Great Basin College nursing program ranked best in state

Great Basin College was recently honored as the No. 1-ranked nursing program in Nevada as determined by RegisteredNursing.org, a nursing advocacy organization.

RegisteredNursing.org noted “Great Basin College in Elko, Nevada is home to an excellent associate degree in nursing program that prepares students for entry-level RN careers. GBC graduates are evidence-based thinkers who use their findings to remain competent and insightful in a contemporary clinical environment.”

“Great Basin College nursing program has consecutively been ranked number one,” said Dr. Amber Donnelli, dean of health science and human services. “The program utilizes distance education to the Elko, Winnemucca, Pahrump and, as of fall 2020, Ely campuses. Regardless of the pandemic, the students were already in a format that conformed to the diverse aspect of learning through distance education.

“Instructors have been well prepared to properly implement distance education and create impactful remote learning experiences, which is not an easy feat as it incorporates live/interactive video as well as students completing clinicals in their communities. We’re extremely proud of what our students have accomplished throughout these uncertain times.”

Nursing programs were assessed on several factors which represent how well a program supports students towards licensure and beyond, said Sally Worthington of RegisteredNursing.org. The group analyzed past and present first time NCLEX-RN pass-rates, weighted by year.

“We are always trying to be innovative with our program, to assure that our students think outside of the box and get the most out of what they are learning and applying,” Donnelli said. “Our community partnerships and support throughout the state are large factors in the success of our program. This support assists our nursing students to reach their full potential, which in turn positively impacts the Nevada nursing workforce.

“During the pandemic, our students have been persistent throughout their studies while also positively impacting their communities through assisting with contact tracing, immunization clinics and other COVID-related implementation efforts.”

For more information about RegisteredNursing.org and GBC’s ranking, visit www.registerednursing.org/state/nevada/#top