The graduate nursing program at Indiana State University is among the top 75 in the nation according to new numbers released by U.S. News & World Report.
The program is listed in the 2010 edition of America's Best Graduate Schools in the health category. The rankings will be published in the May issue of U.S. News & World Report magazine.
"Our ranking is an indicator of the quality of program that we offer at Indiana State University," said Biff Williams, dean of the College of Nursing, Health and Human Services.
ISU's graduate nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The master's program prepares nurses for advanced nursing practice in the areas of family nurse practitioner, nursing education and nursing administration, as well as offering post-master's certificate options.
"It is fantastic news to be named a top school by the report," said Debra Mallory, chair of the Department of Advanced Nursing Practice in the College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services. "Our master's degrees and post-master's certificates with a concentration in nursing are now exclusively online. This type of program is relatively rare in the U.S. Our students like our programs for the flexibility they offer to fit with their busy schedules and lifestyles."
The ranking underscores a commitment to quality education, Mallory said.
"The programs are in growth mode because with the country needing to make some health care reforms, there will likely be a greater demand for nurse practitioners, sometimes referred to as 'mid-level providers.' The faculty here at Indiana State are working diligently to do everything we can to help ease the shortage of nurses and nurse practitioners," she said.
"Indiana State offers a great value for graduate nursing students from Indiana and across the nation. The innovative use of technology and faculty dedication has made this a distinguished program that has been honored for several consecutive years," said Marcia Miller, executive director of nursing.
More information about the ISU department of advanced practice nursing is available online .
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Contact: Debra Mallory, department of advanced practice nursing, Indiana State University, 812-237-2591 or dmallory@indstate.edu
Writer: Emily Taylor, assistant director of media relations, Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3790 or etaylor16@indstate.edu