degree in nurse anesthesia and a post-master's doctorate in nursing practice in anesthesia.
Founded in 1842, Villanova University is a Catholic institution of higher learning located west of Philadelphia. The School of Nursing was established in 1953 and emphasizes both spiritual and physical health education. The College of Nursing is one of only three in the United States designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. The college offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree nursing programs.