Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation achieved a new recognition from U.S. News & World Report's Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice rankings.

The college’s Doctor of Nursing Practice gerontology concentration was ranked for the first time, and in the top 10 — earning the No. 6 spot for best program, a press release explained.

While the gerontology concentration made its rankings debut, the college’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program overall saw a big leap for 2024. 

It ranks No. 26 for best Doctor of Nursing Practice program, ahead of Yale, UCLA and the University of California, San Francisco, the release stated. This is up 30 spots from the previous rankings.

As Arizona and the nation face a healthcare worker shortage, ASU continues to expand nursing programs, adding specialties and recruiting more nurses to pursue advanced practice degrees, the release added. 

“This is a testament to the program's quality, our experienced and dedicated faculty who teach in it, and our graduates who use their advanced knowledge and skills to lead and make a difference,” Edson College Dean and Professor Judith Karshmer stated in the release. 

ASU’s overall ranking

US News ranks 14 ASU graduate programs in the top 10 nationwide and 32 in the top 20.

In this advanced practice program, graduates are prepared to provide holistic, client-centered comprehensive care for individuals aged 12 to older adults, embracing the continuum of life and addressing the unique needs of each stage with compassion and expertise, the release detailed.

“Our DNP graduates are prepared at the most advanced level of nursing, ready to engage in transformational change in health care systems. DNP-prepared nurses work at the highest level of their scope of practice, influencing health care outcomes for individuals and populations,” DNP Program Director Diane Nunez stated in the release. 

Students have been nationally recognized for their work throughout the program, earning American Association of Colleges of Nursing Outstanding DNP Project awards, becoming Jonas Nurse Scholars and receiving Presidential Management Fellows awards. 

“ASU DNP graduates are practice-ready to meet the demands of an increasingly complex health care system, and provide focused leadership in clinical practice, administration, organizational management, leadership and policy,” Nunez stated.

The aim of the DNP program, regardless of specialty, is to equip graduates with the tools and experiences to succeed in their careers and advance health care.