The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Nursing has been ranked in the Top 20 of the nation’s best online graduate nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report.
UMKC’s no. 15 ranking, released Tuesday, is the highest of any public university in Missouri or Kansas; the University of Kansas ranked No. 23.
“The quality measures of an online nursing program are whether students receive the same learning experiences as they would as if they’re in the classroom and if they received the same student support services as on-site students. Our faculty have developed our on-line programs to meet these standards and continue to enhance the quality of these programs as new technology becomes available to us,” said UMKC School of Nursing Dean Lora Lacey-Haun. “The ranking means that our students meet or exceed the competencies of their program whether that involves patients receiving the highest standard of care from our nurse practitioner graduates or our doctoral graduates functioning as nurse scientists conducting research to advance the quality of health care.”
UMKC’s School of Nursing has been offering online graduate programs since 2004. Online students are expected to participate in on-line discussions — just as if like they’re present in the classroom. Technology allows them to communicate real time either by using webcams and microphones or simply typing their comments. What solidifies the educational experience for these students are the on-site Summer Institutes they attend on campus where they may be required to attend clinical training sessions, dissertation work sessions or provide required presentations to their classmates and faculty.
U.S. News began ranking online education in 2012. “The growth of online nursing degree programs allows students to advance their careers in one of the most in-demand professions in healthcare,” according to U.S. News. “Students should be prepared to spend two or three years earning their nursing degree online, and with their master’s degree, graduates can be certified with an advanced license as a nurse.”
When determining the best online nursing degree programs, U.S. News considered a few major factors: admissions selectivity, faculty credentials, accreditation, student engagement and student services and technology. U.S. News began their data comparisons with 471 institutions that had accredited graduate degree programs in nursing. Among the ones that replied, 101 said they offered an online master’s in nursing degree program.
UMKC ranked in the Top 10 on student engagement (7) and admissions selectivity (8).
To read more about the rankings, go to http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education.
About the UMKC School of Nursing
The UMKC School of Nursing offers a full range of education programs including a four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN), an RN-BSN, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Ph.D. in Nursing. Research at the UMKC School of Nursing is focused on Women’s and Children’s health and the school is a center of excellence in the provision of health care and education in these areas, emphasizing urban health care and wellness. For more information about the UMKC School of Nursing, visit http://nursing.umkc.edu/. You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
About the University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit http://www.umkc.edu/. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.