When deciding on a career, it's essential to consider factors like personal fulfilment and job security. Healthcare is a field that satisfies both of these criteria, and nursing, in particular, is a prevalent and growing profession. With 4.2 million registered nurses in the U.S. alone, nurses comprise the most significant component of the health workforce and are the primary providers of hospital patient care.

However, it's essential to understand the challenges that come with this profession. A recent study suggests that healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, face high pressure on the job and could benefit from better self-care and patient care training. Despite these challenges, working in healthcare can also be highly rewarding.

Attending a top-notch nursing school can provide you with the necessary training and emotional preparation to succeed in the field. If nursing is a career you're considering, selecting a school that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to enter the workforce is crucial. 

This article has compiled a list of the top nursing schools in the United States to help you make an informed decision. 

Why study Nursing in the USA?

• High demand for nurses: The USA has a high demand for qualified nurses, meaning job opportunities are plentiful. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
• Competitive salaries: Nurses in the USA earn competitive salaries, which can vary depending on location and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses was $75,330.
• Diverse career paths: Nursing offers a diverse range of career paths, including specialities such as paediatrics, oncology, critical care, and more. Additionally, nurses can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and home healthcare.
• High-quality education: Nursing programs in the USA are highly regarded and offer a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to become competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.
• Opportunities for advancement: With further education and experience, nurses in the USA can advance their careers and take on leadership roles within their organisations.

Best Nursing Universities in the USA

University of Illinois

The nursing program offered by the University of Illinois College has been ranked among the top ten programs in the United States by the Global Network of WHO Affiliated Centers. At the university, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, regions, and nationalities can utilise the knowledge and skills of renowned academics and medical professionals. These experts conduct nursing research that directly impacts the health and wellness of patients not only in the United States and globally. It is an excellent opportunity for nursing students to learn from the best and positively impact the world of healthcare.

The University of Illinois College of Nursing has a long-standing reputation for excellence in nursing education and research. The program's curriculum is designed to prepare students for the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare industry. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, students have the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality patient care.

The nursing faculty at the University of Illinois College of Nursing comprises accomplished scholars and leaders in the nursing profession. These educators are committed to providing students with a supportive and stimulating learning environment that promotes academic excellence, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.

In addition to academic excellence, the University of Illinois College of Nursing strongly emphasises community service and outreach. Students are encouraged to engage in various community health initiatives that address the healthcare needs of underserved populations. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world situations while positively impacting the community.

University of Pennsylvania

International students interested in healthcare can benefit from studying at Penn School of Nursing, where they have access to some of the top nursing teachers in the world. The Visiting Overseas PhD. Scholarship Program is an example of a program that allows overseas students to study at Penn Nursing. 

This program enables international students to spend a year studying at Penn after completing a year of PhD studies in their home countries. During their time at Penn, students can refine their research ideas and use the resources available to enhance their academic careers. They can then return to their hometown universities to complete their academic studies. Overall, Penn Nursing offers excellent opportunities for overseas students to learn from top scholars and advance their academic careers in healthcare.

In addition to the Visiting Overseas PhD. Scholarship Program, Penn School of Nursing also offers several other options for international students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. These include degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as continuing education programs for working professionals.

International students at Penn Nursing can benefit from the school's cutting-edge research facilities, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and world-renowned faculty. The school's faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, with expertise in various areas, including health policy, nursing education, clinical care, and research.

Columbia University

The Columbia School of Nursing is a highly acclaimed institution with numerous awards for its cutting-edge research and revolutionary academic programs. Its pioneering efforts in healthcare policy and advanced practice nursing have set a benchmark for excellence in nursing. 

The school was the first to establish a universal faculty practice plan, which has helped ensure its faculty members have the necessary skills and expertise to provide high-quality healthcare services to patients. Additionally, it was the first institution to establish a World Health Organization Working Institute in Advanced Practice Nursing, which has played a crucial role in advancing the nursing profession globally. The Columbia School of Nursing has significantly contributed to the nursing field. Its continued commitment to innovation and excellence makes it a leading healthcare education and research institution.

The Columbia School of Nursing has a rich history of producing exceptional nursing professionals who are well equipped to provide outstanding care to patients. Its academic programs are renowned for their rigorous curriculum and emphasis on practical skills and experience, which prepare students to excel in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry. The school's faculty members are leaders in their respective fields and actively contribute to cutting-edge research that helps advance the nursing profession.

In addition to its academic programs, the Columbia School of Nursing is home to several research centres and institutes that focus on various topics, including women's health, HIV/AIDS, and ageing. These research initiatives have produced groundbreaking discoveries and helped shape healthcare delivery worldwide.

Michigan University

The University of Michigan's Medical School is eager to work with individuals from all over the world. To make it easier for foreign students, educators, and scholars to join the university's learning and professional community, they have established the International Scholars Initiative, managed by the Global Outreach (GO) department. The university welcomes anyone who wishes to study in the United States, ranging from doctoral candidates seeking academic or clinical expertise to professors taking a sabbatical. 

The International Scholars Initiative at the University of Michigan's Medical School is a testament to the university's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and global collaboration. The program provides a platform for foreign students and academics to connect with the university's faculty and resources and to engage in research, teaching, and learning opportunities. The University of Michigan has a long-standing tradition of excellence in medical education and research, and the International Scholars Initiative is an extension of this legacy.

The university offers a range of academic programs, including biomedical research, clinical training, and public health, among others. International scholars can also participate in research projects and clinical trials, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge medical technologies and treatments.

The International Scholars Initiative also aims to foster cultural exchange and promote cross-cultural understanding among scholars and students from different backgrounds. The university provides support and resources to help international scholars adjust to life in the United States, including housing, healthcare, and immigration assistance.

New York University

New York University (NYU) has started the Global Health Scholars Initiative to promote interaction among international students and support health professionals globally in adopting evidence-based practices. Over the past few decades, NYU has established strong partnerships with healthcare facilities and institutions in Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean region. The university is also a popular destination for foreign nurse educators who come to teach and learn.

The Global Health Scholars Initiative launched by NYU aims to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing between international students and health professionals. Through this initiative, NYU intends to promote evidence-based practices in healthcare and contribute to improving global health outcomes.

NYU has a rich history of building strong relationships with institutions and healthcare facilities across continents. These partnerships have allowed NYU to create a diverse and inclusive learning environment for its students to gain exposure to different healthcare systems and cultures.

In addition to attracting many international students, NYU welcomes foreign nurse educators who come to teach and learn. This exchange of knowledge and expertise further enhances NYU's commitment to promoting global health and education.