St. John Fisher College

• 3690 East Ave, Rochester, NY - 14618-3597
• ((58) 5) -385-8000
• 

Located in Rochester, St. John Fisher College is an institution of higher education which places emphasis in the liberal arts. With small class size, students will get personalized attention from the faculty. Students in its Wegmans School of Nursing will benefit from hands-on experiences conducted throughout the Rochester region and in health care mission trips abroad.

Traditional Nursing Program – This traditional nursing program has its foundation in discipline knowledge and evidence-based practice. Completion of the college core and prerequisites are given focus in the first two years of the program. In the latter part, nursing theory through clinical coursework is given emphasis. A simulation center which mirrors a hospital unit is also enhanced training.

Online RN to BSN Program – This flexible and accelerated program is designed for RNs who possess a nursing diploma or an associate degree. With online delivery, 24/7 access to online tutoring support services is available. Some courses have embedded project-based experiential learning. The program can be completed in 12 or 18 months for a full-time or part-time study plan, respectively.

M.S. in Nursing Programs– This MSN program has five options for specialization, and is offered for RNs with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a current NYS license. The said tracks of specialization are: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP), Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS). Upon program completion, students can also pursue a post-master’s certification in any of the above specializations. An online option for the PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP and AGPNCP is also available.

Fast-Track Master’s Nursing Options – The Accelerated Opportunity allows students to include courses in the master’s degree in their undergraduate program. These fast tracks their attainment of a master’s degree. There are two options available to do this—through the BS to MS option and the RN to BS to MS Option.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program – Two entry options are available for students wanting to obtain a DNP degree. The first one is the post-master’s option requiring at least 33 credit hours of coursework. The second one is through a baccalaureate degree in nursing option, requiring 62-72 credit hours. Coursework is delivered in a hybrid method inclusive of seminars and simulations.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

• 1 University Ave, Lowell, MA - 01854-5104
• ((97) 8) -934-4000
• 

The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) is a public research university located in the vibrant city of Boston, Massachusetts. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at UMass Boston offers a range of comprehensive nursing programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in healthcare. Known for its high NCLEX pass rates, innovative curriculum, and strong clinical partnerships, UMass Boston provides an excellent education for aspiring nurses. The program’s emphasis on experiential learning and a supportive learning environment makes it one of the best choices for nursing education in the state.

Key Student Benefits

High NCLEX Pass Rates

UMass Boston’s nursing program boasts impressive NCLEX pass rates, reflecting the quality of education and preparation students receive. This high pass rate ensures that graduates are well-equipped to enter the nursing profession with confidence.

Innovative Curriculum

The nursing programs at UMass Boston are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in healthcare policy, nursing research methods, and health care informatics. The curriculum includes a final capstone project that allows students to apply their knowledge in various practice settings, preparing them for real-world challenges.

Strong Clinical Partnerships

UMass Boston has established strong clinical partnerships with some of the finest health facilities in the region. These partnerships provide students with diverse clinical placements, covering specialties such as adult health, pediatrics, obstetrics, mental health, and public health. This extensive network ensures that students receive a well-rounded clinical education.

Nursing Programs Offered

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• The BSN program provides students with the knowledge and skills required for a successful nursing career. A key benefit is the program’s comprehensive curriculum, which includes courses such as Pathophysiology for Nursing and Fundamentals of Nursing, ensuring a well-rounded education.

RN to BSN Program (Online)

• This online program is designed for registered nurses who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing and wish to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A significant benefit is the program’s flexibility, allowing nurses to advance their education and career without interrupting their work schedules.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• The MSN program prepares students to be leaders in nursing education and/or global public health. A key benefit is the program’s focus on healthcare policy, nursing research methods, and health care informatics, providing a comprehensive education that prepares graduates for advanced practice roles.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• The DNP program is designed for those aiming to achieve the highest level in the nursing profession. A standout benefit is the program’s focus on organization and systems leadership, preparing students to influence healthcare policies and practices on a local and global scale.

UMass Boston’s nursing programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in the dynamic field of nursing. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, supportive faculty, and a commitment to excellence, UMass Boston remains a top choice for nursing education in Massachusetts.

Citations:
[1] https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools/university-of-massachusetts-lowell-33130
[2] https://www.uml.edu/health-sciences/nursing/
[3] https://www.uml.edu/admissions/transfers/nursing-transfer-program.aspx
[4] https://nursing.massachusetts.edu/index/cross-registration/UML-Registration/
[5] https://www.uml.edu

CUNY Hunter College

• 695 Park Ave, New York, NY - 10065
• ((21) 2) -772-4000
• 

Located in Park Avenue, Hunter College is one of the constituents of the City University of New York (CUNY system). Its nursing baccalaureate, master’s, post-graduate and DNP programs under its School of Nursing (SON) is CCNE-accredited. Moreover, students in the SON benefit from clinical experiences conducted throughout various community, ambulatory, and hospital affiliated settings across New York City. It is conveniently located near Bellevue Hospital, VA Medical Center, and NYU Langone Medical Center. Undergraduate Nursing Programs – Three programs leading to a BSN degree are offered at Hunter College. The Generic Program is a traditional study which requires four-year completion. The RN-to-BS Program is designed for RNs with an associate’s degree in nursing. Meanwhile, the Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing Program (A2D) is for those with baccalaureate degrees in another field. The program places emphasis on a comprehensive and humanistic approach to healthcare with foundation on professional education and liberal arts. Graduate Nursing Programs – Hunter College offers five specializations for students seeking a master’s degree in nursing. The said program specializations are: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (42 credits), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (48 credits), Community/Public Health Nursing (42 credits, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (42 credits), and Nursing Administration/Urban Policy and Leadership (52 credits). The last specialization is a dual-degree program. Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate Program – This Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate Program has a total 36 credit units. It equips RNs for provision of psychiatric and mental health services. It has a total of 630 hours of supervised clinical experience. Doctoral Program – Designed to prepare nurse practitioners for evidence-based advanced nursing services for a diverse population, this program has three tracks of specialization. The said tracks are Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Nurses with bachelor’s or master’s degrees are eligible for admission. The program is available for a full-time or part-time study with required 1000 supervised clinical hours. PhD in Nursing – This 50-credit PhD program which has rigorous coursework and residency can be completed in 3 years. A 360-hour research residency with a mentor is required in the first two years in the program. Graduates are prepared for various academic positions with their research skills gained from the program.

University of Virginia

• 1827 University Avenue, Charlottesville, VA - 22903-2628
• ((43) 4) -924-0311
• 

The University of Virginia School of Nursing is designed to accommodate the unique needs of working nurses as they navigate towards their degrees. The university is dedicated to providing excellence in the nursing community with compassion, respect, and honor.  The School of Nursing is inclusive and prides itself to being a center where nurses can learn to battle burnout as well. The Compassionate Care Initiative teaches healthcare workers resilience and compassion through educational and experiential programs. In addition, the University of Virginia understands that nursing is a busy profession. Therefore, they provide a number of Continuing Education opportunities in the form of hour-long films or lectures, conferences, and more. Similarly, the History Center at the School of Nursing is dedicated to the preservation of and study of nursing history, thereby allowing nurses to remember and celebrate their roots and development.  Undergraduate Programs: University of Virginia School of Nursing offers a hybrid RN to BSN program designed especially for the working RNs. The two-year, part-time program is a blend of online and traditional in-person learning. There is also a four-year, full-time BSN program for individuals who want to start their career as professional nurses.  Apart from these, the School of Nursing also welcomes transfer students either from another college or university or from another college within UVA. Graduate Programs: The University also offers multiple specialties in their MSN program, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and so on.  There are also two doctoral programs, Ph.D. and DNP degrees, that prepare expert clinicians and practitioners, nurse scientists, and researchers. 

University of Utah College of Nursing

• 201 Presidents Circle, ROOM 201, Salt Lake City, UT - 84112-9008
• ((80) 1) -581-7200
• 

University of Utah College of Nursing is the only college of nursing with a PhD program in Utah, and it is committed to serving the people of Utah and beyond. The college aims for excellence in education, research, and clinical care. Students learn in a diverse, inclusive, and independent environment that helps to bring out the compassionate human beings and leaders in them. Students learn to practice their skills in clinical rotations in a variety of settings across the region. They are also exposed to interprofessional education experiences along with community-engaged learning. Nursing students learn to integrate theory and research into evidence-based practice as the University is associated with a research-intensive medical academic center that covers a six-state region.  Undergraduate Programs: For students who are currently high school seniors or are first-year college students with less than 30 credit hours, the University of Utah College of Nursing offers a Nursing Early Assurance Program. This track in the Baccalaureate Nursing Program allows direct entry to candidates that are planning on majoring in nursing at the University of Utah. Similarly, for students who don’t currently hold a nursing license, the 16-month BSN program allows them to earn their BSN degree and a nursing license. In addition to that, if you currently hold an Associate Degree in Nursing but want to earn a Bachelor’s degree, the College of Nursing offers an affordable online RN to BSN program that you can choose to complete in two, three, or four semesters. There is also an Express Pathway which is a bridge program allowing second-semester nursing students in Salt Lake Community College to seamlessly transfer to the University of Utah and enroll in the online RN to BSN course upon completion of their SLCC program. Graduate Programs: The University of Utah College of Nursing offers three online specialty tracks that allow students to specialize in distinct areas of healthcare. The specialties are Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Gerontology. The College of Nursing offers the only DNP and PhD in nursing courses in the entire state. The BS to DNP program offers specialties in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care, Neonatal, Nurse-Midwifery, Primary Care (Adult/Gerontology, Family, and Pediatrics), Psychiatric Mental Health, Women’s Health, Women’s Health and Nurse-Midwifery dual track.  Similarly, the Masters to DNP program offers Direct Care for (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses) and Organizational Leadership (for non-APRNs, Nurse Administrators, and APRNs)

University of North Florida

• 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL - 32224-7699
• ((90) 4) -620-1000
• 

The University of North Florida is located in Jacksonville boasts of a fine nursing department with a wide variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. At this public institution, students can seek a prelicensure BSN or enter an accelerated prelicensure BSN for students with a prior bachelor’s degree and an RN to BSN degree for those holding an RN with ASN degree. These nursing programs are ACEN, ACME, CCNE and COA accredited. The program has a community-based, population-focused curriculum in accordance with healthcare delivery trends. The curriculum helps students engage in the community. The program is designed to encompass both liberal arts and professional studies. Undergraduate Programs – Degree at the University of North Florida include CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nursing. The accelerated BSN and traditional Bachelor’s degree are components are on campus, with the option of hybrid and online formats.. Graduates administer patient care with skill and confidence. Leadership and a commitment to the profession through research are vital to the program’s mission. Students become  professional practitioners capable of effecting social change. Graduate Programs – various graduate programs include the BSN to DNP, Master, MSN to DNP, Post Master’s NP Certificate, RN to BSN and RN to MSN level degrees. The post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice program is for those who already possess a Master of Science in Nursing and a specialty certification and is offered in an online 8-week semester format. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track is a post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for those who possess a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), are licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), hold national certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and seek their DNP to become certified a PMHNP. The PMHNP DNP track trains graduates to provide best practices and comprehensive care to patients of any age. This track is 61 credits with 750 clinical hours. The clinical component focuses on mental health in outpatient, inpatient, or private practice settings. The program currently offers online courses following the traditional full-length semesters with full- and part-time enrollment options available. Other tracks are: Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nurse Anesthesiology, Nursing Education Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Leadership. Many are offered on a full-time basis only and completely online.

California State University-Los Angeles

• 5151 State University Dr, Los Angeles, CA - 90032-8506
• ((32) 3) -343-3000
• 

California State University Los Angeles, founded in 1947, boasts that they are ranked on US News & World Report’s Best Nursing Schools: Master’s list. The  Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing (PACSON) offers a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, an ADN to BSN program and multiple post-graduate options. In addition, they have collaborative agreements with various community colleges, allowing ADN graduates to segue into their programs with ease. The mission of California State University Los Angeles Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing (PACSON) is to transform lives, foster healthy, thriving communities across greater Los Angeles in Southern California and the nation by cultivating and amplifying our students’ unique talents, diverse life experiences, and intellect. The University is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. Undergraduate programs – The school’s professional nursing curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing. The undergraduate program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).The nursing major is an impacted program that requires students to meet supplemental admission criteria. Applications for admittance are submitted between September and January, including transfer students. Graduate programs – a Master’s of Science in Nursing and post master’s certificate programs are offered at the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing. In fact, there are  six master’s options for students interested in furthering their nursing education. For applicants who already have an MSN degree, each of the six options has a post master’s certificate available. The DNP is a practice-oriented doctorate, such as the Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Optometry, or Doctor of Physical Therapy, in contrast to the research-oriented PhD. The purpose of the DNP is to develop advanced competencies for increasingly complex practice, faculty, and leadership roles in nursing and to provide an advanced educational credential for those in advanced practice. The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program is offered through a Consortium of Schools of Nursing at California State University, Fullerton, Long Beach and Los Angeles.

Indiana Wesleyan University

• 4201 South Washington Street, Marion, IN - 46953-4974
• ((76) 5) -674-6901
• 

Founded in 1920, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is a Christian comprehensive university in Marion. It was originally named Marion College, after its location. With more than 100 years of educational service to the area, IWU is accredited as a whole by the HLC. Its School of Nursing’s curriculum focuses on a blend between evidence-based facts and hands-on learning made possible through the university’s Fortune Simulation Lab. In terms of accreditation, its bachelor’s, master’s, and DNP programs in nursing are CCNE-accredited. Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Students seeking a BSN degree at IWU can enroll in the traditional or the transition option, depending on their current educational credentials. The traditional option requires four years to complete. Meanwhile, the Transition to Nursing or second-degree option is for individuals with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees from an accredited college or university. It is an accelerated program requiring 64 credit hours which can be completed in as few as 14 months. An RN BSN program under the division of post-licensure nursing, is also offered for registered nurses who possess an associate degree and are interested to obtain a BSN degree. Master of Science in Nursing – Several options are available for students seeking an MSN degree at IWU. Dual degrees both in Health Systems Leadership/Business Administration (Master’s – MSN/MBA) and Nursing/Public Health (Master’s – MSN/MPH) are offered. Students wanting to obtain non-dual MSN degrees can enroll in the Nursing Education, Health Systems Leadership, Primary Care Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner, and Primary Care Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks instead. Doctor of Nursing Practice – With minimal onsite requirements, this DNP Program is offered online. This advanced level of nursing program equips students for both personal and professional development. Available program tracks are Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.  

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

• 527 Andy Holt Tower, , TN - 37996
• (865) 974-1000
• 

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is located in Knoxville, Tennessee.  UTK offers several tracks for their BSN students – they have a BSN program, an accelerated track, for students with a prior bachelor’s degree, and an RN track.

Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix

• 411 N Central Avenue - Ste 520, Phoenix, AZ - 85004
• (855) 278-5080
• 

West Coast University

• 12215 Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA - 91606
• ((81) 8) -299-5500
• 

Working adults can advance their careers in nursing at West Coast University. For over 100 years, WCU has supported passionate people and professionals in the healthcare industry. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, health administration and public health to help prepare students for career paths in the healthcare industry. Flexible online courses are designed to fit the students’ busy schedules of working with all coursework done online via the School of Nursing’s interactive online classroom. The school’s programs are accredited by CCNE. The mission of the School of Nursing is to empower students to become healthcare leaders, whether they want to pursue careers as nurses or move into administrative roles. West Coast University proudly supports America’s veterans, active duty military personnel and their spouses. Undergraduate programs – Student convenience and a successful graduate are at the heart of WCU’s nursing program with the option of online classes enriched with mobile-friendly video content, audio books, simulations, adaptive quizzing, and on-the-go resources for facilitated remote learning. On campus are advanced simulation centers. Students can choose an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Health Administration (BSHA), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a special track in Health Administration and Leadership. There is also a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH). The nursing program ensures that today’s professional nurse will be a skilled provider, planner, manager and coordinator of care. Graduate programs – to facilitate progress, the graduate degrees at West Coast University can be pursued online. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offers specialized tracks: Advanced Generalist, Nurse Educator, Nurse Leader, Nursing Informatics, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. In addition to a Master of Health Administration (MHA). In addition, there is a Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Post-Master’s Nursing Certificates are in the areas Nurse Educator, Nurse Leader, Nursing Informatics, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Students can further their education with a Ph.D. in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).