U.S. News & World Report names three master’s specialties among best in the country
New rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report reconfirm the quality and strength of The Ohio State University College of Nursing’s online baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs.
The rankings placed the college’s online Master of Science in Nursing program #3 in the country (#2 among public institutions) and Ohio State’s overall online bachelor’s programs #4 in the country. The college’s online RN to BSN program constitutes more than half of the university’s online undergraduates. Three of the master’s degree program’s specialties also ranked among the best in the nation:
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: #1
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan): #3
- Family Nurse Practitioner: #4
The College of Nursing’s online master’s program ranked in the nation’s top six for the seventh consecutive year. The university’s online bachelor’s programs have ranked in the top four nationally for four years in a row, including #1 in 2018 and 2020.
“Our world-class faculty, staff and students continue to show leadership, passion, dedication and resiliency, especially during this historic time in healthcare,” said Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer and dean of the College of Nursing. “Our sustained top rankings confirm what we already know: that our college makes a terrific impact in preparing evidence-based clinicians who LIVE WELL and leaders who dream, discover and deliver a healthier world for us all.”
“Our history of excellence in online education has benefitted our students and our communities exponentially during the pandemic,” said Cindy Anderson, PhD, RN, APRN-CNP, ANEF, FAHA, FNAP, FAAN, senior associate dean for academic affairs and educational innovation at the College of Nursing. “It has been incredibly inspiring to watch our students and faculty persevere and thrive through this situation while we continue to deliver outstanding online education that elevates the quality and safety of patient care.”
In 2019-20, the College of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing online program educated more than 220 students. The program places special emphasis on evidence-based practice, personal wellness and burnout prevention, and clinical experiences using technology including the growing area of telehealth.
“With Ohio State’s program, I have ceaseless opportunities for professional involvement and engagement, and I have been able to engage in evidence-based practice projects and connect with accomplished leaders and practitioners that has ultimately prepared me for my future as a nurse practitioner,” said Nicole Clarke, a current student in the college’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program.
