Nursing is a profession in the health care sector. It is focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities to achieve, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. The professionals in this field are known as Nurses. However, Nurses differ from other health care providers. They differ based on their approach to patient care, training, and scope of practice. Nursing enthusiasts practice in many specialties with various levels of prescription authority. Many nurses provide care within physicians’ ordering scope, and this traditional role has shaped the public image of nursing professionals as health care providers. However, they are permitted by the judiciary to practice in a variety of settings independently. Since the past few decades, nurse education has undergone a process of diversification towards advanced and specialized credentials, and many traditional regulations and provider roles are changing.

The nursing community’s aim across the globe is for its professionals to ensure quality care for all while maintaining their credentials, code of ethics, standards, and competencies, and continuing their education. There are several educational paths to becoming a professional in nursing. Furthermore, they vary worldwide, but all involve extensive study of nursing theory and practice and training in clinical skills. All nurses own one or more credentials to work in the nursing profession, depending on their scope of practice and education. In the United States, a Licensed Practical Nurse works independently or with a Registered Nurse. RNs provide scientific, psychological, and technical knowledge in patients and families’ care in many health care settings. They may earn credentials or degrees. 

The Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) is awarded to the nurse who has completed a two-year undergraduate academic degree awarded by universities upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years. It is also referred to as Associate in Nursing (AN), Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS), or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). The Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) is awarded to the nurse who has earned an American Four year academic degree in the science and principals of nursing granted by a tertiary education university or similarly accredited school. After completing either the LPN or either RN education programs in the United States, graduates are eligible to sit for a licensing examination to become a nurse, the passing of which is required for the nursing license. The National Licensure Examination (NCLEX) test is a standardized exam that nurses take to become licensed. It costs two hundred dollars to take those mentioned above and examines the nurse’s ability to properly care for the client.

Top Universities teaching Nursing

Given below is the list of top universities providing teaching in the field above:

• UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

The University of Pennsylvania is a private research university situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and established in 1740, one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the US declaration of independence. With the academic staff comprising about 5000 persons, it has a significant population of around 22,432. It was founded by Benjamin Franklin, who advocated an educational program that trained leaders in commerce, government, and public services, including nursing.

• KING’S COLLEGE LONDON

King’s College London is a public research university situated in London. The United Kingdom. It is a founding college and a member institution of the federal University of London. Established in 1829, it is one of the oldest universities in England. It has an urban campus with over 5,220 people as the academic staff. Thirty-two thousand eight hundred ninety-five students are currently enrolled in the university.

• UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

The University of Washington is a public research university located in Seattle, Washington, United States. Founded in 1861, it is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. Overall, it owns over 500 buildings, including one of the largest library systems in the world. Currently, 46000 are enrolled at the University of Washington.

• STANFORD UNIVERSITY 

Stanford University, also Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university in Stanford, California. It is considered one of the most reputed universities in the world. Established in 1891, it seeks a large crowd of students each year, 17,249, as per 2019.

• McGILL UNIVERSITY

McGill University is a popular and top-ranked medical doctoral University. It was established in 1821 in Montreal, Quebec. It is one of the world’s most diverse universities with students from over 150 different countries. Out of the 41000 students currently studying it, the university 31% are international students. McGill University is a member of the Association of American Universities since 1926.

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