The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University was recently listed in the latest national rankings for the “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” and “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans” by the U.S. News & World Report for 2017. The College is ranked No. 43 nationally and No. 1 in Florida on the list of “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs,” and is ranked No. 17 nationally and No. 1 in Florida on the list of “Best Online Graduate Programs for Veterans.”
In spring 2016, the College also was ranked by the magazine as one of the “Best Graduate Nursing Programs” in the nation for its Master of Science Nursing (MSN) program and its Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program.
“We are proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for our innovative programs and outstanding faculty,” said Marlaine Smith, Ph.D., dean of the College. “Our diverse online graduate nursing programs are vital for students and working adults who are determined to complete their nursing degrees or want to advance their careers.”
The College of Nursing’s online graduate programs include Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership (NAFL), the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), and Advanced Holistic Nursing (AHN). The programs are offered asynchronously, meaning students can pick and choose times each week when they interact with their classmates and professors online. Many students complete their coursework over the weekend or evenings. These online programs provide a variety of ways for students to connect with classmates and professors, both individually and in groups through Skype, chatrooms and other online tools. This has been especially helpful for students who live abroad or are constantly traveling, such as active duty members of the military, who now have a path to reach their educational goals.
Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership is a 37-39 credit program designed to advance nursing management and financial practice. In a healthcare environment characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, contemporary nurse leaders need strong skills in both leadership and the financial management of systems. The FAU College of Nursing offers an affordable, completely online master’s program in NAFL that include three courses from FAU’s College of Business. It is designed to meet the needs of working nurse leaders or aspiring leaders, and most practicums are done onsite at the student’s place of employment.
Clinical Nurse Leader, a 33 credit program, meets the needs of nurses who desire to enhance their professional competencies through clinical and team leadership at the point of care. Graduates are able to assess risk, implement evidence-based practices grounded in research, facilitate lateral integration of care, use technology and resources effectively, and measure care outcomes. This affordable curriculum is entirely online, includes one course in the College of Business and a practicum that can be completed at the student’s place of employment. With the focus on nurses being prepared to lead change, this concentration has seen a 40 percent increase in enrollment in the last year. Currently, FAU is the only state university offering this program that enables graduates to sit for the national Clinical Nurse Leader certification.
Advanced Holistic Nursing, a 33 credit concentration, is designed to advance knowledge of contemporary views of healing and holistic nursing practice grounded in caring. The program allows students to earn a Master of Science degree in nursing and qualifies them to sit for two national board certifications in Advanced Holistic Nursing, and Health and Wellness Nurse Coaching.
