The University of Nevada, Reno’s Orvis School of Nursing has been ranked #5 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs for its Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The recognition places the Orvis School of Nursing among the country’s most highly regarded providers of online graduate nursing education.

While this ranking reflects the excellence of the MSN program specifically, it also highlights the strength of the University’s broader portfolio of online nursing offerings — including the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, several graduate certificate pathways, and the fully online RN-BSN program that serves licensed nurses seeking to advance their education.

“This ranking affirms what our students already know: the Orvis School of Nursing offers exceptional online graduate education built on rigor, relevance and real-world impact,” said Stephanie Stimac DeBoor, associate dean for Graduate Programs. “Our students learn from expert faculty, benefit from high-touch academic support and, vitally, have their clinical placements coordinated and secured through our national network of practice partners. That level of support allows them to focus fully on becoming outstanding advanced practice registered nurses.”

The University’s investment in high-quality online education — including instructional design, instructional technology, faculty development  and student support — continues to elevate the University’s national presence.

“The University’s online nursing programs are a model of what exceptional online learning can look like,” said Carley Ries, vice provost for Online Learning. “Our Nevada Online team partners closely with faculty to build engaging, evidence-based courses across the MSN, DNP, and RN-BSN programs — ensuring that nurses, wherever they live, can access world-class education with the support and flexibility they need to succeed.”

The ranking also highlights the University’s growing contribution to the nursing workforce in Nevada and across the country. Through its online MSN and DNP programs, as well as the RN-BSN pathway that enables working nurses to continue their education while remaining in their communities, the Orvis School of Nursing prepares nurse practitioners, nurse educators, clinical nurse leaders, and future nursing scholars who directly strengthen health systems and improve patient care.

“This achievement belongs to our faculty, our students and our practice partners,” said Charles Yingling, dean of the Orvis School of Nursing. “We are deeply proud of the recognition of our academic programs and remain committed to expanding access to high-quality online graduate nursing education for Nevada and the nation.”

Visit the Orvis School of Nursing to learn more about the University of Nevada, Reno’s nationally recognized online nursing programs.