Nursing remains one of the most in-demand and rewarding professions in the healthcare industry. With the aging population, expanding healthcare systems, and a growing need for skilled medical professionals, nursing is not only a stable career choice but also one with excellent job prospects. However, the key to success in this field lies in choosing the right nursing school—one that combines academic excellence with strong job placement services.
In this article, we explore the best nursing schools in the USA with outstanding job placement rates, based on program quality, clinical training, and partnerships with healthcare employers.
Why Job Placement Matters
Graduating from a nursing program is only part of the journey. The transition from classroom to clinical practice can be daunting, and schools that offer robust job placement support can make a significant difference. Job placement services typically include:
-
Clinical rotations and internships
-
Employer networking events
-
Resume and interview coaching
-
Direct pipelines to hospitals and healthcare systems
These resources increase the likelihood of graduates securing employment within six months of graduation—a key metric in evaluating nursing schools.
1. University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Placement Rate: Over 95% within 6 months
Penn Nursing consistently ranks among the top nursing schools globally. It offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs with an emphasis on research and innovation. Through partnerships with leading hospitals like the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, students benefit from top-tier clinical placements.
Highlights:
-
Direct BSN program
-
Special focus on leadership and public health
-
Strong global alumni network for job referrals
2. Duke University School of Nursing
Location: Durham, NC
Placement Rate: Around 98%
Duke’s nursing programs emphasize hands-on learning and advanced practice nursing. Its relationship with the Duke University Health System ensures students receive clinical experience in a high-acuity setting. The school also offers career fairs and job match assistance with hospitals across the U.S.
Highlights:
-
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
-
Top-ranked NP and DNP programs
-
Advanced simulation labs and global health programs
3. University of Michigan School of Nursing
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Placement Rate: Approximately 96%
Michigan’s School of Nursing is known for its rigorous academics and excellent career services. With proximity to Michigan Medicine, students have access to one of the country’s best hospitals for hands-on training. Career counselors support students in resume building, licensing prep, and employer networking.
Highlights:
-
Innovative curriculum in evidence-based practice
-
Multiple specialties at graduate level
-
Strong job placement for rural and underserved areas
4. Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
Location: Baltimore, MD
Placement Rate: 97%+
As one of the top nursing schools in the world, Johns Hopkins offers unparalleled research and clinical experiences. Their Center for Career Development and education partners with employers to help students secure roles in hospitals, research institutions, and public health organizations.
Highlights:
-
Ranked #1 in DNP and MSN by U.S. News
-
Global internship opportunities
-
Focus on community health and policy
5. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing
Location: San Francisco, CA
Placement Rate: 95%
UCSF offers only graduate-level nursing programs but maintains a stellar job placement rate for its nurse practitioner, midwifery, and doctoral graduates. Its connection with UCSF Medical Center provides exposure to complex patient cases and interdisciplinary care.
Highlights:
-
Top-ranked NP specialties (pediatric, family, mental health)
-
Emphasis on research and evidence-based practice
-
Excellent placement in California’s competitive healthcare market
6. University of Washington School of Nursing
Location: Seattle, WA
Placement Rate: 94%
Renowned for public health nursing, the University of Washington boasts a strong network of community health partnerships and hospitals. The school’s career services help match students with regional employers, particularly in Washington and Oregon.
Highlights:
-
BSN and ABSN options
-
Special programs for Native American and rural health
-
Strong employment rates in underserved regions
7. New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Location: New York, NY
Placement Rate: Over 90%
Located in one of the busiest healthcare hubs, NYU Meyers offers comprehensive nursing programs from BSN to Ph.D. The school maintains ties with major NYC hospitals, facilitating quick job placement after graduation.
Highlights:
-
Direct BSN program and global health electives
-
Paid externships with partner hospitals
-
High placement in NYC healthcare networks
8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – School of Nursing
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Placement Rate: 92%
UNC’s nursing school is nationally respected for its academic quality and affordability. Its graduates are often employed by healthcare systems in the Southeast, thanks to a strong alumni network and employer partnerships.
Highlights:
-
Nursing bridge programs for military and second-career students
-
Faculty-led research centers
-
Early employment pipelines with NC-based hospitals
9. Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
Location: Atlanta, GA
Placement Rate: 93%
Emory’s school benefits from being adjacent to Emory Healthcare and the CDC. Students are encouraged to participate in clinical trials, public health projects, and community care programs.
Highlights:
-
BSN, MN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs
-
Global health concentrations
-
High placement in Georgia’s major hospitals and public health centers
10. Rush University College of Nursing
Location: Chicago, IL
Placement Rate: 94%
Rush University is deeply integrated with the Rush University Medical Center, a major hospital in Chicago. Their programs emphasize hands-on clinical experiences and leadership training.
Highlights:
-
Direct-entry MSN for non-nursing majors
-
Strong NP and DNP tracks
-
Excellent job placement in the Midwest