KINGSTON, R.I. — March 29, 2022 — The University of Rhode Island College of Nursing master’s degree program, already among the best in the country, has risen again in the national rankings, moving into the top 50 in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report, which released its new rankings today.
The College’s master’s program is now ranked 45th in the nation, according to the publication, among the leading authorities in college and university rankings, a significant improvement over last year’s 53rd spot. The program has consistently risen in the rankings each year, making an impressive climb from #133 as recently as 2016.
“We are thrilled to be recognized among the top 50 programs in the country, which is a credit to our dynamic faculty, staff, clinical partners and, of course, our top-notch students,” College of Nursing Dean Barbara Wolfe said. “Everyone in the College has played an important role in achieving this distinction, which only hardens our resolve to educate the best nurses and nurse scientists, who are prepared to be health care leaders in the community locally, nationally and globally.”
U.S. News & World Report also ranked doctor of nursing practice programs, with the URI College of Nursing maintaining its impressive ranking of 80th in the country. For the Best Nursing Schools rankings, the publication surveyed nursing schools across the country with masters and/or DNP programs accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Seven ranking indicators are used in both the master’s and DNP ranking models. These common factors are research activity indicators, faculty credentials, the percentage of faculty members with important achievements and faculty participation in nursing practice.
Both rankings take into account the ratings of academic experts. To collect this data, nursing school deans and deans of graduate studies were asked to rate the academic quality for both master’s and DNP programs at nursing schools on survey instruments.
About one-third of the URI College of Nursing’s faculty members are recognized Fellows in national nursing organizations, including the American Academy of Nursing, for their distinguished academic achievements. The number of faculty publications, funded external grants and committed gifts to the College have all increased over the last five years as the College continues to impact health and health care.
In addition to the DNP program a Ph.D. in nursing, the URI College of Nursing offers a master’s program with several concentrations including Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.