The University of Utah College of Nursing continues to be recognized as a leader in nursing education with three programs receiving an increased national rank for 2025. The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report and RegisteredNursing.Org confirm the college’s dedication to excellence across education, research, and clinical care.
Nurse-Midwifery Program Jumps to #6
Up from #11 to #6 in “2025 Best Midwifery Programs” for U.S. News & World Report, the Certified Nurse-Midwifery specialty track at the College prepares clinically, culturally, and philosophically competent nurse midwives who provide excellent care to women, newborns, and families.
Midwifery graduates are educated at the doctoral level to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for women and families at many stages of life. From managing pre- and post-pregnancy and childbirth to women’s health and gynecological needs, nurse-midwives are skilled in prescribing medication, using diagnostic tools effectively, and supporting individuals in making informed decisions about their care.
Jessica Ellis, PhD, CNM, Director of Nurse-Midwifery Specialty Track at the College said, “This increased ranking is further evidence of the value nurse-midwifery graduates bring to the individuals they serve. Midwifery graduates are essential assets to health care systems and communities through their formal education and training. Their abilities to offer primary, reproductive, and sexual health care throughout a person’s life help provide equal access to healthcare for all individuals in their own communities.”
Beyond direct patient care, nurse-midwives provide leadership at the local, state, and national levels in health care policy and quality improvement. Graduates advance and contribute to research aimed at improving health outcomes for women and families. The Certified Nurse-Midwifery track of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Advances to #22
Advancing to #22 in the “2025 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice” rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the College is designed for bachelor- or master-prepared nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice. The DNP degree program prepares nurse professionals to work at the highest level of professional practice and equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead within complex health care systems, drive innovation, and apply best practices to improve care quality.
“We are proud of our program, our graduates, and the positive impact we are making on health care systems and communities,” said Cynthia Beynon, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE, Assistant Dean, MS and DNP Programs. “Our graduates are prepared for the highest level of clinical practice and leadership. Each graduate has already directly impacted individuals and health care systems through evidence-based improvement initiatives or practice-focused interventions that enhance patient outcomes and care quality.”
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the DNP program at the College consists of eight specialty tracks:
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care
- Dual Women's Health/Nurse-Midwifery
- Family Primary Care
- Neonatal
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Psychiatric Mental Health
- Women's Health
RN to BS Recognized as #1 in Utah and #3 Nationally
The RN to BS track of the baccalaureate program at the College of Nursing is ranked #1 in Utah and #3 in the nation by RegisteredNursing.org, an independent online resource that helps provide prospective students with information before starting their nursing education. Though unaffiliated with any governmental or accreditation agency, RegisteredNursing.org operates as a team of registered nurses and health care professionals dedicated to nursing education.
“We are proud to offer our students exceptional support from start to finish, including one-on-one guidance from academic advisors, mentorship from experienced faculty, flexible course options and delivery, and career advancement opportunities,” said Sue Chase-Cantarini, DNP, RN, Director of the RN to BS track, a position that she has held for eight years. “This ranking demonstrates deep commitment to educating registered nurses who value a Bachelor of Science degree, benefiting their patients, communities, and professional careers."
The RN to BS program at the College provides two degree pathways; a RN to BS track for licensed registered nurses with a completed associate's degree in nursing, and a dual enrollment RN to BS track offered in partnership with Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). Through the dual enrollment option, second- or third-semester SLCC nursing students participating in the Express Pathway can begin University of Utah RN to BS coursework while finishing their associate degree. Upon graduation from SLCC and passing the NCLEX-RN, students transition directly into the fully online RN to BS program at the University of Utah, enabling an efficient and streamlined route to earning a bachelor’s degree.