The top three graduate nursing schools, according to U.S. News & World Report in 2010, are University of Washington in Seattle, University of California in San Francisco and University of Pennsylvania. University of Washington's Nursing School has been ranked as the best nursing school for more than 25 years due to its faculty, highly-demanded graduates, award-winning research, inventive and technologically stimulating curriculum and critical community partnerships. UCSF prides itself of serving the community with teaching, research, patient care and public service. Penn Nursing, University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing offers as many as 18 master's programs with flexible degree options.
A pediatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who provides nursing care to infants, children and adolescents. They are qualified to perform physical examinations, diagnose injuries and common illnesses and prescribe necessary treatment, therapies and medication. According to U.S. News & World Report in 2010, the top three graduate nursing schools that offer pediatrics as a specialization are University of Pennsylvania, Yale University and University of Colorado in Denver.
A psychiatric-mental health nurse practices at two levels: basic and advanced. Nurses with advanced degrees --- master's or doctoral --- in this specialty can practice as advanced nurse specialists. They provide the complete range of primary mental health care services to individuals, families, groups and communities, functioning as psychotherapists and in certain states, can prescribe medications. The top three graduate nursing schools in this specialty are University of Washington in Seattle, University of California in San Francisco and University of Pennsylvania according to U.S. News & World Report in 2010.
Geriatric or gerontological nurses provide physical and psychological health care for older adults, ages 65 and up, to maximize their daily functioning by promoting, maintaining and rehabilitating their physical and mental health. These nurses are employed in hospitals, community health centers, senior centers, long-term care facilities and patients' homes. The top three graduate schools in 2010 that offer this specialty are University of Pennsylvania, University of Iowa and New York University according to U.S. News & World Report.