The U.S. News & World Report released its 2023 online rankings today and Duke School of Nursing took top honors across the board. The school leapt from the #5 spot in 2022 to being the second-best overall online graduate Nursing School program as well as maintaining its status as the second-best online Graduate Nursing Program for Veterans. In addition, three majors within the Master of Science in Nursing program ranked #1 for the third year including Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, and Nursing Education. 

“At Duke,  we are leading the paradigm shift through education, practice and research that is needed to address health inequities and advance social justice,” said Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, dean, Duke School of Nursing, and vice chancellor of nursing affairs, Duke University. “I am deeply proud of the work that our faculty and staff do every day to ensure we are adopting this new framework that prepares our nursing leaders of tomorrow to mitigate harmful social determinants of health and improve health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.” 

Our Highly Ranked Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner Program

The only clinical practice major ranked by USNWR, the Family Nurse Practitioner program assists students in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver comprehensive primary care to people of all ages. 

“Family Nurse Practitioner students are a critical solution to gaps in healthcare and access to care in underserved and rural communities that have historically lacked providers,” said Alison Edie, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, associate professor and lead faculty of the Family Nurse Practitioner program. “This program specifically integrates cultural intelligence and communication skills for diverse communities designed to improve access to care and health outcomes for underserved populations where there is a critical gap in care.”

Nursing & Healthcare Leadership Program

The school’s Nursing & Healthcare Leadership Program prepares graduates for leadership roles within the nursing profession. These leadership positions include care management, quality, safety, risk management, accreditation, advocacy and professional organizations, and most importantly influencing care at the point of delivery, making a difference in the lives of many.

“Interest and enrollment in Duke School of Nursing Healthcare and Leadership program has seen an increase since the pandemic, which intensified and highlighted issues in nursing and healthcare. Nurses are realizing a focus on nursing leadership, including graduate education in nursing leadership, positions them to be more strategic and effective leaders in advocating for nurses, the profession, patients, and changes to healthcare inequities that continue to harm society,” said Kathleen Turner, DNP, RN, associate professor and lead faculty of the Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Program.

Nursing Education

According to a Special Survey on Vacant Faculty Positions report released by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in 2022, there is a national nurse faculty vacancy rate of 8.8 percent. This shortage limits student capacity at a time when the need for professional registered nurses continues to grow.

The Duke School of Nursing Education program prepares students for high demand roles in various settings including clinical teaching, patient education, and staff in professional development in the Health Care system.

“As the country faces a historic nursing shortage, it’s never been more important for well-trained nurse educators to support the future nursing workforce nationally and globally,” said Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, professor and lead faculty of the Nursing Education program. “Our graduates are prepared to teach at a community college, School of Nursing, or move into the industry or government agencies to do training for nurses and other health care providers.” 

The U.S. News & World Report will announce its Best Graduate Nursing School rankings later this spring.