UNLV's School of Nursing was ranked among the top 20 online graduate nursing programs in the nation, according to the 2013 U.S. News & World Report of best online graduate degree programs.
The Masters of Science in Nursing program ranked 18th out of 101 programs, which offer the curriculum entirely online.
U.S. News ranked online master's of nursing programs in four distinct areas: admissions selectivity, faculty credentials and training, student engagement and accreditation and student services technology.
U.S. News has ranked online programs for two years. This is the first time UNLV was featured in the list.
"Our efforts help students from around the country to receive individualized attention with highly qualified faculty members, allowing them to connect personally and strengthening students' connection to the school," said Carolyn Yucha, dean of the School of Nursing. "UNLV's office of online education works diligently to ensure that our faculty and students are embracing the future of online learning."
Online programs allow flexibility for busy professionals and to pool knowledge and expertise from across the country, Yucha said.
UNLV's Master of Science in Nursing program offers two tracks - family nurse practitioner and nurse educator. The program prepares advanced clinicians and educators in nursing who will serve the health needs of the community and educate future nursing care providers.
Growth in graduate level nursing programs has increased exponentially over the last decade. In 2003, for example, only 70 students at 20 schools nationwide were pursuing their doctorate in nursing practice. In 2011, more than 9,000 students were studying at 182 institutions, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
The UNLV School of Nursing offers all of its graduate level courses online, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree in collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno and a Ph.D. in Nursing.
Visit U.S. News and World Report to view the complete list of rankings.
