Rankings Rising
U.S. News & World Report places online master’s #1 in the nation
by Phil Saken
U.S. News & World Report released new rankings in January 2022 for online programs and March 2022 for graduate programs. In both lists, Ohio State stood tall.
For the first time in its history, the College of Nursing’s online master of science degree program ranked #1 in the country, with the family nurse practitioner specialization checking in at #3. Ohio State’s online bachelor’s degrees – for which the College of Nursing’s RN to BSN program comprises the highest enrollment – also placed among the nation’s top 10 for the eighth year in a row, ranking #7.
Cindy Anderson, PhD, APRN-CNP, ANEF, FAHA, FNAP, FAAN, senior associate dean for academic affairs and educational innovation at the College of Nursing, said the excellence of the college’s online offerings became crucial over the last two years. “We are very deliberate about the culture we set for our top-ranked online academic programming,” Anderson said. “We are committed to professional teaching, engaged student learning and quality educational programs in an online space that has become that much more important in the pandemic era. That we have maintained our momentum is a testament to the students who pursue professional advancement in nursing in the name of patient care, quality and safety.”
Two of Ohio State’s signature graduate nursing programs also rose in the ranks on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 list. The College of Nursing’s traditional MS in nursing program placed #7 nationally – second among public institutions – and its Doctor of Nursing Practice program came in at #11, fifth among public institutions. DNP specializations in administration/management (#5), adult gerontology acute care (#11) and family (#11) earned special distinction among the country’s finest.
“In the face of historic challenge, our world-class students, faculty, staff and preceptors continue to demonstrate passion, purpose and pride as they dream, discover and deliver the healthier world that we all desperately need,” 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. “We so appreciate the recognition of the consistent excellence of our academic programs, but we are even more proud of the evidence-based clinicians and healthcare leaders who graduate from our programs ready to transform health and improve lives in every community they serve throughout the world.”
