Top 10 RN programs you’ll hear about on travel nursing jobs

The world of medicine is always changing, and this is something that you know well as a travel nurse. Across the country, there are a number of top-notch nursing programs, and some great ones are even offered online. You may be surprised to find out that some of the individuals who are new to nursing graduated with a degree from one of these online programs, reported as the best by U.S. News & World Report:

10. Florida State University
While FSU took the top spot on the official ranking list, it shared the No. 10 title with a number of other schools, including:

  • Graceland University
  • Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi
  • University of Colorado, Denver
  • University of Missouri, Kansas City

However, FSU scored 100 out of 100 for student services and technology, which is measured by the level of financial, technical and vocational support that is provided to online students.

9. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
While UT ranked high in faculty credentials and training and student engagement, the school only received 38 out of 100 points for admissions selectivity. This category is calculated based on the quality of the candidates that are accepted into the program.

8. University of Alabama, Huntsville
UA had decent scores across the board, and came in highest with 86 points in faculty credentials and training. This information indicates that the school adequately prepares qualified instructors to teach remotely, which in turn provides an overall better experience for the students who attend.

7. Loyola University New Orleans
Coming in near the middle of the top 10 schools, Loyal ranked in the 80s for faculty, student engagement – which tracked student satisfaction and instructor responsiveness – and admissions. However, when it came to student services and technology, the school scored only 62 points out of 100.

6. Duquesne University
Located in Pittsburgh, Pa., Duquesne also got low numbers for student services and technology, with just 59 points. However, the private university does allow nursing students to access lecture material whenever they please, as all information for the courses is recorded and archived online.

5. East Carolina University
ECU is in Greenville, N.C., and had their highest score for student services and technology, with 88 points. While student engagement only received 76 out of 100 points, 99 percent of enrolled students are employed while attending the institution. 

4. George Washington University
For many, it may come as no surprise that GWU in Washington, D.C., ranks No. 4 on the list of best online nursing programs. The university did particularly well when it came to faculty credentials and training, for which it was given 88 out of 100 points.

3. University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Taking the No. 3 spot, UM was granted 100 points for faculty credentials and training. In fact, the institution also received 97 points for admissions selectivity, making it a competitive program. However, when it comes to student services and technology, the school dropped to just 66 points.

2. Medical University of South Carolina
The Medical University of South Carolina is located in lovely Charleston, and the program ranked particularly well when it came to faculty credentials and training as well as admissions selectivity. However, student services and technology gained only 57 points, proving that this is an area in which even the best universities struggle.

1. St. Xavier University
Chicago's St. Xavier takes the No. 1 spot with 100 points in student engagement, 95 for faculty credentials and training, 89 in admissions selectivity and 52 when it comes to student services and technology.

If you have the opportunity to check out one of these universities while on a travel nursing assignment, stop by to find out how things have changed since you were in school. It can be a great place to find students who are seeking out mentors as they begin their careers.