The UNMC College of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program was ranked 15th out of 681 nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report this week. The magazine released the rankings as part of its 2022-23 Best Colleges report.
“Seeing the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing BSN program ranked 15th in the country is stellar recognition of the quality of our program,” said Juliann Sebastian, PhD, dean of the college. “The talented and dedicated faculty, staff, students and clinical partners work hard every day to make this program great. Graduates go on to impressive clinical roles, providing leadership in practice, basing their practice on evidence and collaborating with team members who all focus on the needs of patients, families and communities.”
Dr. Sebastian pointed to the college’s strong research and practice programs.
“These programs highlight for students how research evidence is developed and used and give students opportunities for academic enrichment.”
UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, said the ranking reflected the commitment to care that highlights not only the UNMC College of Nursing, but UNMC as a whole.
“Dr. Sebastian and her college can be justly proud of this accomplishment, which puts the college’s BSN program among the top 3% in the country,” Dr. Gold said. “As with other health professions, the importance of nursing, as well as the dedication of nurses and nurse educators, has been underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased, but not surprised, to see the UNMC College of Nursing among the national leaders in educating the next generation of nurses for Nebraska and beyond.”
Katherine Bravo, PhD, director of the BSN program, called the ranking “a testimony to the hard work that goes on in our College of Nursing.
“We appreciate the prestige that comes along with the U.S. News ranking and strive to continue educating students at a high level,” she said.
“UNMC is very proud of the multi-pronged excellence that is the hallmark of our College of Nursing,” said Dele Davies, MD, senior vice chancellor of academic affairs. “The faculty and staff are leaders in student-centered learning, cutting-edge research and community outreach, and this ranking validates this extraordinary team that are transforming lives locally, across our communities and nationally each and every day.”
The UNMC College of Nursing has brick-and-mortar divisions across Nebraska, with locations in Scottsbluff, Kearney, Norfolk, Lincoln and Omaha. It offers several different tracks within the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program, as well as advanced practice and doctoral-level programs. The college also provides countless offerings for continuing nursing education.
According to U.S. News, the Bachelor of Science in nursing program rankings were determined by the average of scores received from surveys of top academics and officials at nursing schools or departments. These officials rated the overall quality of undergraduate BSN programs they were familiar with on a 1-5 scale.
Schools were included and ranked in this standalone peer assessment survey if they have bachelor’s-level accreditation by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. In addition, these regionally accredited institutions must have recently awarded at least 40 BSN degrees.