By NSU News Bureau
11/10/2016
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s nurse practitioner program has been ranked as the seventh best program in the United States, according to guidetoonlineschools.com.
The full rankings are available at guidetoonlineschools.com/degrees/nurse-practitioner/top-online-colleges.
Ranked institutions must offer at least 10 fully online degrees at the master’s level. Colleges and universities meeting the criteria were judged based on tuition rates, program coursework and accreditation. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics are utilized.
“Gaining a high national ranking increases the visibility of the program and lets prospective students know Northwestern State offers an excellent education at an affordable price,” said Dr. Connie Hale, associate professor of nursing and head of graduate programs in the College of Nursing. “It gives faculty a boost to know their work is recognized. Our students know a national ranking adds value to their degree. Ultimately, this allows us to positively impact healthcare by producing more and more quality providers.”
Nurse practitioner is one of three options in the Master of Science in Nursing program. Students can specialize in one of five areas: adult gerontology acute care, adult gerontology primary care, family nurse practitioner, primary care pediatric and women’s health.
Northwestern State also offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program which provides a clinical doctorate for master’s prepared registered nurses who desire to practice at the highest level and significantly impact health care outcomes for vulnerable populations. Graduates of this DNP program have the potential to transform health care by utilizing advanced clinical skills, translating evidence into practice, implementing systems changes, establishing standards and policies and acting as organizational leaders.
For more information on Northwestern State’s nurse practitioner program, go to nsula.edu/academics/nursing-allied-health/nursing-program.
