Nursing Program at Valparaiso University Named One of Nation’s Best by US News & World Report

Oct. 6, 2021 – Valparaiso, Indiana – In its first-ever listing of the top undergraduate nursing programs in the United States, US News & World Report has recognized the high quality of Valpo’s nursing program, which has a history spanning more than five decades.

The rankings are based on surveys of top academics and officials at nursing schools or departments across the country. Out of thousands of accredited programs nationwide, only 694 were recognized, and Valpo nursing is in the top 17% of the list.

“This recognition from our peers and US News & World Report affirms the high caliber and outstanding character of Valpo’s undergraduate nursing program and faculty,” said Karen Allen, dean, Ph.D., RN, FAAN. “Valpo nurses are adaptive, collaborative and visionary, with the passion to go out and create the world they want to live in.”

Valpo nursing is a direct-admit program that emphasizes collaboration, hands-on education and evidence-based practice. The on-campus Virtual Learning Center simulates a hospital environment in which students master the latest tools and technology, working with interactive mannequins, beds and equipment to practice examinations and procedures. Students also complete clinical rotations as well as a practicum to gain real-world experience. The pass rate for the national licensing exam has been 90% or higher for the past several years, compared to the national mean of 84–86%.

Students have the opportunity to make a difference in local and global community through service-learning trips to locations such as Costa Rica, China, Thailand, Italy, Germany and Ireland. Through these trips, they are able to visit hospitals and health care facilities around the world, exploring the differences and similarities between varying practices while strengthening their cross-cultural communication skills.

The Valpo nursing program offers a traditional four-year plan, an accelerated plan and an option for registered nurses to complete their bachelor’s degree. The College of Nursing and Health Professions also offers a master’s and doctorate in nursing. The doctoral program was the first of its kind in the state of Indiana. In recent years, the college has expanded to offer degrees in health administration, health care leadership, health science, nursing, occupational therapy, physician assistant and public health.

Visit valpo.edu/conhp for more information about the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Valpo.