Duke University School of Nursing
Durham, NC
Quick Facts
1931
Founded
600+
Enrollment
18%
Acceptance Rate
96%
NCLEX Pass Rate
About Duke University School of Nursing
Duke University School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the United States. As part of Duke University and Duke Health, one of the premier academic health systems in the world, the school provides students with clinical training at Duke University Hospital, a nationally ranked facility known for its advanced specialty care, transplant programs, and cancer center. The school's Research Triangle location also provides access to clinical partnerships with UNC Hospitals, WakeMed, and community health organizations across Central North Carolina.
Duke Nursing is known for its innovation in nursing education, research, and practice. The school's faculty are leaders in areas including palliative care, health equity, cardiovascular nursing, digital health, and global health. Duke's emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice prepares graduates to lead in clinical settings, research, health policy, and education. The school's relatively small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship.
Degree Programs Offered
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
An intensive 16-month second-degree BSN program for students with a bachelor's degree in another field. The program includes extensive clinical rotations at Duke University Hospital and partner facilities.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Advanced practice programs with specializations in Adult-Gerontology NP, Family NP, Pediatric NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Nurse Anesthesia, and Health Informatics.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A practice-focused doctoral program for advanced practice nurses, with emphasis on clinical leadership, evidence translation, and health systems improvement.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
A research-focused doctoral program preparing nurse scientists to generate new knowledge that improves patient care and health outcomes.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Duke University School of Nursing holds full CCNE accreditation for its BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs, reflecting its position as one of the most prestigious nursing schools in the nation.
Campus & Online Options
Duke's ABSN program is on-campus with clinical rotations at Duke University Hospital and partner facilities throughout the Research Triangle. Many MSN and DNP programs are offered in a hybrid format with online coursework and in-person clinical and immersion sessions. The PhD program is on-campus.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
Tuition at Duke School of Nursing is approximately $62,000 per year for the ABSN program and varies for graduate programs, with MSN tuition at approximately $1,800 per credit hour. Duke offers generous financial aid that significantly reduces net cost.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Duke offers institutional scholarships, need-based grants, federal financial aid, and nursing-specific awards. The School of Nursing administers several endowed scholarships. Students also benefit from external programs including the Nurse Corps Scholarship, Jonas Nurse Scholars, and North Carolina nursing workforce grants.
Admissions Overview
Admission to Duke School of Nursing is highly competitive. The ABSN program requires a completed bachelor's degree and prerequisite courses. Graduate programs consider clinical experience, academic excellence, and research or leadership potential.
Application Deadline
December 1 for ABSN; varies by graduate program
Requirements
- Completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (ABSN)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses
- Personal statement on nursing career goals and fit with Duke
- Three letters of recommendation
- Healthcare experience strongly recommended
- Interview for shortlisted ABSN candidates
Student Life
Duke's campus in Durham offers a beautiful, self-contained environment with access to the vibrant Research Triangle region. Nursing students engage in student organizations, global health trips, community health outreach, and interprofessional events. Durham offers a growing food and arts scene, affordable living compared to major metros, and proximity to both the mountains and the coast of North Carolina.
Great for Future Travel Nurses
Duke School of Nursing graduates are among the most competitive candidates for travel nursing assignments at elite facilities nationwide. Clinical training at Duke University Hospital, a top-10 nationally ranked hospital, exposes students to the highest-acuity patients and the most advanced clinical techniques. This experience is exactly what top travel nursing agencies look for when placing nurses at academic medical centers and specialty hospitals. North Carolina's NLC membership allows Duke graduates to practice across compact states with a single license, simplifying the logistics of travel nursing. The school's strong focus on evidence-based practice and clinical adaptability produces nurses who can integrate quickly into any new facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
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