U.S. News and World Report recently recognized Union University’s School of Nursing’s online graduate nursing program as being one of the top programs in the nation.
The program was ranked 56th out of 75 in the nation. This is the second year in a row the online graduate nursing program has been ranked nationally.
“We are very excited to have this prestigious accolade,” said Kelly Harden, associate dean for graduate nursing programs. “Our online programs are excellent and afford working nurses the opportunity to pursue graduate education, and we are able to offer this program across the country.”
The ranking is based on five different areas.
The first is student engagement, which weighs 30 percent; faculty credentials and training, which weighs 25 percent; student services and technology, which weighs 20 percent; peer reputation, which weighs 15 percent; and admissions selectivity, which weighs 10 percent.
Harden said in order to have a successful program, all areas must be strong. Students must be able to collaborate with others in classes and clinicals.
They must be able to handle rigorous work, and the programs must employ instructors who are accessible, responsive and have the academic credentials to provide what the students need from a distance.
The program must also incorporate diverse online learning technologies.
Two programs that were recognized, Master of Science in Nursing Education and Master of Science in Nursing Administration, are both taught online.
The only time the students come to campus is for orientation and graduation day.
Tim Smith, dean of the School of Nursing, said that the national recognition shows that Union has the ability to deliver content online and that its program offers quality education for students who take the classes online.
“We have established credibility and the ability to deliver. There is a lot to be said for a private institute such as Union receiving this recognition over state institutions,” Smith said. “We have great faculty and a great program.”