RN / Nursing School Programs Rankings

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One of the best ways to get a feel for the registered nursing programs available is to check out professional rankings available for college students. Every publication has its own ways of measuring the value of a program, and you certainly should not make your educational choices solely on a school’s ranking, but this is a great way to get started with your college research so you can find the best school for you.

Nursing School Rankings

Some college rankings include programs covering all educational majors, but for the most help in choosing an RN program, it is best to look at rankings that specifically cover nursing schools. U.S. News and World Report is a great resource for this, as they provide a supplemental nursing list in addition to their main college ranking list. The National Health Institute also provides a great list of nursing schools ranked by value, and you can look to your state nursing board to find out more about schools in your specific area.

Rankings are usually published annually, but some lists are published more or less frequently. Use the most updated

Program Characteristics

Every rankings list has its own way of rating nursing programs. Some of the common factors used by publications to rank nursing schools include the following:

Class size and student-to-professor ratio
Standardized test scores of incoming students
Percentage of students with jobs after graduation
Publications by students and professors
Availability of financial aid and scholarships
Amount of money spent on research projects
Library resources for students
Student retention rate

In addition, some rankings use a peer evaluation score to rate schools. They ask professors or school administrators from similar schools to rate programs on personal opinion, and this score is factored into a program’s overall total.

The Pros and Cons of Rankings

The biggest advantage to nursing school program rankings is that you’re able to read a lot of information in one place. Rankings lists organize statistics about a college, giving you an overview of all the programs you’re considering. Of course, these lists aren’t perfect. Keep in mind that college rankings can leave out important pieces of information, which sometimes skews the favor to a certain nursing program, even though it may not be the best for you. Rankings information is also a bit outdated, even with lists that are compiled annually, since it takes time to collect and analyze the data.

What Else to Consider

Don’t stop your nursing school program research with college rankings. There’s a lot to learn about about each program you’re considering that the rankings won’t tell you. Take a tour of the campus to get a feel for the atmosphere. Even if your program is online, you can still take a virtual tour to find out what it is like as a distance learning student. It also helps to talk to current and previous students, as they can tell you what they really like and dislike about their program. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you learn about each program, the better decision you can make about which school to attend.

LPN to RN College Programs

With some additional schooling, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can become a registered nurse (RN), opening doors to more job opportunities and higher salaries. The following is a list of schools with the best online LPN to RN degree programs offered by accredited colleges. You can request information by clicking the college's logo.

LPN to RN (BSN)	Indiana State University—ISU’s LPN to BSN degree program is the only online LPN to RN training program in the United States. LPNs and LVNs who complete this program can earn their NLNAC-approved Bachelor of Science degree in nursing entirely online. Upon completion, graduates should meet all of the prerequisites for becoming an RN. Read an in-depth review of Indiana State University.
LPN to RN LPN to ADN LPN to BSN	The College Network—Earn your LPN to RN (ADN) degree completely online with no campus attendance and no wait list. Learn from the convenience of home at your own pace, and earn an NLNAC-accredited associate’s degree in less time and for less money than traditional campus programs. Read an in-depth review of The College Network.
	Select a subject and degree level, then click "Find My Degree" to browse 100+ online nursing schools offering relevant accredited programs.
RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Administration MSN in Nurse Education	Kaplan University—Kaplan University’s RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs feature curriculums that provide registered nurses with the tools to graduate with BSN and MSN degrees. The MSNs in Nurse Administration or Nurse Education feature curriculums that teach methods in management and education in order to prepare students for leadership and educator positions with in the nursing field.
BS in Nursing RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Education MSN in Nurse Informatics MSN in Nurse Management	Walden University—Founded in 1970, Walden University is dedicated to providing education for a higher purpose. The Nursing School confers degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s level, which provides further study in health informatics, nursing education, and nursing leadership/management. Walden is one of the biggest providers of online master and doctorate programs with over a hundred degrees offered at each level.
MSN in Nurse Education MSN in Nurse Management	Herzing University—Founded in 1965, Herzing University is dedicated to the enrichment of the next generation. The university’s School of Nursing confers online nursing degrees at the master’s (nursing management or nursing education) degree level. The curriculum is designed to represent a wide variety of the nursing spectrum, including surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and mental health.