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