Fairmont State University has been ranked No. 11 in West Virginia in the 4th Annual Nursing School rankings by RNCareers.org

RNCareers.org is a team of nurse educators, nurse practitioners, RNs and LPNs who work to provide the information they wished to have when they started their nursing careers including credible nursing school rankings.

Dr. Laura Clayton, associate dean for the School of Nursing, said this ranking shows a lot about the University and the School of Nursing. They are proud of the students and alumni who serve as leaders, advocates, care providers and educators among other roles in the healthcare system.

““It is an honor for the Fairmont State School of Nursing to be ranked first in West Virginia by RNCareer.org. This recognition is a result of the dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff to excellence in innovation in teaching, scholarship, and service,” she said. “We are fortunate to have the support of excellent clinical partners in our region who provide learning opportunities for our students.”

President Dr. Mirta Martin said the ranking is a great reflection on the work of the faculty, staff and students of Fairmont State. 

“Achieving excellence is at the heart of Fairmont State University,” she said. “It does not occur by chance; it is the result of the dedication and commitment of our faculty and staff.  This recognition highlights our intent to continue soaring to new heights.”

Professor Brianna Locante, BSN, RN, noted she wasn’t surprised to see the University’s School of Nursing receive this honor, as it’s what brought her to work as a faculty member.

“I work in the Emergency Department of WVU Medical Ruby Memorial Hospital and noted that the staff could always tell when a new graduate was from Fairmont State University School of Nursing because they demonstrated superior critical thinking and clinical skills than other new graduates,” she said.

They evaluated 1,892 RN programs on a variety of factors important to nursing students including first-time NCLEX passing rates, accreditation, program offerings and more.