25 Top Progressive Nursing Schools

25 Top Progressive Nursing Schools

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The top progressive nursing schools utilize innovative nursing education and the latest technology and techniques to improve patient outcomes. As the field of nursing grows, new technology continually comes on board that nurses have to master quickly. Modern nursing education must enrich students’ education to increase employment opportunities after graduation. Also, progressive nursing schools employ innovative teaching strategies in nursing education that help graduates command higher compensation for their credentials and knowledge.

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The field of Nursing continues to grow and expand with the technology of the industry. With that growth, employment opportunities along with compensation for nursing professionals continue to grow as well. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that jobs in nursing will grow at a rate of 12% (faster than the average for all industries covered), driven in part by increased demand for healthcare services from an aging population. Growth rates for certain nursing specializations are expected to be even higher, from 25-31%.


Methodology: How We Ranked the Top Progressive Nursing Schools

This list of progressive nursing schools/programs in the United States looked at a number of indicators including:

  • Investment in advanced technology.
  • An experienced and recognized teaching staff
  • Opportunities for learning experience while in school.
  • Recognition of the school by other organizations, to improve employment placement possibilities after graduation.
  • Research funds are invested in the nursing programs.

1. Columbia University

Columbia University’s School of Nursing has been considered among the country’s most progressive nursing schools located in the heart of NYC – New York City. The nursing school asks students to seek excellence in the field through the provision of academic integrity and health policy leadership. The School of Nursing aligns with the commitment to prepare degree candidates for the next nursing field leaders that offer health equity and social justice.

The School of Nursing at Columbia University offers five graduate degree nursing degree program options: three master-level programs plus doctorate degree programs. At the master’s level, students can enter as students with non-nursing backgrounds, plus graduate degrees in Clinical Management & Leadership or in Nurse Anesthesia. Nursing doctoral-level programs include A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and a DNP – a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program.

Location: New York City, NY

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2. The University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s School Of Nursing is recognized as one of the world’s top progressive nursing schools offering nursing degree candidates four research facilities in which to study. These nursing specialty centers include the CHOPR – the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy, the CTH – the Center for Transitions and Health, the Center for the Study of Nursing History and the CGWH – the Center for Global Women’s Health, and

An Ivy League institution of higher education, the University of Pennsylvania offers nursing academic degree programs at the baccalaureate level, master’s level, doctoral level, plus dual degrees and accelerated coursework degrees. At the bachelor’s level, the BSN program offers accelerated dual degree options, plus several minors, including a minor in nutrition. Penn Nursing offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at the postgraduate level, plus a variety of APRN postgraduate certificate programs.

Location: Philadelphia, PA

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3. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University’s School of Nursing (VUSN) is one of the nation’s top progressive nursing schools that offers nursing students incredible research nursing opportunities and world-class education. Vandy’s graduate and doctoral nursing programs have been recognized among the best in the country by US News and World Report and as the best nursing college for men by AAMN. In addition, Vanderbilt University holds the distinction of being a Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence and a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.

Vanderbilt University’s nursing programs include a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN), plus two doctoral-level degree programs. These include a Ph.D. in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Nursing professionals interested in specialty post-master’s certificate programs can select from Vandy’s eleven certificate programs in nurse-midwifery, gerontology, emergency nurse practitioners, psychiatric health nurse practitioners, and women’s health practitioners plus a pediatric nurse practitioner, among others.

Location: Nashville, TN

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4. Duke University

The School of Nursing at Duke University is considered among the country’s most progressive nursing schools with several institutes and centers dedicated to cutting-edge nursing research. Among Duke University’s research opportunities – from discovery to implementation – for nursing students is the Center for Excellence with four fundamental areas of research – Data Science, Health Innovation, Population Health, and Precision Health. In addition, Duke aligns its approach and curriculum with SCAP – the Scientific Culture and Accountability Plan – a method to uphold the highest integrity and excellence in research.

Duke University’s SON provides academic nursing degrees at the baccalaureate level, the master’s level, and the doctoral level. Duke’s BSN degree program is offered in an accelerated format that can be completed in only 24 months. As the #2 graduate school of nursing in the country, as reported by US News, Duke Nursing ‘s graduate degree nursing programs have received CCNE accreditation. The MSN degree offers students eleven academic concentrations.

Location: Durham, NC

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5. Johns Hopkins University

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University is considered among the world’s and the country’s finest and most progressive nursing schools. In fact, for three consecutive years, JHU’s School of Nursing’s graduate degree programs have been named the nation’s best graduate nursing degree programs on-campus, and the second-best online graduate-level nursing degree in the country.

Through its School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University offers several MSN programs, several of which offer dual degree program options with either an MBA or MPH degree. JHU’s nursing school also offers a variety of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees – with academic tracks in pediatrics, adult-gerontological care, advanced practice, clinical nurse specialist (which is offered online), and an executive track. Nursing professionals who wish to earn a post-master’s certificate may do so in health systems management, pediatric acute care, or Nurse Educator, among others.

Location: Baltimore, MD

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6. The University of California Los Angeles

The University of California at Los Angeles’ School of Nursing is a research-oriented nursing program that offers significant research opportunities to its nursing students and professionals. As one of the country’s most progressive nursing schools, UCLA’s research focuses on the areas of HIV/AIDS, Chronic Brain Trauma, Diverse Populations, Cardiovascular Health, and Tobacco/Cessation of Smoking. UCLA’s SON has partnered with more than a dozen higher learning institutions across the globe in cooperative research projects through academia.

The School of Nursing within the University of California at Los Angeles offers several nursing degree levels as follows – a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for entry to clinical nursing, or an MSN with an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Degree. At the doctoral level, UCLA’s School of Nursing offers a DNP track – a Doctor Nursing Practice degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

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7. The University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Denver – Anschutz Medical Campus’ College of Nursing is recognized among Colorado’s most progressive nursing schools, having created the first nurse practitioner degree program in the United States. Additionally, UC Denver is also ranked as the second-best online MSN program in Informatics and Leadership. Several faculty members have combined their talents to create cutting-edge drug therapy textbook entitle Pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs.

The University of Colorado Denver – Anschutz Medical Campus provides several levels of nursing academic degrees from a bachelor’s degree through a doctoral degree. At the baccalaureate level, UC Denver offers a traditional BSN degree and integrated nursing pathway to BSN, an accelerated BSN, an online RN to BSN, plus a dual degree of a BSN/ADN. At the graduate level, UC Denver offers a BS to DNP degree, an MSN, an MS degree with a Ph. D., several doctoral programs, and some dual degrees available.

Location: Denver, CO

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8. The University of North Carolina

The School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is highly research-oriented with faculty members generating millions of dollars in research grants on a yearly basis. Much of UNC-Chapel Hill’s nursing research leads to groundbreaking discoveries that help treat and manage medical conditions across one’s lifespan. UNC’s SON operates one of the only biobehavioral labs in the nation, which has been a part of cutting-edge nursing science since the late 1980s, making it one of the most progressive nursing schools in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Nursing offers a variety of exceptional nursing academic degree programs at every level. The BSN is available in a traditional of four years or an accelerated track in only 24 months. At the master’s level, UNC-Chapel Hill offers a BSN to MSN program and an all-online RN to MSN degree with a track in Healthcare leadership. Doctoral students can opt for a DNP or Ph.D. degree program.

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

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9. The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

The School of Nursing at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor is recognized among the most progressive nursing schools in the United States. As a research and scientific-oriented institution of higher education, UM Ann Arbor’s nursing school takes an interdisciplinary approach in its cutting-edge research in the fields of big data, health care effectiveness, cancer fatigue, diabetes, and pain management, to name a few.

The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor offers CCNE accredited nursing program and is recognized by Value Colleges among the top BSN and DNP programs and by US News for its graduate-level nursing degrees. Among the nursing degree programs available by UM Ann Arbor are the BSN degree, the MSN degree, a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Practice (Ph.D.), and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

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10. The University of Virginia

The School of Nursing at the University of Virginia is ranked among the most progressive nursing schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond. The areas of cutting-edge research related to nursing at UV include palliative care, cancer treatment, cardiovascular disease, dementia, domestic violence, mental health, mindfulness, women’s health, and health disparities, among others. UV operates an innovative Gender, Race, Equality, and Trauma Lab within the School of Nursing.

UV’s nursing school offers several quality nursing academic degrees with its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, the RN to BSN degree, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, and two doctoral programs in nursing. These are the Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.). Students enrolled in UV’s nursing programs have the opportunity to study abroad to apply theoretical knowledge against a backdrop of cultural change.

Location: Charlottesville, VA

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11. The University of Rochester

The University of Rochester’s Nursing School is among New York and the country’s most progressive nursing schools as its core mission to scientific discovery and advanced research. UR’s nursing research has been widely received in palliative care cognitive aging, maternal health, cardiac health, HIV/AIDS, and adolescent health. UR has a proven history in the promotion of healthy behaviors and creating innovative health solutions through technology.

The University of Rochester nursing school offers several baccalaureate degree programs, including an accelerated BSN for non-nurse, and an online RN to BS degree program. At the master’s level, UR offers an accelerated MSN for non-nurses, an Rn to BSN to MSN degree, six advanced nurse practitioner programs, plus master’s degrees in clinical nurse leadership, nurse education, and health care management.

Location: Rochester, NY

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12. Emory University

Emory University’s Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is considered a Center of Excellence for Nursing Education and one of the country’s most progressive nursing schools. Emory University’s nursing school partners with many nonprofits, government agencies, and other health systems to complete an interdisciplinary approach to nursing and nursing research. Emory’s faculty are internationally renowned nursing professionals from the fields of cancer, genetics, and environmental health, among others.

Among the nursing programs offered by the School of Nursing at Emory University are a variety of Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and accelerated degree programs, plus many postgraduate certificates to refine your nursing education. In the MSN degree program, Emory provides nine choices for their Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) that can be completed in only 24 months as a full-time student and about 3.5 years as a part-time student.

Location: Atlanta, GA

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13. The University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing is ranked among the most progressive nursing schools as it is a designated Research-Intensive Environment by the NIH. In addition to the many grants awarded to Pitt Nursing, the school offers an undergraduate research mentorship program and several research HUBS. Nursing students have the opportunity to join research methodology series, plus participate in internal funding opportunities. Active grants included cell survival, lifestyle change promotion, Nurse Genomics, and neurocognitive function, among others.

The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) Nursing school offers several baccalaureate level nursing degrees with a BSN degree, RN options, and an accelerated BSN for those who hold degrees other than nursing. The MSN program from Pitt Nursing offers two academic tracks in nursing informatics and clinical nurse leadership. The doctoral level offers a Ph.D., a DNP, and a dual-degree option, including both.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

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14. Ohio State University

The Ohio State University College of Nursing is one of the nation’s most progressive nursing schools with significant strides in research in the areas of healthy aging and self-management, and the center for women, children, and youth, among others. OSU’s nursing school offers collaborations with more than 20 research labs in the area. The Research & Health Analytics center has been developed to support the nursing research generated by the nursing school.

Ohio State University offers both online, on-campus, and hybrid nursing programs at various degree levels. In addition to a traditional RN to BSN degree, the school offers a DNP and a BSN in health and Wellness Innovation, plus a traditional Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)  with several academic tracks available online and on-campus. At the doctoral level, OSU offers a Ph.D. in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing that is available online.

Location: Columbus, OH

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15. The University of California, San Francisco

The University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing’s dedicated faculty and students are regularly ranked among the top progressive nursing schools in the nation. UC San Francisco’s basic mission is the nursing and medical research objectives. Among these top research, resources are UC San Francisco’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute which houses nine research units within. Among the areas currently awarded research grants are health promotion, HIV/AIDS, families and health, aging, chronic illness, and women’s issues, among others.

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) nursing school offers a master’s entry into a nursing degree, plus a variety of MSN degrees with concentrations in midwifery, nurse practitioner, health policy, population health, and clinical nurse specialist. UC San Francisco’s graduate-level programs are accredited by the CCNE. Doctoral level degree programs offered by UC San Francisco include a DNP and a Ph. D. program in Nursing and Sociology.

Location: San Francisco, CA

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16. New York University

New York University’s Meyers College of Nursing is recognized among the top progressive nursing schools in the United States with significant initiatives in nursing research through its active grants in Environmental health, Geriatric Nursing, Precision Health in Diverse Populations, Oral Health Initiative, and studies of symptom management, among others. Post-doctoral associates are mentored in cutting edge methodologies and interventions across a host of sub-specialties.

New York University’s nursing school offers several graduate degree academic nursing programs at the master’s level, including an entry-level program and an MS program in Health Administration & Interprofessional Leadership. At the doctoral level, NYU Meyers’ offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), plus two Ph.D. academic degrees in nursing and sociology. The DNP program is only seven quarters of hybrid delivered coursework.

Location: New York City, NY

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17. The University of Washington

The School of Nursing located within the University of Washington is a world-renowned nursing school that is ranked among the country’s most progressive nursing schools with significant and advanced nursing research in the areas of lifespan health, health equity, symptom science, and innovative interventions. UW’s School of Nursing is recognized as a leader in funding for training from the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies.

The University of Washington’s nursing school offers nursing degrees from the baccalaureate level through doctoral degrees. UW’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is offered traditionally or with an early decision for DNP-through program, and an accelerated option. UW’s nursing school offers an MSN in patient-centered technology or clinical informatics. At the doctoral level, UW offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (Ph.D.) and eleven DNP specialty tracks.

Location: Seattle, WA

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18. Yale University

The Nursing School at Yale University is ranked among the nation’s top progressive nursing schools with a history of significant research applications with wide-reaching effects throughout the medical community. Current research grants at Yale’s School of Nursing include evaluating heart failure patients’ palliative care, comorbidity in obesity and organ toxicity, chronic disease management of type 2 diabetes, and HIV prevention trials, to name a few.

Yale University offers several nursing degrees at various academic levels. The university’s GEPN – Graduate Entry Pre-special in Nursing is specifically designed for those candidates without any nursing background. Yale University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs offer eight academic tracks that include gerontology, acute care, nurse/midwife, family nurse practitioner, pediatrics, mental health, and women’s health. Yale also offers DNP and Ph.D. academic degrees in nursing practice.

Location: New Haven, CT

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19. The University of Texas at Austin

The School of Nursing at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), is on a mission to serve those populations that remain vulnerable and underserved. UT Austin’s nursing research programs have helped improve patients’ health with multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and asthma. UT’s nursing initiatives include centers for biobehavioral studies, aging and Long-Term Care, interprofessional practice, and community health workers, among others.

The University of Texas (UT Austin), through the nursing school, is recognized among the nation’s progressive nursing schools and offers academic nursing degrees at varying levels. At the baccalaureate level, the school offers a traditional BSN program plus an ADN to BSN program. AT the master’s level, UT Austin’s nursing school offers a traditional MSN program, plus an alternate entry to the MSN program for students without a nursing background. The nursing school also offers a DNP degree and a traditional Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), plus an alternate entry to the Ph.D. nursing degree for non-nursing professionals.

Location: Austin, TX

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20. Case Western Reserve University

The Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University is a nationally recognized nursing research center of excellence and one of the nation’s most progressive nursing schools providing innovative research in a number of relevant ways. CWRU Nursing explores the impact of psychological and social factors as they impact different illnesses. Areas of research include neuroscience, lifespan science, community care, symptom science, and self-management, among others.

Among the nursing degrees offered by Case Western Reserve University, there is the traditional Bachelor of Science program, plus a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a graduate entry option, plus several academic nursing degrees at the doctoral level. These include a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph. D.), plus a dual degree that includes DNP/Ph.D.

Location: Cleveland, OH

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21. Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

The School of Nursing at Indiana University – Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) was established more than 100 years ago and remains among the nation’s most progressive nursing schools. IUPUI’s nursing school is recognized as the top nursing school in the state of Indiana. The school operates several research centers in enhancing life with chronic illness, social network health research, and cancer control research.

The nursing school at Indiana University – Purdue University at Indianapolis offers several bachelor’s level nursing degrees, with a traditional track, an accelerated option, an honors option, and RN to BSN track. IUPUI’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs include nine academic concentrations – pediatrics, mental health, education, nursing leadership, and adult-gerontology, among others. Nursing professionals can opt for a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nursing Science at the postgraduate level.

Location: Indianapolis, IN

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22. Arizona State University

The Edson College of Nursing and Health Administration at the Arizona State University (ASU) is ranked among the top progressive nursing schools in Arizona and beyond. ASU’s nursing school offers online workshops in entrepreneurship and healthcare innovation and a new program that facilitates a transition for nurses to prepare them for the ICU. The university’s nursing programs are delivered in cutting-edge simulation labs that allow students to work alongside inter-related professionals from cross disciplines.

Arizona State University’s nursing school offers a wide variety of nursing degrees. At the baccalaureate level, the school offers seven BSN concentrations. US News and World Report rank both the graduate and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs among the best in the nation. The MSN degree program offers students nineteen concentrations, of which, an MSN in Aging is the newest. ASU’s nursing school offers six nursing degree programs at the doctoral level.

Location: Phoenix, AZ

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23. The Medical University of South Carolina

The College of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has been one of the south’s most progressive nursing schools, having been established more than 125 years ago. Among the clinical trials being investigated at MUSC’s nursing college is in the coronavirus clinical trials, and the cancer center clinical trials, among others through the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program.

The Medical University of South Carolina’s (MUSC) nursing school offers an accelerated BSN program that can be finished in under 1.5 years, plus an online RN to BSN program for working learners. MUSC’s nursing programs also include a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, which is available for applicants with a BSN or MSN degree. Nursing professionals interested in research and nursing science can take advantage of MUSC’s online Ph. D. in Nursing Science.

Location: Charleston, SC

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24. The University of Iowa

The University of Iowa’s Nursing College is recognized as one of the nation’s top progressive nursing schools with a triple approach dedicated to the areas of health systems improvement, pain, palliative care, and symptom management in gerontology. UI’s Center for Nursing Classification and Clinical Effectiveness is considered among the world’s finest for the standardization of nursing language.  Funded projects include cross-cutting of approaches to community health, health informatics, and applied genomics.

The University of Iowa’s nursing academic degrees have received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is ranked as the best nursing school in the state. Undergraduate nursing programs offered by UI’s nursing school include an RN to BSN program plus a traditional BSN academic degree program. UI’s MSN program offers an academic track with an emphasis on Clinical Nurse Leadership. Additionally, UI offers both a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program.

Location: Iowa City, IA

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25. The University of Maryland

The School of Nursing at the University of Maryland at Baltimore is one of the country’s most progressive nursing schools which includes groundbreaking research projects that have had a significant impact on modern healthcare. UM, Baltimore, is a recognized progressive nursing school and nursing education leader who first developed a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing Science degree program. Additionally, UM Baltimore’s nursing school is a recognized OASIS Center, with an established and distinguished faculty hailing from a number of nursing disciplines.

The University of Maryland Baltimore’s nursing school offers a traditional BSN degree, plus an RN to BSN option. UM, Baltimore’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), offers three primary academic tracks in Public Health and Community Nursing, Nursing Informatics, and Health Service Leadership. AT the graduate level, UM Baltimore also offers a dual degree that combines an MSN with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. The DNP program is the ideal doctoral-level degree for those who wish to practice, while the Ph.D. prepares degree candidates for a career more oriented to research.

Location: Baltimore, MD

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What Are Modern Trends in Nursing Education?

Modern-day nursing education has to account for current trends and needs in nursing care. These changing needs are driven by an increase in the senior population, a shortage of RNs and other nursing professionals, increasing dependence on informatics, and a deeper reliance on frameworks that guide nursing practice such as evidence-based practics.

Modern nursing education must incorporate these trends into the curriculum and prepare nurses for lifelong learning as technology advances and trends change.


Why Is There a Need for Cultural Diversity in Nursing Education?

Healthcare is changing and this has transformed the roles of nurses. Factors driving this change include poor access to health care, unsustainable cost increases, and disparities in care. Including diversity in nursing education ensures that both faculty and students represent the people they serve.

Cost and quality issues seem to follow social and disease-type lines, indicating a great urgency to increase cultural sensitivity and ensure consistent standards of care for all patients. This starts with innovative teaching strategies in nursing education.


How Can Modern Day Nursing Education Incorporate the ACA?

The Affordable Care Act has programs aimed at improving quality and affordability in health care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services coordinate these effects. As modern-day nursing education includes awareness of these efforts, the quality of care should improve in underserved communities. Regardless of demographics and type of disease, every patient deserves affordable, high-quality care, and that often starts with the providers.


How Can Nursing Programs Prepare Nurses for Unnecessary Hospitalizations?

Modern trends in nursing education must prepare nurses who work in the ER for a growing number of unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital stays. This is largely due to the high number of uninsured people who can’t afford a doctor visit and who are unlikely to pay for the hospital stay. Nurses must treat all patients equally even in a crowded emergency situation. This can be tough for nurses working long shifts with limited help.

Innovations in nursing education also must account for trends in substance abuse and adverse drug interactions. The likelihood of treating acutely ill patients is high. Since the sale and consumption of new substances change frequently, nurses have to constantly educate themself on the symptoms and treatment of new illicit substances.


How Can Diversity in Nursing Education Increase Awareness?

Nurses are uniquely placed to contribute and even lead changes that threaten to overwhelm U.S. healthcare. Innovative nursing education must prepare nurses to become members of an interprofessional team focused on universal access and consistently excellent care.

Cultural diversity in nursing education can help nurses comprehend the need to switch from provider-based, fee-for-service care to patient-oriented care that eliminates repeated diagnostic tests that stress the patient and provide no cumulative value. Innovative nursing education requires enhanced attitudes, knowledge, and skills around population care that incorporates data analytics, care coordination,  and quality improvement.


Does Innovation in Nursing Education Improve Job Outlook?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there is no shortage in the demand for nursing, which is growing by a rate of 12%. For nurses who complete progressive programs for in-demand specialties, that increases to as high as 31%.

Championing patient-focused care and understanding the drivers behind increased hospitalizations and ER visits help nurses maintain an empathetic, patient, and caring attitude when dealing with patients. These qualities do not go unnoticed and can quickly lead to career advancement.


What Steps Do Progressive Nursing Schools Take to Stay Current?

Innovations in nursing education include a willingness to invest in advanced technology so that students get hands-on training to better prepare for a rapidly changing environment. An experienced faculty of working professionals with advanced training and credentials can motivate new nurses to meet higher standards of excellence.

Recognition of staff in online profiles and other marketing materials indicates a university that takes pride in its teachers and that probably carefully vets out applicants that end up in the classroom. Progressive nursing schools provide opportunities for hands-on learning while students are still in school. Look for the recognition received from professional organizations and relationships with medical institutions that may provide jobs for graduates. 

Research funds provide an influx of capital and increase opportunities to be a part of valuable research into health care and the patient experience. Look for progressive nursing schools that prioritize continuing opportunities for credentials beyond the level you are originally seeking, such as LPN to RN and RN to BSN programs.


Related:

20 Top Schools for Nursing Specialties

Top 25 Historically Black Colleges & Universities Nursing Schools

Top 25 Hispanic-Serving Nursing Schools

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