University of Washington is ranked number one in U.S. News and World Report's list of the best family nurse practitioner programs. At the university, you'll be taught by practicing nurse practitioners and learn in actual clinics that encompass a variety of people and situations. You'll also have the opportunity to work with nationally known researchers. The coursework includes such topics as advanced health assessment for all ages, health promotion and illness management. You'll study single acute and chronic illnesses and learn how to manage multiple problems with a patient. The school has close ties to clinics where you'll have opportunities to work directly with patients. The clinical courses typically match one student with one practicing nurse practitioner, ensuring you'll receive a thorough education.
University of Washington
School of Nursing
P.O. Box 357260
Seattle, WA 98195
206-543-8736
son.washington.edu/
The University of California at San Francisco is ranked number two in U.S. News and World Report's list of the top family nurse practitioner programs. In addition to the core program, you can choose concentrations in other areas including teaching, HIV care, or health policy. Some of the general topics you'll study include family nursing theory and intervention, health care concepts and practice, and acute and chronic illness management. You'll be able to apply the coursework in clinical settings that deal with a wide range of patients while working with nurse practitioners and doctors. Specific classes in the program include women's reproductive health, nutrition, pediatric pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, and symptom assessment and management.
University of California, San Francisco
School of Nursing
2 Koret Way, #N-319X
San Francisco, CA 94143-0602
415-476-1435
nurseweb.ucsf.edu/
U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Pennsylvania as number three on its list of the top family nurse practitioner programs. Started in 1973, the program is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. The clinics where you'll receive your hands-on training are situated in both the inner city and the suburbs where you'll work with nurse practitioners and doctors. The global nursing and healthcare minor qualifies you to work as a nurse practitioner around the world, and you may also choose to study with a mentoring teacher in another country. Some of the classes you'll study include applied pharmacology in nursing practice, clinical decision making, primary care of the middle aged and older adult, nursing of children, and advanced concepts in primary care.
University of Pennsylvania
School of Nursing
420 Guardian Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6096
215-898-8281
nursing.upenn.edu/