The most recent rankings produced by "U.S. News & World Report" in 2007 listed three programs atop the list of the best nursing programs in the United States. Third on that list was the University of Pennsylvania's (Penn) School of Nursing Science. Penn's nursing program ranked in the top 10 for both primary care and nursing research, seventh and third, respectively. Penn offers multiple degree options within each of its degree programs. It has bachelor's degrees primarily as an accelerated degree plan, open to registered nurses and students, with a bachelor's degree in another field. Students coming out of high school and transfer students can pursue a bachelor's degree and follow an accelerated program leading to a master's degree. Penn offers a doctor of nursing practice and Ph.D., but primarily excels in its multiple master's degree offerings. Master of science (M.S.N.) degree candidates choose from: psychiatric-mental healthcare, adult acute care, women's health, family health nurse practitioner, gerontology and neonatal care and four different areas of pediatric care.
University of Pennsylvania
School of Nursing
420 Guardian Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6096
214-898-8281
nursing.upenn.edu
Second on the "U.S. News & World Report" rankings list is the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF). Like the Penn program, the UCSF nursing school is at a prominent university with a highly-established medical school. Nursing students benefit from hands-on training while working alongside highly respected medical professionals. The focus at UCSF is on graduate-level nursing degrees and research. The program no longer offers bachelor's degrees in the nursing field. Instead, it offers direct entry into the master's program for students with bachelor's degrees in another field. Nurses with bachelor's degrees can pursue the M.S.N. and specialize in one of several areas: psychiatric care, gerontology, trauma and critical care nursing, adult nurse practitioner and oncology nursing. UCSF also offers both the Ph.D. and the D.N.P.
University of California--San Francisco
School of Nursing
2 Koret Way
#N-319X
San Francisco, CA 94143
415-476-1435
nurseweb.ucsf.edu
The No. 1 ranked nursing program in the nation is the school of nursing at the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle. UW has a long tradition of research and primary care. The medical school at UW is also among the best in the nation. UW's nursing program is known for its cutting-edge research and its emphasis upon training nurses for the practical aspects of the profession. Bachelor's degrees offered at UW include the traditional B.S.N. program and an accelerated program for those from another field. Master's degrees include the master of nursing and the more traditional M.S.N. The Master of Nursing degree is a research-oriented degree, focused on advanced clinical training. UW offers the Ph.D. and D.N.P., along with a number of continuing education programs.
University of Washington
School of Nursing
1959 NE Pacific Street
Seattle, WA 98195
206-543-8736
son.washington.edu