Duke School of Nursing (DUSON) proudly announces its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program has achieved the prestigious #1 ranking in the recent US News & World Report (USNWR) rankings. This achievement is a testament to the school's unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education and preparing the next generation of nursing leaders to continue the fight for health equity.

Duke's ABSN program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree or higher and aspire to make a significant impact in nursing. In 16 months, this accelerated program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to become nurse leaders. The curriculum covers vital aspects of nursing, including wellness, health promotion, disease prevention, clinical leadership, evidence-based nursing practice, and culturally appropriate care. It's an educational journey led by experienced faculty dedicated to their student's success.

“It is an honor for DUSON to continue to be recognized by our peers for our commitment to leveraging the expertise of nurses and nurse-led models of care to reduce health inequities across communities and throughout the country,” said Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, Dean and Bessie Baker Distinguished Professor of DUSON. “Our programs and school continue to rank highly because of our enduring commitment to advance health equity.”

What sets DUSON apart is its deliberate steps in recent years to advance health equity, increase access to care, and promote social justice for underserved and underrepresented communities. The Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health (CLAFH) at the Duke University School of Nursing, for instance, has launched DUSONTrailblazer.com. This online hub champions a nurse-led model of care to address health inequities and mitigate the harmful Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). Trailblazer introduces innovative strategies to combat health inequities by reimagining how to mitigate harmful SDOH. This resource features an applied framework aimed at supporting clinicians, policymakers, researchers, and educators in the meaningful pursuit of health equity.

Moreover, DUSON is investing significantly in expert faculty to advance these critical goals. Through the SDOH Cluster Hire Initiative, the school is bringing in new faculty and leadership with additional expertise in addressing social determinants of health. These distinguished faculty members are already leading the charge in creating science-based, actionable programs of research, scholarship, and academic programming aimed at reducing health inequities and advancing intervention science across various levels, from individual and family to community and society at large.

This remarkable achievement in the USNWR rankings reflects the tireless dedication of Duke School of Nursing's faculty, staff, and students. It underscores the school's mission to shape the future of nursing and make a lasting impact on healthcare while championing health equity and social justice.