Nursing graduate program rankings move up, stay in top 100 in U.S. News graduate school rankings
The School of Nursing is proud again to see two of our nursing graduate programs ranked in the top 100 programs for 2025 in the听.
For 2025, the at No. 83 out of 166 universities ranked, and the at No. 85 out of 153 universities. These rankings look at universities across the country, but when you break it down to just within the state of Wisconsin, our Master of Nursing program is ranked again as the top program at a public university in Wisconsin, and our Doctor of Nursing Practice program is ranked second again for public universities in the state.
The rankings are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school鈥檚 faculty, research and students, and students鈥� post-graduate outcomes.
The DAISY Foundation, as part of its service to the nursing profession鈥檚 role in patient care, established The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty (includes clinical teaching staff as well). The purpose of this program is to provide to colleges/schools of nursing a national recognition program they may use to demonstrate appreciation to teachers for their commitment and inspirational influence on their students. The Foundation hopes that, in some way, this program will contribute to a positive work environment for faculty in schools.
About the DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died of complications of the auto-immune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) at the age of 33. (DAISY is an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system.) During Pat鈥檚 8-week hospitalization, his family was awestruck by the care and compassion his nurses provided not only to Pat but to everyone in his family. So, one of the goals they set in creating a Foundation in Pat鈥檚 memory was to recognize extraordinary nurses everywhere who make an enormous difference in the lives of so many people by the super-human work they do every day.
Specific Criteria used to select nominees:
Excellence in Teaching
Demonstrates expertise in content area (e.g., fosters evidence-based practice in classroom or clinical/community environment)
Sets high standards for student achievement
Fosters the development of critical thinking skills and evidence-based practice in classroom or clinical/community environment(s) through pedagogically sound, innovative, and engaging teaching methods.
Quality Relationships with Learners
Engages in caring and sensitive interactions with students, while facilitating learning in the classroom and clinical/community environment(s).
Fosters an environment in which transparent and respectful communication is expected of all, role-modeled by the faculty member, and rewarded (i.e., when students do the same).
Treats all students fairly and in an unbiased fashion.
Leadership and Collaboration
When issues arise, addresses them effectively, fairly, and in accordance with existing policies and procedures
Collaborates effectively with other professionals to facilitate student learning.
Specific Materials Needed to Nominate a Teacher:
A letter that includes details of your relationship to the nominee and your credentials if a member of the community or academe, a statement about the context in which you know the nominee, and details as to how he/she meets the criteria listed above with information that substantiates 鈥榚xtraordinary鈥� accomplishments.
How to Nominatean Extraordinary Faculty Instructor
Students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners may nominate a deserving UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing teaching faculty or staff member by emailing a letter of recommendation. Please put “Daisy Nomination” in the subject line of your email and send it to the attention of Susan Wolff at wolff3@uwm.edu. You must submit an actual letter of recommendation to be considered a nomination.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, April 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. CST.
UW-Milwaukee鈥檚 Sustainable Peacebuilding Program Secures $50,000 AHW Seed Grant听
Faculty in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee鈥檚 Sustainable Peacebuilding program have been awarded a $50,000 Seed Grant from the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW). This funding will support a 12-month project starting in January 2025 titled, “Health Videos as a Culturally Sound Approach to Integration Among Refugee and Immigrant Populations.”
The project, led by 51猎奇 team members Dr. Lynne Woehrle (Primary Investigator), Dr. Julia Snethen (Research Team), and Anastassia White (Project Manager), aims to develop innovative and accessible strategies to promote health equity among refugee and immigrant communities across Wisconsin. Through culturally tailored health videos, the initiative seeks to bridge gaps in healthcare access and knowledge, fostering improved integration and well-being within these populations.听
This collaborative effort involves key partnerships with Catholic Charities-Milwaukee, Refugee and Immigration Services (CCRIS) and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). Together, the organizations will leverage their expertise to design and disseminate tools that meet the unique needs of newcomer communities.
The AHW Seed Grant is one of 66 health improvement awards distributed this year, totaling $3.9 million. These grants are designed to advance community health, workforce development, and health-focused research across Wisconsin.
鈥淗ealth equity is a critical issue in Wisconsin and this project will expand our understanding of how community-driven innovative interventions using everyday media tools can impact gaps in health knowledge and health care access among vulnerable populations,鈥� said Dr. Lynne Woehrle, Primary Investigator of this project and Sustainable Peacebuilding Program Director.
As 51猎奇 continues to advance health equity initiatives, this project reflects the university鈥檚 dedication to fostering community innovation and sustainable solutions for underserved communities.
UW-Milwaukee鈥檚 School of Nursing Secures Top NIH Research Ranking in Wisconsin听
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee鈥檚 School of Nursing achieved a notable milestone in 2023, earning a from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). With a total of $714,999 in funding, the school emerged as Wisconsin鈥檚 top-ranked nursing research institution.
This accomplishment highlights the school鈥檚 growing prominence in nursing research, reflecting its dedication to advancing healthcare through evidence-based practices and innovative solutions. Among nursing schools nationwide, the 59th-place ranking is a testament to the university鈥檚 commitment to fostering impactful research that addresses critical health challenges.
The Role of Research Funding in Nursing Education
Research funding is a cornerstone of progress in nursing education and practice. It provides resources to explore pressing health issues, develop new interventions, and improve patient outcomes. For nursing schools, securing grants from prestigious institutions like the NIH enhances their ability to contribute meaningful advancements to the healthcare field.
鈥淚 cannot overstate the importance of having strong researchers within our faculty, because this strengthens our academic programs and serves our communities through groundbreaking and meaningful improvements in health and healthcare systems,鈥� said Dr. Jennifer Doering, Head of the School of Nursing.
At 51猎奇鈥檚 School of Nursing, NIH funding supports a wide range of our six research initiatives: acute and critical care, geriatric health, health care delivery and development, local to global community health, maternal infant outcomes, and self-management. Such projects not only advance scientific understanding but also address health disparities in underserved communities.
Looking Ahead
The School of Nursing鈥檚 2023 NIH ranking serves as a foundation for continued success. By building on this achievement, the school aims to secure additional funding, expand its research portfolio, and further enhance its contributions to the field of nursing.
鈥淲e have creative and entrepreneurial faculty who advance science, practice, and teaching-learning in many areas, and some also offer expertise in program development and evaluation,鈥� said Dr. Doering. 鈥淔urthermore, we partner with the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center for academic, research, and business development in our students and faculty. Our partnerships with sectors of the community are the foundation upon which future successes together will be built, and we here at the School of Nursing are eager to expand and deepen partnerships.鈥澨�
As 51猎奇 continues to make strides in nursing research, its work stands as a beacon of progress for Wisconsin and beyond, shaping the future of healthcare through discovery and dedication.
PhD nursing student passionate about helping tomorrow’s nurse educators
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing PhD in Nursing program prepares students to become leaders in nursing research and practice. By combining science, theory, and extensive research opportunities, this program aims to develop nurse scientists who advance health care and improve patient outcomes. Students benefit from flexible scheduling with courses held one day per week and have the option to study full- or part-time. Through partnerships with over 160 agencies, 51猎奇 offers a pathway for future educators, researchers, and clinical scientists in a rapidly evolving field.
Susan Poppele, MSN, RN, CNE, is a current PhD student. She is an Assistant Professor at Bellin College in Green Bay and is passionate about nurse education. She is a first-generation student and has always felt called to go into the healthcare field. We chatted with her about her passion for the field of nursing and how that led to pursuing her PhD.
What inspired you to be the first one in your family to go to college?
I always wanted to go to college, I wanted to be a pediatrician at first but I decided to go to nursing school. I was drawn to the medical field because I鈥檓 a caregiver at heart, a nurturer. I just knew that was something I wanted to do.
Why did you decide to pursue your PhD and what interested you in 51猎奇鈥檚 PhD in Nursing program?
I was happy teaching nursing students and I wanted to teach the nurse educator master鈥檚 students because I鈥檓 so passionate about it. In order to teach at that level, I needed to get a PhD. Some of my peers had started at UW-Milwaukee, so I sent out feelers and emailed Jennifer Carrera (the Graduate Program Manager). That very night, I had a Zoom meeting with her and the program director, Dr. Julia Snethen. They took the time to answer all of my questions. It made me feel like I鈥檓 not just a number. And you can tell Dr. Snethen is personally invested in every one of the student鈥檚 in the program. She鈥檚 now my major professor, but this program is her heart, you can truly tell.
What is your research focus and why are you focusing in that area?
I work with a lot of college senior nursing students as you know. As they transition into nursing practice, that transition is very stressful, resulting in a lot of nurses leaving their initial unit or leaving nursing completely that first and second year. I wanted to look at how or why these people are leaving during transition, and I wanted to see if there was a connection between emotional intelligence and the transition into nursing practice. I鈥檓 looking at the levels of emotional intelligence in freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior students and seeing if there鈥檚 a difference between them. If there is a difference, what does that indicate and where should we start?
Any special highlights of the program you鈥檝e enjoyed?
There鈥檚 twelve of us in the online program and I feel a sense of community. We鈥檙e always touching base with each other, and you don鈥檛 see that often in an online program. The networking aspects have also been great, I鈥檝e had a couple of opportunities to present a poster from our research practicum. I was able to present at the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) and Building Bridges.
What advice would you give someone debating earning a PhD in Nursing or why should someone consider it?
Make sure the program meets your need as a learner. Would it be a program that鈥檚 going to support you or are you just another number?
The reasons for earning a PhD are different for every person. You need to think of your 鈥渨hy.鈥� For me, it was a goal I never thought I would have the opportunity to achieve but if you told me while I was in nursing school I鈥檇 be teaching at the master鈥檚 level I would have told you you鈥檙e crazy! But there鈥檚 such an importance to educate nurses who want to educate the nurses of tomorrow. I鈥檓 just really passionate about nursing education and I hope through this program and my role as a nurse educator, I can inspire others to want to be an educator and have that same passion. If we don鈥檛 have nurse educators, we鈥檙e not going to have nurses of tomorrow.
PhD nursing alum aspires to improve nursing students’ transition to practice
The 51猎奇 School of Nursing鈥檚 online PhD program combines science, theory, and research to prepare the next generation of nurse scientists and leaders. Through a research-intensive curriculum, students work alongside expert faculty to advance nursing knowledge and translate research into practice that promotes patient care and health. Graduates of this program are equipped for diverse careers in education, research, and leadership. With close mentorship from professors, students gain the skills to plan and conduct groundbreaking research using a variety of methods, positioning themselves for impactful roles in nursing and healthcare.
PhD nursing alum, Kylateia Farrar-Stern, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, MEDSURG-BC, is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing. Through her own experience entering the nursing world after graduation and teaching courses herself, she realized there is a disconnect in students’ experiences and perspectives for transitioning from being a nursing student to practice. This inspired her to pursue a PhD in Nursing focusing on nursing education. We chatted more with her about this.
Why did you choose the 51猎奇 School of Nursing PhD Program?
I have a familiarity with 51猎奇 since I did my undergrad here. I was part of the Nursing Scholars Program and aware of all the resources and support that exists. Plus I was already teaching as a clinical instructor. Knowing who I was going to be working with and having established those relationships, I thought 51猎奇 would be a good place. It was also recently awarded the R1 designation, and that’s something that I felt made it more prestigious to get a degree from 51猎奇. I did consider other places, but it always comes back to who’s going to be helpful.听
My area of research was also in nursing education, and I saw that 51猎奇 had some people that aligned with that area of research. I was drawn to the online program because I really appreciated the flexibility of not having to always sit in a classroom.
What are some highlights about the program you enjoyed?
I thought it was great that I had to present or attend conferences through the program. It’s a great way to learn the process and be more confident in your dissertation and conducting it. I was able to build a research study from the beginning, disseminate my findings, and be on a research team and ended up having two national conference presentations.
Tell me more about your focus in nursing education and why you decided to pursue a PhD in it?
As a new graduate nurse, I realized the transition to practice can sometimes be an issue. Plus in my first job I received some feedback that I would make a good educator. For example one of the things I learned was putting in IVs with an ultrasound machine and I found that more often than not my peers would come to me versus the other trainer just for the sheer interaction of how they were actually taught.
Through teaching at 51猎奇, I taught a Transition to Practice class and it always seemed to be a conversation that school isn’t preparing me enough to go into my first job. It always came back to the school and never the perspective of it, not looking at it as an opportunity to grow after they start their job. And it got me thinking, what are our students’ perspectives? So my dissertation title was “Nursing students’ perceptions and lived experiences of their theoretical academic preparation.” Looking at what they’re getting in the classroom, and how is that shaping their thoughts later on in the program? We found that nursing instructors are way more impactful than I would have originally anticipated with how they give resources, how they embed themselves in their classes, the expectations that they set around assignments and doing well.
Now that I’ve completed that, a lot of what I’m doing now is thinking about how are we teaching? What does that look like? I’m involved with the MN program with the essential work as we change the curriculum. I just finished writing a manuscript about lifelong learning and what that looks like in the classroom and making case study discussions to really get students engaged and thinking about what is that next step or what does that look like in 5-10 years from now.
What advice would you give people who are debating pursuing a PhD in Nursing? Who makes a good candidate to pursue a PhD?
It鈥檚 going to take “x” amount of time, so whether you start now or later, it鈥檚 still going to end up getting done鈥o start now. Everyone鈥檚 journey is different, but there are great opportunities in the program and you鈥檒l grow as an individual. It鈥檚 all part of your job and all goes towards improving nursing, the profession and science of it.
If you recognize things might be lacking in one way or another and you want to cultivate change鈥 PhD will help you do just that. It can be a practice change, a teaching change. That PhD will get you in front of the right people at the right time and it will help unlock doors and create the change that you aspire.
Anything else you鈥檇 like to add?
Just some words of wisdom. There are a lot of program checkpoints – the qualifying exam, the comprehensive exam, the proposal, your defense. Those things are going to feel like a mountain that you鈥檙e climbing, but at the same time they鈥檙e going to make you a better person in the long run. It鈥檚 kind of a trust-the-process thing. It鈥檚 there for a reason, it will help you. You鈥檙e going to grow, and by the time you get to the end of the tunnel, you鈥檙e going to look back and say 鈥渨ow, look what I did!鈥�
BS in Nursing student found resources to overcome barriers at 51猎奇
Meet Aoua, a 51猎奇 BS in Nursing student. Juggling the demands of motherhood and nursing school, Aoua leaned into 51猎奇’s resources and support services to overcome language barriers, cultural differences and academic challenges, all while inspiring her daughter.
“It’s very tough to be a mom and go to school at the same time. You have to be very brave,” Aoua says. “Today [my daughter] is proud, telling people, ‘my mom is going to become a nurse.'”
Aoua plans to attend grad school and work as a bedside nurse with Froedtert Hospital. Watch her full interview below.
McAndrew named Joint Professor of Nursing Research for Froedtert Hospital and 51猎奇鈥檚 School of Nursing
51猎奇鈥檚 School of Nursing and Froedtert Hospital are pleased to announce that Natalie McAndrew has been named to the newly created position of Froedtert Hospital Joint Research Professorship. McAndrew will leverage her expertise to advance nursing science and practice to better meet the health care needs of southeastern Wisconsin.
McAndrew, an associate professor at the 51猎奇 School of Nursing, has served as a nurse scientist for the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network since 2018. Her longstanding commitment to Froedtert nursing and impressive research track record inspired Froedtert鈥檚 nursing leadership to create the post. A collaboration among Mary Ann Moon, former associate chief nursing officer at Froedtert Hospital; Paula Schmidt, vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer at Froedtert Hospital; and 51猎奇 nursing school Dean Kim Litwack led to a gift to the 51猎奇 Foundation that supports the position.
鈥淚 am honored to be given this new opportunity to further support the mission and vision of both of these well-respected organizations and expand my reach as a nurse scientist,鈥� McAndrew said. 鈥淚n this joint professor role, I will continue to build bridges between academia and health care systems to address the pressing health care needs of our communities.鈥�
McAndrew will advance her vision of a collaborative, family-engaged approach for patients and their families navigating serious illness. Her 17 years of clinical experience as an ICU nurse and clinical nurse specialist at Froedtert Hospital moved her to develop a research program focused on family engagement in palliative care. Her research includes studying family caregiver experiences, nurse-promoted family engagement and end-of-life decisions in the ICU.
In addition, her work emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. She is a well-known mentor and coach, and she鈥檚 dedicated to helping nurses at Froedtert Hospital and graduate nursing students at 51猎奇 engage in certification, professional development and scientific writing, as well as high-impact research, quality improvement and evidence-based practice.
McAndrew is researching, developing and testing palliative-based interventions for family caregivers of patients with serious illnesses. She partners with national and international experts on testing and collaborates with caregivers and patients to create peer-to-peer mentorship opportunities that foster connection and reduce isolation. Her goal is to enhance support across care transitions, from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and survivorship. McAndrew aims to develop supportive care programs that can be integrated into health care systems and communities.
McAndrew has received a Cambia Health Foundation Sojourns Scholar Leadership Award and an Oncology Nursing Foundation Research Grant. Her work has been published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, the Journal of Family Nursing, and Psycho-Oncology.
Undergraduate nursing program ranked top 11% by U.S. News and World Report for 2025
U.S. News and World Report released their rankings for 2025 and the School of Nursing is proud to again be placed high among the top programs in the country. Out of almost 700 nursing programs considered nationwide, our undergraduate nursing program has been ranked at number 74, which equals to being in the top 11% of all programs.
Breaking it down to the state level, the undergraduate nursing program ranks at number 2 for public nursing programs in Wisconsin!
Check out at the U.S. News and World Report website.
Interested in learning more about the undergraduate nursing program? Check out the program offerings or contact us.
Pursuing nursing as a second degree with the Direct Entry MN program
Have you ever thought about returning to college for a second degree after earning a bachelor’s in a different field? Going back to college to pursue a second degree in nursing can be a transformative and rewarding decision for many. This career path not only offers the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of patients and their families, but it also provides a stable and in-demand profession with numerous growth opportunities. Whether you are seeking a meaningful career change, aiming to enhance your skill set in the healthcare field, or looking to fulfill a long-held passion for helping others, a second degree in nursing can open doors to diverse roles, from bedside care to advanced practice and leadership positions. Embracing this journey can lead to personal and professional fulfillment, financial stability, and the satisfaction of contributing to the well-being of your community.
51猎奇’s School of Nursing offers a two-year Direct Entry Master of Nursing (MN) program for those looking to do just that. The program was recently restructured from being three years to now only two years long. It is a full-time program that’s offered as a hybrid, cohort model. Students are admitted as a cohort, which allows relationships among peers and faculty to develop through the program. Students can sit for the NCLEX exam at the end of the two years.
We talked with one of the Direct Entry students, Katherine, who has found going back to earn her second degree in nursing to be extremely rewarding. Read our interview with her below.
What was your first bachelor鈥檚 degree? Why did you decide to pivot to a degree in nursing?听
My first degree was a BS in Family Social Science and I worked as an LTC case manager and then as an Ombudsman for the board on aging. However, I have always wanted to be a nurse. When I was 18 years old I did not have the confidence nor the study skills to pursue it. As I got older I started looking at nursing programs randomly. I came across the Direct Entry MN program and thought 鈥渨hy not? I can do this!鈥� Here I am.听听
Why did you choose 51猎奇鈥檚 Direct Entry MN program?听
I looked at several direct entry programs, however I have a toddler that I share with his father here in Milwaukee and going out of state was not an option. I love Milwaukee so I did not want to move, and the cost was much more appropriate in comparison to other programs.听听
What are some highlights about the program you really enjoy?听
I really enjoy the encouragement and support from program staff. They really want me to do well and will do what they can to meet my learning needs and help whenever needed. I can’t say enough good things about all of my professors and feel so supported.听听
What are your career goals after graduating?听
I am interested in emergency medicine and have secured a Nurse Internship at an ED which I hope will eventually turn into a permanent position.
What advice would you give people who are debating switching to a career in nursing?听
Be prepared for the time commitment, but if this something you want to pursue – DO IT! It is hard but rewarding.听
Why should someone consider a degree in nursing?听
If you have the drive and compassion to help people at their most vulnerable, then this is for you. If you want to be a nurse just to say you’re a nurse this is the wrong field for you.听听
Have you had a favorite experience in the program so far?听
Clinicals have been great! I have also really enjoyed skills lab.听听
Is there anyone in the School of Nursing who has impacted your journey?听
Melissa Melcher!听She has been really understanding and supportive. She has guided me in so many ways, my apperception of her is beyond words.听听
Anything else you鈥檇 like to share?听
I graduate in one year. I still cannot believe I have gotten this far.听 I am so excited for my nursing journey and so happy I made the choice to pursue my dream and chose 51猎奇 to help me do it.听听
