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College of Nursing

Grow your career in the country’s most trusted profession by enrolling in PNW's College of Nursing, a designated NLN Center of Nursing Excellence.

Kickstart Your Career

Our rigorous programs bring real-world experience to the classroom, building the knowledge you need to succeed. Nursing undergraduates saw a 97% placement rate in the 2023-24 Next Step Survey.

Undergraduate


Graduate

Grace Mumaugh testimonial photo

My research projects have helped me practice evidence-based nursing. This is a really important aspect of nursing, since the field is always evolving and growing, it’s a lifelong commitment to learning.

Britney Daniels

PNW’s DNP program gave me a deeper understanding of the systems we work in, not just the clinical side. I now understand why decisions are made, how organizations run and the bigger picture behind organizational changes.

Britney Daniels, ’25, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Felipe Oria testimonial photo

The professors didn’t just teach, they guided, challenged and helped me see the full picture of what nursing really is across so many specialties.

PNW’s DNP program taught me exactly how to search for evidence, evaluate the reliability of research and interpret complex data with confidence. Being able to extract meaningful data and apply it to transform practice and improve care is invaluable.

Braden Butterfield McKinely during commencement

What set this program apart from others was that it wasn’t just about learning theory, it was about applying it. It connected my nursing experience and theory to real practice – suddenly everything clicked.

Braden Butterfield McKinely, ’24, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A PNW student in a College of Nursing t-shirt

PNW was the college that fit me. I love how close everyone is on campus. The smaller class sizes were perfect for me to learn.

Kayla Felton, ‘27, Nursing

Allison Arnold

Make connections and use your resources... If you make connections or get involved in a committee or club, you can make a group of friends and find like-minded people.

Christopher Pabey

The program is very well formulated and constructed. Everything I’ve learned from the start has been a solid base that I’ve been able to build upon.

Logo: NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education

The Highest Standard

PNW’s College of Nursing is a designated NLN Center of Nursing Excellence. The recognition is given to nursing programs that demonstrate sustained excellence in faculty development, nursing education research, and in student learning and professional development

Learn More About the Accolade

Additional Resources

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Discover Online Degrees

Online Programs

Our online nursing programs offer working nurses a high-quality and affordable pathway to your next credential.

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Take the Next Step

How to Apply

No matter where you are in your career, PNW’s College of Nursing has a program to help you move forward.

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Tools for Success

Student Resources

Explore essential resources to help you on your path to success.

A PNW nursing student conducts a virtual exam with a simulated patient in the Nils K. Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building.

See Yourself

Virtual Tour

Explore the state-of-the-art Nils K. Nelson Bioscience Innovation Building, which has entire sections designed to look just like physicians’ offices or acute care facilities.

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PNW Nursing Programs Recognized Nationally

PNW’s online nursing programs earned top 100 rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs, including a No. 38 placement for the RN-to-BSN program. At the graduate level, PNW’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees ranked nationally in the Top Graduate Nursing programs category.

See Online Program Recognition

See Graduate Program Recognition

A PNW nursing student stands in a simulated exam room.

PNW’s Online RN-to-BSN Program Earns Top 50 National Ranking from U.S. News and World Report

PNW College of Nursing online programs received top national recognitions through U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs rankings, including a No. 38 placement for its RN-to-BSN program.

Lily Morgan Spotlight post photo

Center for Faculty Excellence New Faculty Member Spotlight: Meet Lily Morgan

Purdue University Northwest’s Center for Faculty Excellence proudly welcomes Lily Morgan, assistant professor of practice, reference librarian and nursing specialist, to the university’s 2025–26 faculty cohort.

A student in a classroom

What is the Best Major for Law School?

Choosing a major for law school can feel overwhelming. Unlike other professional schools, there are no required undergraduate majors. This gives you the freedom to choose studies that align with your strengths and interests!

Important Dates

Feb 11

Graduate Programs Showcase

Come explore the 20+ graduate programs that PNW has to offer! Meet with staff, students and alumni to learn why you should continue your education. You can also receive a fee waiver for your application to graduate school!

Feb 23

Summer 2026 Registration Begins

Summer 2026 registration opens on Monday, February 23, for all PNW students. There is no priority registration for summer sessions.

Mar 05

Spring 2026 Career Expo

The Spring 2026 career fair is being held for students and alumni of Purdue University Northwest that are seeking full time employment and internships across all industries and academic majors.

Mar 16

Spring Break – No Classes but Campus Offices are Open

Enjoy your Spring Break! Classes resume Monday, March 23.

Accreditation

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The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) granted continuing accreditation to the baccalaureate, master’s and post-master’s certificate programs with the next evaluation visit scheduled for fall 2027.
See Student Outcomes

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The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) granted accreditation to the post-master’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program with the next evaluation visit scheduled for Spring 2028.
See Accreditation Status