By Sarah Goldthrite

The University at Buffalo School of Nursing’s RN-BS distance learning program was recently distinguished as one of the best online baccalaureate programs. The 2015 U.S. News & World Report has ranked it 136 out of 296 schools offering various Internet-based distance education programs leading to a bachelor’s degree.

And they’re just getting started -- the program, in just its third year, is doing the University and the School of Nursing proud, reinforcing the School’s vision of advancing their reputation through “a collaborative academic culture.”

U.S. News assessed regionally accredited public, private and for-profit institutions granting bachelor's degrees based on factors in four categories: student engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer reputation, and student services and technology. Faculty credentials and training ranked impressively at 98.

The UB School of Nursing has been consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the top 20% of undergraduate and graduate Schools of Nursing and is the top ranked graduate school of nursing in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Their Nurse Anesthesia program is also ranked 17 in U.S. News’ Best Graduate Schools.

This recent recognition adds to the University’s increasing presence on a variety of U.S. News rankings lists. UB is currently ranked 103 in Best National Universities (public and private) and 48 among Top Public Universities.

The RN-BS program is student-centered and user-friendly, facilitating achievement of learning outcomes by allowing practicing nurses to attend school while employed. Students may elect a one- or two-year cohort format to build on previous education and experience. The program mirrors the traditional nursing BS and thus far has proven to be an excellent channel for continuing education.