Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
General Information — Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
About (Overview)
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is one of the premier institutions for nursing education, research, and practice in the United States. Established in 1889 alongside Johns Hopkins Hospital and with the influence of nursing figures like Florence Nightingale, it has since developed a reputation for excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care. The school is integrally located within the Johns Hopkins Medicine complex in Baltimore, enabling close collaboration with clinical, medical, and research units.
Its mission emphasizes interprofessional education, diversity, global health, health equity, and science-driven patient care. The curriculum blends rigorous academic coursework, evidence-based practice, and immersive clinical training, preparing nurses to lead across settings—from hospitals to policy, community health, and research enterprises. Faculty and students bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives, fostering a culture of inquiry, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing continues to push the boundaries of nursing science, developing future leaders who will shape the future of health care locally, nationally, and globally.
Contact Informations
Address: Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
Phone: 410-955-7544
Email (Dean’s Office / General Inquiries): sondeansoffice@jhu.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1889 |
| Motto | Vigilando (Latin) |
| Type | Private nursing school within Johns Hopkins University |
| Parent Institution | Johns Hopkins University |
| Dean | Sarah Szanton (as of recent) |
| Campus Setting | Urban, East Baltimore medical campus |
| Student Population | ~1,558 students (FY 23) |
| Faculty (Full-time) | ~110 (95 % with doctoral degrees) |
| NCLEX Pass Rate (where applicable) | ~86 % (FY 23) |
| Research / Clinical Centers | Multiple centers focused on aging, disparities, intervention research, health outcomes |
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Rankings
| Ranking Body / Type | Standing / Notes |
|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report (Master’s programs) | #1 nationally |
| U.S. News & World Report (DNP programs) | #2 nationally |
| QS Global (“Nursing”) | ~#3 globally among nursing schools |
| NIH Funding (among nursing schools) | #1 for total NIH funding in certain years |
| Diversity / Institutional Honors | Recipient of HEED Award for diversity excellence; Best School for Men in Nursing awards |
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Academics
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Faculties / Departments
Rather than traditional undergraduate “faculties,” the School of Nursing’s structure is organized around program tracks, research centers, and specialty domains. Some core organizational areas include:
- Pre-licensure & Entry into Nursing Programs
- Master of Science in Nursing / Advanced Practice Tracks
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) / Post-Master’s DNP
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
- Dual degree programs (e.g. MSN/MBA, DNP/MPH)
- Online & Hybrid Nursing Programs (leadership, clinical specialties)
- Research Centers (e.g. Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Health Disparities, Intervention Research)
- Clinical Education / Partnerships & Affiliations
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Courses and Programs / Majors
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers a range of degree options across levels and specializations. Key programs include:
- Pre-licensure / Entry into Nursing (MSN Entry for non-nurses)
- MSN: various advanced practice and leadership tracks (e.g. Nurse Practitioner specialties, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Health Systems Management)
- Dual degrees: MSN/MBA, MSN/MPH
- DNP: advanced practice, leadership, post-master’s DNP, and hybrid/DNP–PhD combinations
- PhD in Nursing Science (research, academia, scholarship)
- Post-degree certificates (advanced practice, specialty certifications)
- Online tracks (e.g. MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership, DNP NP specializations)
- Electives, seminars, and interprofessional coursework aligned with public health, policy, genetics, informatics
Online Learning
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers a suite of online and hybrid learning options, particularly for leadership, organizational, and advanced practice tracks. Some MSN and DNP programs or portions thereof are delivered online, allowing working professionals to engage without relocating fully. As nursing education evolves, the school increasingly integrates digital modalities—virtual lectures, asynchronous modules, and remote collaboration—while maintaining rigorous clinical and lab components. For NP and DNP tracks, certain campus immersions or clinical intensives are required, supplemented by local clinical placements to meet licensure and competency standards.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Requirement / Published Figures |
|---|---|
| GRE / Graduate Exam | Some programs (e.g. DNP, PhD tracks) may require GRE scores; not uniformly required across all tracks |
| SAT / ACT | Not applicable (graduate-level institution) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Because the School of Nursing is primarily graduate-level, with many students enrolled part-time or in clinical tracks, conventional retention and graduation metrics like four-year or six-year rates are less consistently published. However, the institution supports student success through advising, mentoring, academic support, and cohort models. Clinical progression and licensure success (e.g. NCLEX pass rates for entry programs) serve as key outcome metrics. For instance, in FY 21, NCLEX pass rates reached ~93 %.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a graduate- and advanced-level professional school, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing does not emphasize SAT or ACT scores. Instead, applicants should demonstrate strong undergraduate academic performance—typically a competitive GPA (e.g. 3.0 or higher, though many admitted students exceed this)—relevant coursework (nursing prerequisites, sciences), professional experience or leadership, and alignment with the school’s mission and values. For pre-licensure entry students (non-nurses), prior degree performance, critical thinking, and successful completion of prerequisites matter significantly.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Observation |
|---|---|
| Reported for Graduate / Nursing Applicants | In one Peterson’s source: 983 accepted out of 1,575 applicants (≈62 %) for certain graduate programs |
| Selectivity | Highly competitive for certain tracks, particularly specialty and NP tracks |
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Application Requirements
Applicants generally submit a completed application, official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions, a personal statement or statement of purpose describing professional goals and how the candidate’s experience aligns with the school’s mission, and one or more letters of recommendation (academic or professional). Some programs may also require a resume or CV, evidence of clinical experience, prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, or statistics, and, in some cases, GRE or standardized test scores. International applicants may need English proficiency exams or credential evaluation. For pre-licensure entry programs, additional prerequisites or bridging coursework may be required.
Application Process
- Select desired nursing program track and review specific admission criteria
- Prepare transcripts, statement, letters of recommendation, resume/CV, and prerequisite proof
- Complete and submit application via the school’s admissions portal
- Programmatic review, which may include interview or secondary evaluation
- Receive decision and, if accepted, submit deposit or matriculation commitment
- Begin enrollment, satisfy onboarding requirements (e.g. immunizations, background checks, clinical readiness)
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Program | Deadline / Notes |
|---|---|
| Graduate / Advanced Practice Deadlines | Varies by program, typically annual or biannual submission windows |
| Pre-licensure / Entry Nursing Program | Specific cohort deadlines (often months ahead) |
| Notification / Decision Period | Several weeks to months after application submission |
Essay Prompt
While prompts vary by track, applicants are often asked to articulate their rationale for pursuing nursing, professional goals, prior experiences (clinical, leadership, advocacy), how their values align with Johns Hopkins’ mission in health equity and interdisciplinary collaboration, and how they intend to contribute to nursing science, patient care, or health systems transformation.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Scholarships
The school offers institutional scholarships, merit-based awards, and need-based support for eligible students. For the MSN Entry into Nursing program, scholarships typically range from USD 5,000 to full tuition amounts, depending on academic merit, leadership, and contribution potential. Many students also combine institutional aid with federal loans, work-study, and external funding. Because of the reputation and resources of Johns Hopkins, competitive scholarship and fellowship opportunities may be available for research, diversity, or clinical specialization.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Tuition and Fees
| Program / Cost Type | Approximate Rate or Detail |
|---|---|
| Graduate Tuition (per credit / program-based) | Varies by specialization, number of credits, and program track |
| MSN / Entry into Nursing Estimated Total | Program cost may reach over USD 100,000 across multiple semesters |
| Deposit / Matriculation Fees | Non-refundable deposit required upon acceptance (varies by track) |
| Additional Fees / Clinical Costs | Lab fees, clinical placement costs, background checks, supplies, licensing exam fees |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing student body reflects both diversity and dominance of women (as is common in nursing). In FY 23, about 12 % of students were male, indicating a largely female cohort. Racial and ethnic minority representation in FY 23 was approximately 48 %. Students come from across the United States (all 50 states) and internationally (16 countries). Many students are mid-career or profession-switching adults, especially in graduate and advanced practice tracks, bringing varied backgrounds and experience to the classroom and clinical settings.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing provides support mechanisms for students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities. Financial aid, scholarships, and institutional assistance help reduce financial barriers. The university offers accommodations, adaptive services, and inclusive learning environments to ensure that students with disabilities can fully participate in coursework, simulation labs, and clinical placements. The school’s emphasis on health equity and inclusion aligns with broader institutional commitments to access and support for underrepresented and disadvantaged students.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Category | Number / Estimate (FY 23) |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~1,558 |
| PhD Students | ~54 |
| Full-Time Faculty | ~110 |
| States Represented | 50 |
| Countries Represented | 16 |
| Racial / Ethnic Minorities | ~48% |
| Male Students | ~12% |
University Diversity
Diversity is central to the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing mission. The institution prioritizes recruitment, retention, and support of students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, first-generation scholars, international students, and those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Through initiatives like the HEED (Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity) Award, the school demonstrates commitment to inclusive excellence, cultural competence training, implicit bias education, and community engagement.
Diversity is embedded not only in admissions and scholarship policies but also in curriculum design, faculty development, mentorship, and clinical placements in underserved communities. Students have opportunities to engage in global health, health disparities research, and community-based care settings. By fostering a rich blend of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences, the school aims to cultivate nurse leaders who are culturally responsive, equity-minded, and prepared to address health needs in diverse populations.
Average Earnings
Graduates from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, particularly from advanced practice and leadership tracks, tend to command competitive salaries in clinical, administrative, academic, or policy roles. Nurse Practitioners, DNPs, and clinical leaders often join hospitals, health systems, outpatient care, or specialty practices, with salaries influenced by region, specialty, experience, and scope of practice. Some graduates enter academia or research, combining teaching with grant-funded projects. Because the school is closely affiliated with Johns Hopkins health systems, alumni may benefit from networked opportunities and institutional prestige. Over time, many Hopkins-trained nurses advance into high-level roles in management, informatics, and healthcare innovation, reflecting strong return on educational investment.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The School of Nursing employs a significant faculty complement—approximately 110 full-time faculty in FY 23, with the vast majority (95 %) holding doctoral degrees. Faculty also include joint appointments, adjuncts, and clinical mentors. In FY 23, 26 % of faculty held joint appointments. Eight faculty hold endowed chairs, and five were newly inducted Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). The administrative and professional staff support operations across admissions, clinical education coordination, simulation labs, student affairs, diversity and inclusion, research administration, and practice partnerships.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing faculty are leaders in nursing science, clinical innovation, health disparities research, symptom management, aging, public health, violence prevention, and health policy. Many publish actively, lead funded research projects, mentor doctoral students, and collaborate across disciplines including medicine and public health. The school hosts multiple research centers (e.g. Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Center on Health Disparities Research, Center for Collaborative Intervention Research). Faculty achievements include endowed chairs, FAAN induction, interdisciplinary research leadership, and contributions to global nursing practice standards. Their work shapes evidence-based care, translation of science to practice, and the development of future nurse scientists and clinician leaders.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is located within the East Baltimore medical campus, adjacent to Johns Hopkins Hospital and public health entities. Because most students are graduate-level and many attend part-time or in clinical tracks, on-campus housing is not a core feature of the nursing school; students often live in the wider Baltimore area or university housing. The university offers housing options through Johns Hopkins University residential systems, and students may access shared housing, fellowships, or local apartments. Student life is enriched through interdisciplinary collaboration, nursing student organizations, simulation labs, health equity projects, clinical immersions, and wellness programs. The proximity to medical, public health, and research partners fosters integration of nursing students into broad health ecosystems.
Transportation
The East Baltimore campus is well served by public transit, shuttles, bus lines, and urban infrastructure. Students can access regional public transportation to reach the School of Nursing, affiliated hospitals, and clinical partner sites. On-campus mobility is designed for ease of movement between classrooms, labs, and clinical simulation centers. For off-campus clinical placements, students often need to commute; many clinical sites lie within a 60-mile radius, and arranging transport is part of planning. Because some sites may not be directly on transit routes, students typically rely on personal vehicles, rideshare, or carpooling during clinical semesters.