DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University’s School of Nursing continues to gain national and statewide recognition, as its graduate programs were highlighted in the latest graduate school rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.
Millikin’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program earned distinction as one of the top programs in Illinois, ranking No. 4 in the state and No. 1 located outside the Chicago metropolitan area.
Millikin’s DNP – Nurse Anesthesia Program (NAP) was selected as the No. 2 program in Illinois and the No. 1 in Central Illinois, highlighting its continued impact in educating highly skilled nurse anesthetists.
“These rankings affirm the quality of our programs and the dedication of our faculty to student success,” said Dr. Teresa Gulley, Director of Millikin’s School of Nursing. “Our DNP and Nurse Anesthesia programs are designed to develop advanced clinical expertise through rigorous academics and extensive, immersive clinical training. This preparation ensures graduates are highly skilled, practice-ready clinicians and leaders in complex healthcare environments.”
Millikin’s DNP program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and systems-level thinking, preparing graduates to drive change across healthcare settings. Similarly, the Nurse Anesthesia program equips students with advanced clinical skills and hands-on training necessary to meet the growing demand for anesthesia providers nationwide.
Dr. Audra Trump, Associate Director for Graduate Programs in Nursing, noted that the recognition reflects both program quality and student outcomes.
“Our students benefit from close faculty mentorship, strong clinical partnerships, and a curriculum rooted in Performance Learning,” Trump said. “Being recognized among the top programs in Illinois and nationally speaks to the success of our graduates and the meaningful contributions they are making in healthcare.”
U.S. News & World Report rankings are a trusted resource for prospective students, families, and academic leaders nationwide. The rankings are often used as benchmarks for excellence, highlighting institutions and programs that demonstrate strong performance, credibility, and impact within their respective fields.
Millikin’s continued recognition in the U.S. News rankings underscores the University’s commitment to academic excellence and its role in addressing critical workforce needs in nursing and advanced practice healthcare.
