U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) released its 2016 rankings of the Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and named Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) as the 5th best program in the United States.

“It’s important that nurses who desire to become advanced practice providers or expand their nursing leadership have access to high-quality education that prepares them to make a difference in the lives of patients, their families and communities,” said Marion E. Broome, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean and Ruby Wilson Professor of Nursing, vice chancellor for Nursing Affairs for Duke University and associate vice president for Academic Affairs for Nursing for Duke University Health System. “Our being recognized in these rankings speaks of the commitment of our faculty and staff to ensure that we are continually providing innovative nursing education to our students.”

USNWR ranked schools using five categories – student engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer reputation, student services and technology and admissions selectivity.

DUSON launched its first distance learning course in 1992 and has continually embraced the use and development of online and distance-based learning. All majors in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program offer either a distance-based or online option for students who represent more than 45 states and 15 countries.

In addition to the MSN program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program offers a distance-based option for nurses pursuing an advanced practice degree. The program is designed for full-time working nurses based anywhere in the world.

“As one of the top nursing schools in the nation, it’s important that we offer all of our students the same high-quality education,” said Broome. “The idea that our distance-based students, who may be located hundreds or thousands of miles away, are able to receive the same quality education that our on-campus students receive is something to be extremely proud of. We are providing them with the greatest freedom and flexibility to complete their coursework anytime, anywhere while advancing their careers.”