By Erica Techo
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing’s bachelor of science in nursing program has been named a top program in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
The leader in college and grad school rankings released its first “Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs” list, placing the UAB School of Nursing at No. 10 in the nation.
“Receiving this acknowledgement and being named a top bachelor of science in nursing program in the country is a testament to the outstanding students, faculty and staff we have at the UAB School of Nursing,” said Dean and Fay B. Ireland Endowed Chair in Nursing Doreen C. Harper, PhD, RN, FAAN. “This is a well-deserved recognition for our undergraduate and prelicensure program, and highlights our efforts to produce the next generation of highly educated nurses, who go on to make a difference in our community and beyond.”
U.S. News ranks programs through a combination of factors, including accreditation, peer institutions and more. The School’s graduate programs have been highly ranked by U.S. News as well, with four graduate programs in the top 10 and another two in the top 20.
“The UAB School of Nursing has a stellar reputation, and people know a lot about our top-ranked graduate programs. This ranking, however, really put our undergraduate program at the forefront,” said Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Prelicensure Education Gwendolyn Childs, PhD, RN, FAAN. “It has really let the world know about the outstanding work we do in educating the next generation of nurses.”
From simulation and curriculum to clinical partnerships, the UAB School of Nursing presents students with unique, hands-on opportunities at a premier academic health science center for real-world clinical experiences that drive home what they learn in the classroom setting.
“This ranking speaks to the intellect, the innovation, the commitment, and the relentless efforts of our faculty making sure every student gets a quality education,” Childs said. “With this being the first time for BSN rankings, starting in the top 10 sets the mark for us to keep up our progress to get into the top five.”