ASU’s undergraduate nursing program ranks in top 8% nationally


A nursing student secures a line to an IV bag in a simulation lab while a classmate looks on. Both students are in maroon scrubs

Edson College BSN students gain hands-on experience in simulation and clinical environments as part of their rigorous program. ASU photo

|

Addressing Arizona’s nursing shortage while improving health outcomes and access to care is a driving force of ASU Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s Bachelor of Science in nursing programs.

And these efforts are getting national attention. In the newly released U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, Edson College’s undergraduate nursing program tied for the No. 39 spot, placing it in the top 8% of programs nationwide, ahead of Florida State University, Purdue and George Mason University.

“While we are honored by this recognition, our focus remains on preparing more nurses to meet Arizona’s growing health care needs,” Edson College Dean Judith Karshmer said. “Increasing the number of nurses entering the workforce is the goal so that our community is well taken care of no matter where they are in the state.”

To that end, the college has expanded its footprint in recent years, with new initiatives aimed at improving health care in underserved areas. The program has expanded to ASU’s Polytechnic campus, and last year, the college received a $5.5 million grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services to support an additional 104 students.

The grant, which covered tuition and other program-related costs, was specifically meant to address the nursing shortage in Arizona — and quickly. One of the conditions of accepting the funding is that graduates stay in the state and work for at least four years once they get their nursing licenses.

More than half of those students have graduated.

“Right now, we have a strong focus on educating students in rural areas because that is where we see the need for more bachelor-prepared nurses who will have an immediate impact on access to health care services,” said Kathy Kenny, associate dean of ASU's Academic Enterprise.

The Bachelor of Science in nursing is a rigorous program, but ASU students are up for the challenge. Edson College’s first-time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Exam averages over 93% annually, well above the national average. This high pass rate reflects the program’s commitment to preparing students to deliver high-quality care.

Related

A decade strong: ASU takes top spot in innovation for 10th year in a row

More Health and medicine

 

A man wears graduation regalia while smiling at the camera

College of Health Solutions alumnus named Military Medic of the Year

By Keri Hensley and Kimberly LinnJonathan Lu has looked out for the health of his fellow military service members his whole career, starting with his role as a combat medic in the U.S. Army.Driven by…

Three people stand outside next to a large sign that reads "Mayo Clinic Phoenix campus."

ASU, Mayo Clinic forge new health innovation program

Arizona State University is on a mission to drive innovations that will help people lead healthier lives and empower health care professionals to develop novel new health solutions. As part of that…

ASU-Mayo Team watches ASU pitcher in new pitching lab

Innovative, fast-moving ventures emerge from Mayo Clinic and ASU summer residency program

By Georgann YaraIn a batting cage transformed into a custom pitching lab, tricked out with the latest in sports technology, Charles Leddon and his Mayo Clinic research teammates scrutinize the…