Kansas City, MO – Nursing Schools Almanac has released its 2019 rankings of the best nursing schools in the U.S. and named Research College of Nursing (RCoN) number 5 in Missouri and number 24 in the Plains region. Data was collected on more than 3,000 institutions nationwide and only 20 percent made the list of the best nursing schools in each geographic region. A fully accredited institution for nursing, RCoN is the highest-ranked school in Kansas City, Missouri, included in the list.

Nursing institutions were assessed on three critical areas, including:

  • The institution’s academic prestige and perceived value (50% of overall score)
  • The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered (20% of overall score)
  • Student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination (30% of overall score)

“It’s an honor to have our long-standing commitment to excellence in nursing education recognized,” says Research College of Nursing President Thad Wilson, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP. “Research College of Nursing has been a staple in the Kansas City region for over a century. This ranking is an exciting achievement for our entire college community as it reflects our vision of becoming the college of choice for nursing leaders whose practice, service and advocacy help transform healthcare.”

Established in 1905, Research College of Nursing is a fully accredited institution offering both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing. In 2018, the college reported a 97 percent NCLEX-RN pass rate, demonstrating the quality of instruction and commitment to excellence. As the college enters its 115th anniversary, distinguished faculty and innovative curriculum prepare nursing students for long-term success in healthcare careers.

“We are thrilled to be highly ranked among the best nursing schools in the nation,” says Dean of Research College of Nursing Julie Nauser, PhD, RN, CNE. “This recognition showcases our commitment to educating nurses, developing leaders and caring for communities.”

“Research Medical Center is very proud of our Research College of Nursing,” says Research Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Ashley McClellan, FACHE, MBA, MHA. “Together, we prepare nurses for success in today’s ever-advancing healthcare environment. With a strong academic foundation and broad patient care experience, we see Research College of Nursing graduates excel as caregivers and as nursing leaders.”

Nursing Schools Almanac strives to provide an accurate, complete and powerful online resource for aspiring nurses. As nursing responsibilities have grown, so too have the licensing and training requirements for the various roles. Nursing Schools Almanac has organized a wealth of state- and city-specific information about nursing education, empowering aspiring nurses to find the best-suited programs and kick start their careers. Visit Nursing Schools Almanac for the complete 2019 rankings.

About Research College of Nursing

Research College of Nursing (RCoN) is a fully accredited institution for nursing students who are transforming healthcare through heroic leadership. RCoN offers competitive BSN and MSN degree programs. Trusted for over 110 years, RCoN is committed to educating nurses, building leaders and caring for community. Visit researchcollege.edu to learn more.

About HCA Midwest Health

HCA Midwest Health is the Kansas City area's leading healthcare provider consisting of seven hospitals, outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers and an array of other services to meet the healthcare needs of the greater Kansas City area. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area's largest private sector employers with more than 9,000 employees, the largest provider of charity and uncompensated care, and annually donates more than $1.2 million to local charities. Since April 2003, HCA Midwest Health has invested more than $845 million to enhance and expand patient services and has paid more than $216 million in taxes to local communities. HCA Midwest Health facilities serving the Kansas City area include Belton Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Research Medical Center and Research Psychiatric Center. Midwest Physicians, which is part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians located throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Midwest Physicians currently represents 344 physicians, including 142 primary care providers and 197 specialists with 80 physician practices providing care in 146 locations to serve the community. The physicians, licensed professionals and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas. For more information, visit the HCA Midwest website.