Northwest maintains highest Missouri ranking among RN to BSN programs

Northwest Missouri State University’s online RN to BSN program maintains its status as one of the best online nursing education programs in the nation, according to EduMed.org, a resource connecting students with information about education, training and financial aid opportunities in healthcare and medical support.

This fall, Northwest is ranked No. 31 on EduMed’s annual list of 50 RN to BSN programs. Northwest is the highest-ranked of just two Missouri programs to make the list.

“Our team is very thankful for this ranking because it reflects our dedication to providing a program that focuses on student success,” Dr. Brooke McAtee, the director of the Northwest nursing program, said. “We are honored to be recognized as the top online RN to BSN program in Missouri. “

EduMed, which connects students with information about education, training and financial aid opportunities in healthcare and medical support, created its ranking by researching more than 7,700 accredited schools, using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and from the schools themselves. Schools offering at least part of their nursing program online and holding an active regional accreditation were then ranked according to seven core metrics. Schools with the best combinations of online learning opportunities, affordability and student support earned top honors.

“Our rankings showcase the schools giving future nurses and allied health professionals the best chance to succeed from day one in the classroom to day one on the job,” said Wes Harris, outreach coordinator for EduMed.org. “This starts with low-cost tuition, but also includes academic counseling, career placement and other key resources that students need to graduate and get hired.”

Northwest relaunched its nursing program in 2018 as an online RN to BSN program in response to an increased demand for registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program, which maintains nursing accreditation status from the National League for Nursing’s Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), is designed as a student-centered program that is conducive to the working nurse’s schedule. It provides opportunity for nurses to advance in their professional roles at a state, national and international level while emphasizing the importance of leadership skills in all service areas.

The RN-BSN program consists of seven-week sessions, enabling students to complete the program in less than a year. Students also have the opportunity to earn a nurse manager certificate through the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Additionally, Northwest offers two 30-hour online Master of Science in Nursing programs allowing students to earn specializations as nurse executive or nurse educator.

To learn more about Northwest’s online RN-BSN program, visit the online RN-to-BSN webpage, call 660.562.1973 or email nwnursing@nwmissouri.edu.