Monmouth University’s Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies ranked as the No. 3 best nursing school in New Jersey in the annual 2019 Nursing Schools Almanac report. The University also ranked among the top 100 best private nursing schools nationwide at No. 91 and was No. 38 for the best nursing schools in the Mid-Atlantic region.
According to the report, released on the Nursing Schools Almanac’s website, data was collected on more than 3,000 institutions throughout the United States. The research team evaluated all nursing schools by the institution’s academic prestige and perceived value, the depth of nursing programs offered, as well as student success, particularly first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates. Scores were combined and ranked by overall scores.
Janet Mahoney, Ph.D., dean and professor in the School of Nursing and Health Studies said, “I felt overwhelmed and very proud when I saw the rankings. Knowing that Monmouth University’s nursing programs are the best as we continuously strive for excellence and provide the best learning environment for our students to learn is one thing—but I feel very appreciated when others recognize it.”
Mahoney credited the faculty for the care and compassion they give to their students. Citing that over 90% of faculty hold doctoral degrees, Mahoney stressed the importance of having a faculty with vast knowledge and experience. “Advanced degrees in nursing open even more opportunities for our students as they care for their patients and our society,” Mahoney added.
About the Methodology
Criteria for gauging academic prestige and perceived value was measured by graduates’ ability to repay their student debt in a timely manner, professional designations (e.g. NCLEX), grant funding received for nursing research from the National Institutes of Health, and the number of years in operation, particularly at the graduate nursing education level.
Depth of nursing programs were measured by evaluating undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees, diplomas and certifications offered. Graduate programs were weighed more heavily, as well as program enrollment size.
Final criteria relied heavily on the first-time success rates of the NCLEX licensure exam, as well as accreditations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
About Monmouth University School of Nursing and Health Studies
Monmouth University is home to the Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies. The school’s Department of Nursing offers a number of degree options, including two Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) pathways, two Master of Science in nursing pathways (MSN), and a 36-credit online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Monmouth also offers graduate certificates in forensic nursing and school nursing, along with post-master’s certificates in nursing education and several popular nurse practitioner fields such as adult-gerontology, family, and psychiatric-mental health. All nursing students are members of the Monmouth University Professional Nurses Association. Top BSN and MSN performers can also apply for membership in the Lambda Delta chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society.
The full 2019 Nursing Schools Almanac report is available online.