The Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is ranked as one of the best nursing schools in the nation for the master’s and doctor of nursing programs for 2017 by U.S. News & World Report.
“We strive to provide an exceptional learning environment for our students,” said Dean Lazelle Benefield, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN. “Quality programs, extraordinary faculty, and outstanding clinical partnerships anchor our efforts to help students achieve their goals in nursing, to advance research, and to meet the growing need for exceptional nursing professionals in a variety of health care environments. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for our efforts in our programs for master’s in nursing science and doctor of nursing practice.”
According to U.S. News, both the master’s and doctor of nursing practice rankings are based on a weighted average of 14 indicators. The seven common factors are the four research activity indicators; faculty credentials; the percentage of faculty members with important achievements; and faculty participation in nursing practice. The other seven indicators in each ranking use measures that are specific to each degree type.
The Master’s in Nursing Science programs at OU include four tracks: Administrative/Management; Education; Clinical Nurse Specialist; and Family Nurse Practitioner. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares nurse leaders to become clinical scholars, health care and policy leaders and evidence-based practice experts as well as informatics and quality improvement leaders. The MSN and DNP programs provide diverse learning experiences, including hybrid online education and opportunities to work with and alongside other disciplines.
Benefield added, “We continue to provide excellent programming at reasonable cost. Our value-added curricula are led by world-class faculty. And our alumni and friends share in our vision by financially supporting additional student leadership training that otherwise would not be possible: our study abroad program to OU @ Arezzo, customized national leadership training and attendance at a student healthcare policy summit in Washington. Our graduates make a difference in Oklahoma and beyond.”