ODU Nursing Program Ranked Second Nationally in Best Online List

July 24, 2015

Karen Karlowicz

Old Dominion University's School of Nursing ranked second nationally in the Top 50 Best Value Online RN to BSN Programs of 2015 survey recently conducted by Value College, a website that researches educational quality and costs.

The RN-to-BSN curriculum was created about 25 years ago and was among the first distance learning programs offered at ODU. Since its inception, enrollment in the program has continued to grow. There are currently about 450 students enrolled.

"Students attending the nursing distance learning programs at ODU get so much more than a good value," said Karen Karlowicz, chair of the School of Nursing. "From academic advising to facilitating practicum experiences in students' home communities, the School of Nursing faculty and staff ensure that every student receives the attention they need to be successful in our programs."

The School of Nursing's RN-to-BSN curriculum encourages students to use course assignments to explore practice or leadership issues in the workplace. Through the program, students are able to reflect on and synergize their class materials into a portfolio that demonstrates mastery of core competencies. Students in the program have a full-time or part-time option, with the former providing a one-year completion time.

The School of Nursing is one of five schools in the College of Health Sciences. Shelley Mishoe, dean of the college, said the ranking reflects just one facet of the top-notch school.

"This distinction is a reflection on ODU's innovation in education and the longstanding partnership between the Office of Distance Learning and the College of Health Sciences to promote the talented, creative and dedicated work of our faculty," Mishoe said. "I commend the teamwork of the nursing faculty for this well-deserved distinction."

In its research, Value College considered only accredited nursing schools, either through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Association (CCNE). Its ranking factored in three metrics:

• Payscale's 2015 College ROI Report by Healthcare Career criteria
• U.S. News & World Report's national rankings
• Credit per hour tuition rate as reported by each individual college.

"Not only is ODU Online affordable for both Virginia residents and non-residents, but online students get the full support of the College of Health Sciences' School of Nursing, with courses taught by the same quality faculty and mentorship available through both synchronous and asynchronous instruction," according to Value College's website. "With a well-developed support system that younger online programs can't offer, ODU Online makes sure it provides students with an excellent education that translates to a top college value."

Drexel University in Philadelphia ranked first in Value College's survey, with ODU second, University of St. Francis, Joliet (Ill.) third, Boise (Id.) State University fourth, and Ohio University fifth.