NASHUA – Following an extensive evaluation of some 3,000 nursing schools throughout the country, Rivier University was ranked as a top 100 school.

In rankings across four categories, Rivier earned top rankings both nationally and regionally, and place as the number one private nursing school in New Hampshire.

“Our mission at Nursing Schools Almanac is to provide aspiring nurses a detailed, comprehensive, and analytical resource for selecting their future nursing school,” according to the almanac’s website. “An integral part of this effort is our annual rankings of the best nursing schools in the country.”

The almanac collected data from over 3,000 nursing schools and campuses nationwide and assessed institutions based on three critical dimensions, including academic prestige and value, depth of nursing program offered, and student success, particularly on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

“The achievement of these top national and regional rankings reflects the commitment and vision of the academic leadership and faculty of the Division of Nursing and Health Professions,” Rivier president Sr. Paula Marie Buley said. “Rivier’s scope of nursing programs from associate degree to doctoral degree is unique and allows Rivier to leverage clinical experiences and employment relationships throughout the region.”

Buley added that the university has graduated more nurses “than any other institution in New Hampshire, while maintaining the highest standards for nurse preparation.”

Rivier students’ have achieved an aggregate NCLEX pass rate of 99% over the past three years.

Academic prestige and perceived value scores were based on several quantitative measures including graduates’ ability to repay their student debt in a timely manner; professional designations; the award of grant funding for nursing research from the National Institutes of Health; and each school’s number of years in operation, particularly at the graduate nursing education level.

“We are honored by these top rankings for excellence in nursing education,” says Dr. Paula Williams, Dean of the Division of Nursing and Health Professions. “Consistently, Rivier-educated nurses are hired and recognized for their strong clinical skills, compassionate care, and dedication to lifelong learning for improved patient outcomes. Throughout the pandemic, Rivier nurses have been working tirelessly on the front lines, protecting and serving their communities.”

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and Duke University in Durham, North Carolina ranked first and second, respectively.

Rivier University’s ASN, BSN, MSN, post-master’s certificate, and DNP programs are all accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Rivier students consistently performed well on licensure and certification tests.

For example, ASN students have passed the NCLEX exam at a 92% rate over the past four years, while the first two BSN graduating classes scored a collective 99% NCLEX pass rate. MSN students have also consistently scored an 89-92% pass rate on both the FNP and PMHNP certification exams. All of these scores far exceeded the respective national averages. Rivier’s undergraduate programs are noted for their flexibility: students can pursue a part-time evening ASN, a traditional four-year BSN, or a flexible online RN-to-BSN pathway.