With Nursing becoming a rapidly growing sector in medicine, it’s become an option for thousands of students. These students are some of the brightest minds in the world and want to find world-class institutions to learn in. As a result, whether it’s an online or offline program, it’s important to find a suitable fit that’s accepted by premier medical facilities.
Before looking at some of the finest names in the world of medicine, it’s best to start by understanding what a good nursing school looks like. This can help pinpoint the top nursing schools.
Qualities of the Top Nursing Schools
1) World-Class Facilities
The facilities are an integral part of your academic experience. If the institution doesn’t spend money on its facilities (rooms, lecture halls, computer labs) then it isn’t doing enough for the student body. This is why it’s important to start with the foundational requirements, which should be evident in any premier nursing school around the world. If these details are missing then the institution isn’t going to provide a well-rounded educational experience that is worth spending time on.
Look at the facilities and what makes them special. 
This can include the architecture, layout, or the value you get by spending time at the institution. Every last detail has a role to play in your decision and should be taken seriously. Many students don’t look into the facilities and assume all nursing schools are the same. This isn’t true as the leaders provide world-class solutions that are ahead of the game.
2) Accredited Program
This is the bare minimum as a modern nursing student and cannot be ignored. All nursing schools that merit your attention should be approved at the local, state, and national level for appropriate results. If not, there can be lingering concerns about eligibility and approval in the workforce. This becomes a real problem while looking for nursing jobs and is the last thing a student wants to deal with.
Many lower tier nursing schools do not hold this accreditation and that can become a major hurdle.
Instead of dealing with those hurdles, it’s best to focus on leading nursing schools that do hold the right certification as institutions.
3) Multiple Options (Programs/Courses)
Each nursing school is going to have a unique approach to how its courses and/or programs are laid out. This is normal and should be accepted during the application process. It’s important to analyze how these courses and/or programs are managed, what they offer, and the value they’re going to have in your post-graduate career path. Until these details are ironed out, you shouldn’t be making a decision on a particular nursing school.
For example, a nursing school such as John Hopkins University provides different degrees including a bachelors in Nursing and a Masters in the same specialization. This enables students to choose what’s best for them and come up with a path that’s worth following.
Think about these options and lay out a plan before applying to different nursing schools.
4) Renowned Instructors
The instructors are an integral part of any nursing school and will set the foundation for your future. These professionals have years of nursing expertise and it’s important to find instructors that know how to teach. There are many ways of doing this including figuring out how they’ve done in the past. Many instructors with years of teaching expertise are going to have a better grasp of different concepts and can do a good job of helping new students.
Along with their teaching ability, it is also important to focus on a nursing school that has a good teacher-student ratio. This means there shouldn’t be too many students per teacher as that can be an example of improper educational standards. If a student isn’t getting enough attention, they can’t learn properly.
Some of the leading nursing schools in America maintain a smaller ratio to ensure this is not a problem.
5) Wonderful Networking Opportunities
While looking at different nursing schools, the best ones are going to stand out for this reason. They understand learning how to become a nurse is just one step in your career path. The ultimate goal is to become a world-class medical professional that is able to work at any medical facility without breaking a sweat. To do this, it’s important to not only be trained the right way but also be able to get good opportunities. As a result, networking is just as important as any other part of a nursing school.
The best schools are always going to host networking events and will give students an opportunity to build their skill-set. This is how the best nurses are born and it’s important to look into these details before applying. If a nursing school only focuses on academics, it isn’t doing enough as an institution to build nursing leaders through its programs.
Top Nursing Schools in the USA
1) Columbia University
This Ivy League school is among the best in the world in a number of subjects and that includes nursing. Students maintain access to state-of-the-art equipment, instructors, and course content that makes it easier to become a professional powerhouse once you enter the workforce. Some of the finest nursing practitioners walk around campus providing advice and making it simpler for new students to adjust.
Columbia University has a unique list of courses and programs making it an elite option.
One of the most underrated benefits of Columbia University would be its location. It’s nestled in the heart of New York City making it one of the best spots to be in as a nursing professional. There’s massive demand in the city and they prefer talent from this particular institution due to its local ties. Numerous networking events go through the campus on a regular basis making it easier for future nurses to land their dream job.
2) Duke University
Duke’s School of Medicine is a world-class institution and has earned plaudits from the biggest names in medicine. It has a strong nursing program and an academic setup made for continued excellence. Whether it’s the refined facilities, cutting-edge equipment, or respected programs, the balanced approach to education is what makes Duke University stand out in the list of options.
The real charm of Duke University is its willingness to adapt and learn what modern science requires. These adjustments are seen in all parts of student life and make learning how to become a great nurse that much better.
3) Johns Hopkins University
Situated in Baltimore, John Hopkins University is an accredited institution and one of the top nursing schools in America. It has a well-established name with world-class instructors on-site to teach nursing students. The reason it has gained acclaim has to do with its emphasis on a well-rounded learning experience. Students are able to choose from a variety of tracks including a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a variety of online master’s programs. Each student is going to choose what’s best suited for their needs and that’s what makes John Hopkins University an elite choice.
It manages to appeal to everyone and provides the quality students look for in a modern nursing school.
These are the top schools in America and it’s important to do your homework before applying. What may work for someone else isn’t going to cut it for your needs. Think about what you want and how you’re going to get it at a specific institution. Once you start comparing these options, it’ll become easier to come up with a final decision.