USM Master’s, Doctoral Nursing Programs Ranked Best in State
Thu, 05/14/2020 - 01:21pm | By: Margaret Ann Macloud
The University of Southern Mississippi’s master’s and doctoral nursing programs are the best in Mississippi, and among the best in the nation, according to rankings recently released by U.S. News & World Report in the publication's 2021 Best Graduate School Rankings.
The master’s program ranked 120th in the country in the annual report, and the doctorate program came in at 107th—an improvement of 21 spots since last year’s report. The report surveyed more than 600 nursing schools with master’s or doctoral programs accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
“Our programs graduate advanced practice nurses and nurse leaders who are helping to meet a provider shortage in the state and the region as well as impact the broader nursing profession,” Dean Dr. Lachel Story said. “We are excited that our programs continue to be recognized for their excellent outcomes. This recognition is a direct reflection of the commitment of our faculty, staff, and practice partners.”
The rankings were based on a weighted average of 14 indicators, including student-faculty ratios, four research activity indicators, faculty credentials, the percentage of faculty members with important achievements, and faculty participation in nursing practice. All data was collected in the fall of 2019 and early 2020.
USM’s School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice is home to the state’s only Nurse Anesthesia Program and one of the only two Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in Mississippi. The school has also led the efforts to support nurse practitioners practicing at the highest level by being one of the first programs in the state to transition its nurse practitioner programs to a doctoral degree. These programs and students are currently supported by approximately $3 million in grants funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration.
To learn more about the Southern Miss College of Nursing and Health Professions, call 601-266-5445 or visit https://www.usm.edu/nursing-health-professions/index.php.