RUSH College of Nursing has again attained impressive rankings, further solidifying its renowned status for delivering exceptional nursing education on a national scale. All five ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice tracks are among the top three nationwide in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings released on April 9. RUSH also ranks No. 1 among nursing programs in Illinois.
“We are very proud to have the strengths of our doctoral tracks recognized once again by U.S. News & World Report,” says Christine Kennedy, PhD, RN, the John L. and Helen Kellogg Dean, College of Nursing and Interim Provost for RUSH University. “These strong rankings demonstrate our commitment to academic excellence in the preparation of the next generation of nursing leaders who will advance health care.”
The College of Nursing ranked in the top three in five categories:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (No. 2)
- Adult Gerontology, Primary Care (No. 2)
- Psychiatric Mental Health (No. 2)
- DNP Leadership (No. 3)
- Adult Gerontology, Acute Care (No. 3)
Notably, the College of Nursing also ranked No. 6 in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree category.
The Nurse Anesthesia program was also recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its strength and contributions to the field. RUSH was one of the pioneering institutions in the education of certified registered nurse anesthetists, creating its program more than 50 years ago as one of the first of its kind. Today, the program continues to attract students looking to enter the high-demand field with rigorous educational training rooted in health equity. In 2023, RUSH received new funding to enhance clinical learning experiences in urban and rural areas. Many graduates of the program serve in leadership positions across the country.
Nursing continues to be a rewarding and impactful career path for individuals looking to make a difference in their communities. Nursing was ranked No. 1 in the Gallup poll of America’s most honest and ethical professions for the 22nd consecutive year. U. S. News & World Report ranks nurse practitioners as the No. 1 career overall, and the No. 1 career in health care due to future growth potential, salary, stress, job market and work-life balance. Graduates of RUSH’s nurse practitioner programs are highly sought-after because of the exceptional preparation they receive.
“RUSH remains a clear choice for nurses looking to advance their careers and for passionate people who want to improve health care,” Kennedy says.