The University of Texas at Arlington's online Master of Science in nursing degree program is ranked among the best in the nation by Best Health Degrees.
The program, which is offered through UTA's College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CoNHI), ranked No. 7 nationally and second in Texas among nursing schools with hybrid or fully online MSN programs.
"This is yet another recognition of the very high level of quality of the MSN programs offered by the College of Nursing and Health Innovation and a strong indicator of both the excellence and impact of the program," said UTA President Vistasp Karbhari. "My thanks to our faculty for their continued dedication to student success and excellence. I'm extremely proud of, and grateful for, the work that our faculty do to ensure that we address critical workforce needs through focused and innovative programs, while simultaneously making it possible for all students, including working professionals, to gain from the very high quality offerings from UTA."
According to Best Health Degrees, online graduate program rankings are based on factors that help students know the quality and return on investment: cost, graduation rate, job placement, salary potential and student satisfaction. Data comes from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), College Scorecard and Niche.
Earlier this year, CONHI was designated a 2019 Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.
"The ranking reflects the dedication and creativity of the faculty in leading the different specialty areas in our MSN program," said Elizabeth Merwin, CONHI dean. "We have highly talented and experienced faculty members who are leaders in their specialty areas."
The impact of UTA's graduates in the workforce is reflected across the nation, but especially in North Texas. UTA partners with various area hospitals—such as Medical City Arlington, Texas Health Resources, UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health—to fulfill patient care needs in surrounding communities and beyond.
"Nearly a quarter of our bachelor-level nurses obtained their degree from UTA's College of Nursing and Health Innovation," said Cathy McLaughlin, RN, chief nursing officer at Medical City Arlington. "Every day we see how well-prepared they are to deliver safe, compassionate care so that our patients experience excellence always in every action, every time. Many of these nurses become our frontline leaders, and we are grateful to have them on the Medical City health care team."
