UTA graduate nursing programs ranked among nation’s best
The master’s program in nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington jumped 25 spots to No. 60 in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate School rankings.
The magazine’s annual rankings also recognized a second graduate program in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI), listing its doctor of nursing practice program (DNP) as No. 100.
There were 220 master’s programs included in the U.S. News rankings and 163 DNP programs.
“Through its nationally ranked graduate offerings, CONHI prepares nurses for advanced practice, administration, quality improvement, and research endeavors to address a changing health care landscape, and nurse educators to prepare the next generation of nurses,” said Elizabeth Merwin, CONHI dean.
“Nursing continues to be one of the most sought-after career fields across the U.S. Our degree programs continue to make a significant impact in the health care workforce by playing a leading role in addressing nursing shortages in Texas and nationwide, while applying the highest level of academic rigor, quality of instruction and training.”
CONHI is the largest producer of baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses in Texas, specializing in a wide variety of areas, including cardiovascular conditions, aging, cancer, bone disease, patient safety, public health and health disparities.
UTA has diversified its graduate offerings to emphasize the differences in each stage of life. As the U.S. population grows older, the need for better, more specialized treatment of older adults intensifies. To address the unique medical and care needs of the rapidly growing geriatric population, UTA recently launched a new graduate-level gerontology health care certificate program.
In 2020, UTA’s nursing program was one of 17 nationwide to be named a 2020 NLN Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing (NLN). It was the third time in recent years that CONHI had received this designation from the NLN, considered the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education.
Earlier this year, CONHI’s online master’s program in nursing jumped 14 spots to No. 92 in the country, according to U.S. News’ 2021 list of Best Online Programs.
“Our nurses are highly sought after by hospitals and health care providers across the state and nation,” Merwin said. “These recognitions highlight the remarkable strengths of our dedicated students, faculty and staff.”
U.S. News & World Report publishes its standings annually and has earned a reputation as the leading provider of ranking information through its “Best” series, which includes lists for college programs, undergraduate and graduate schools and more. The rankings are calculated through a scoring system from statistical and peer reputation surveys that analyze engagement, services and technologies; expert opinion from academic officials; faculty credentials; and training and student excellence.