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Emory School of Nursing master's degree program ranked best in the nation for the 4th consecutive year
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Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Assistant Professor Telisa Spikes, PhD, RN, FAHA, has been named a Fellow of the American Heart Association (AHA).  Election as a Fellow recognizes scientific and professional achievements, volunteer leadership, and service supporting AHA’s mission to improve cardiovascular health for all people.   Spikes is a nationally recognized, early-career cardiovascular nurse scientist whose work examines how chronic stress and psychosocial factors contribute to accelerated aging and cardiovascular disease risk in African American women. She has received continuous NIH funding for this research, including an NIH/NINR F31 dissertation fellowship, a K23 career development award, and the Emory Woodruff Scholar Early Independence Investigator Award.   Her work, published in leading journals such as the American Journal of Hypertension and the Journal of the American Heart Association, has also been featured in media outlets including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Yahoo News, and MSN.   An active leader in the American Heart Association, Spikes serves on the AHA Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Early Career Committee and AHA Council of Epidemiology and participates in the local Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses’ Association. She also co directs the Emory Women’s Heart Center annual conference, leads community based cardiovascular screening and education initiatives across Atlanta, serves as a peer reviewer for several respected academic journals, and mentors BSN, neuroscience, and nursing PhD students.  Spikes joins a distinguished group of scientists, researchers, academicians, clinical scientists, clinicians, and public health administrators selected each spring for the fellowship.  About the School of Nursing As one of the nation’s top nursing schools, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University is committed to educating visionary nurse leaders and scholars. Ranked the No. 1 master’s, No. 2 BSN, and No. 8 DNP programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the school offers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and non-degree programs. It brings together cutting-edge resources, distinguished faculty, top clinical experiences, and access to leading health care partners to shape the future of nursing and improve hea

For the fourth straight year, Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing’s master’s degree programs are ranked No. 1 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of graduate schools.

The report, released today, ranks both the school’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Master of Nursing (MN) programs No. 1 among all nursing schools. This year, the school’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was also ranked second in the nation, joining our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that earned a No. 2 ranking last fall.

Multiple graduate specialties also earned high rankings, including:

Master’s Specialties

#2 Best Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs (tied)
#3 Best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs (tied)
#4 Best Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs
#6 Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs (tied)

DNP Specialties

#2 Best Gerontology, Primary Care Programs
#5 Best Gerontology, Acute Care Programs
#6 Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
#6 Best Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric, Primary Care Programs (tied)
#6 Best Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric / Mental Health, Across the Lifespan Programs (tied)
#20 Best Nurse Anesthesia Programs

“We are thrilled to have all three of our major degree programs ranked in the top 2 nationwide,” says Interim Dean Lisa Muirhead, DNP, APRN-BC, ANP, FAANP, FAAN. “This kind of recognition speaks to the outstanding nature of our Emory Nursing community. Our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends work tirelessly each day to redefine what is possible in nursing and shape the future of the profession through innovation, leadership, and impact.”

U.S. News assesses both nursing master’s programs and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs on their research activity, faculty resources, student excellence, and qualitative ratings from experts.

“These latest rankings are a highlight of my tenure at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing,” says former Dean Linda McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, FRCN. “While my retirement began in January of this year, I had the pleasure of working alongside our dedicated community last year as they worked hard toward these top rankings. I remain incredibly proud of our work, and I look forward to seeing the positive and far-reaching impact that the School of Nursing will continue to have on nursing education, research, policy, and health care delivery for all.”

Learn more about the U.S. News ranking process.

About the School of Nursing

As one of the nation’s top nursing schools, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University is committed to educating visionary nurse leaders and scholars. Ranked the No. 1 master’s, No. 2 BSN, and No. 2 DNP programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the school offers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and non-degree programs. It brings together cutting-edge resources, distinguished faculty, top clinical experiences, and access to leading health care partners to shape the future of nursing and improve health and well-being. Learn more at nursing.emory.edu.


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