Nursing School Earns Top 5 MSN Program and Military Friendly Accolades

The School of Nursing has garnered two distinguished recognitions this week, highlighting its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program as well as its military friendly status.

The school’s MSN program has been listed at No. 5 among the Top 30 online MSN in nursing degrees ranked by student-faculty ratio. The list was developed by www.bestmasterofscienceinnursing.com, which described the ratio of student to teacher as a “key factor in selecting a program that might reduce drop-out rates and boost the number of graduating students.”

Designed to meet the needs of nurses who are prepared to plan, initiate, affect and evaluate change in the healthcare delivery system, the nursing school’s MSN program offers specialization areas in family nurse practitioner, forensic nursing, and nursing education and faculty role.

The School of Nursing was also included in the 2014 Military Friendly Schools List, released by Victory Media to recognize institutions that exhibit leading practices to support military students.

“It is always an honor to have our academic programs recognized nationally,” said Nursing Dean Dr. Mary Ellen Glasgow. “It is a testament to our faculty’s deep clinical knowledge, expertise in online learning and commitment to Duquesne’s mission of teaching excellence.”

The sixth annual Military Friendly Schools list, which also includes the School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, was created through extensive research and a data-driven survey of schools nationwide approved for post-9/11 GI Bill funding.

In July, the nursing school announced its new academic initiative, Operation BSN: Serving the Nation, Healing the Sick, designed to improve employment opportunities for military veterans and diversify the nursing workforce. The unique program, directed by Chair of Undergraduate Programs Dr. Mark Crider, received funding via a three-year Health Resources and Services Administration grant for $915,042.

The School of Nursing is ranked No. 3 by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans. In addition, the school named three of its doctoral students as Jonas Scholars, providing each with financial assistance through a Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare grant with matching funds from the University.