Latest U.S. News Ranking Names SHU’s Online Nursing Programs First and Second in State
Online programs offer flexibility for working professionals who want to advance their careers
Sacred Heart University’s online bachelor programs for nursing rank No. 1 in Connecticut, and its online master’s degree of nursing programs place second, according to the latest ratings from U.S. News & World Report.
The publisher notes that completing a degree online may be the most practical way for working adults to obtain the knowledge and credentials needed to advance their careers.
“Taking classes online is the best option for many working professionals,” said Mary Alice Donius, dean of SHU’s Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. “I believe what sets Sacred Heart apart is that all our online programs provide students with individual attention from dedicated, full-time faculty members who are committed to student success.”
The U.S. News & World Report rankings, which appear in the publisher’s 2021 editions of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs, rank online programs from hundreds of universities and colleges nationwide. Categories used to rank programs include engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, expert opinion and student excellence.
Sacred Heart’s online bachelor’s program enables a registered nurse (R.N.) to earn a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (B.S.N.). Registered nurses who have a diploma or associate degree in nursing develop professional skills in health assessment, information technology, evidence-based practice and more. The curriculum also covers concepts of health care and wellness across cultures, clinical leadership development and methods of measuring care outcomes.
“We link our R.N.-to-B.S.N. program to the core concepts of the University’s undergraduate programs,” Donius said. “The Human Journey arts and science courses that students must complete teach them to understand their own humanity, and these courses dovetail with the nursing concepts—caring for and healing others and the obligation to promote the common good.”
Motivated students can work toward an online master’s degree in nursing. This rigorous course of study develops advanced clinical, managerial and educational skills. The program offers four specializations: clinical nurse leader, nursing management and executive leadership, nursing education and family nurse practitioner.
Sacred Heart also offers an online doctor of nursing practice program that builds on master-level education to prepare students for leadership roles within the health-care delivery system.
SHU’s online R.N.-to-B.S.N. program was also recognized as the top program in Connecticut by NursingProcess.org.
Learn more about SHU’s online offerings at the University’s website.