Best institutions to study Adult Health Nurse/Nursing
A program that prepares registered nurses to provide general care for adult patients.
75 U.S. institutions graduated 2,125 Adult Health Nurse/Nursing students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.3803, a specialization of Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38), and leads most directly to the Registered Nurses occupation (BLS SOC 29-1141).
About Adult Health Nurse/Nursing programs
A program that prepares registered nurses to provide general care for adult patients. Includes instruction in adult primary care, adult pathophysiology, clinical management of medication and treatments, patient assessment and education, patient referral, and planning adult health maintenance programs.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Adult Health Nurse/Nursing program prepares registered nurses to deliver comprehensive care to adult patients. This program is ideal for individuals seeking to specialize in adult health care, focusing on primary care, pathophysiology, and clinical management. Students will gain the skills necessary to assess patient needs, educate patients, and develop health maintenance plans. With a strong emphasis on practical experience, this program equips future nurses with the knowledge and competencies required to excel in various healthcare settings. Graduates can pursue advanced roles in nursing, contributing significantly to patient care and health outcomes for adults.
In this program, students will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework covers vital areas including psychology, medicine, and patient assessment, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for real-world challenges in adult health care.
Credentials awarded
What Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree1,556 graduates / yr · 50 institutions73%
- Post-master's certificate175 graduates / yr · 30 institutions8.2%
- Bachelor's degree161 graduates / yr · 4 institutions7.6%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate131 graduates / yr · 5 institutions6.2%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship51 graduates / yr · 6 institutions2.4%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice48 graduates / yr · 15 institutions2.3%
- Doctor's degree - other3 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.1%
Graduates over time
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 967 |
| 2013 | 1,469 |
| 2014 | 1,300 |
| 2015 | 1,885 |
| 2016 | 2,278 |
| 2017 | 2,238 |
| 2018 | 2,087 |
| 2019 | 2,012 |
| 2020 | 1,952 |
| 2021 | 2,019 |
| 2022 | 2,075 |
| 2023 | 2,294 |
| 2024 | 2,457 |
| 2025 | 2,125 |
Top 50 institutions for Adult Health Nurse/Nursing, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aspen University Phoenix, AZPrivate for-profitMaster's | 402 | 27% | — | $94,023 |
| 2 | Chamberlain University - Illinois Addison, ILPrivate for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 273 | 42% | $29,024 | $83,188 |
| 3 | NUC University Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitMaster's | 243 | 54% | $9,377 | $22,898 |
| 4 | Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, OKPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sDoctoral | 123 | 65% | $22,589 | $72,980 |
| 5 | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral (prof.) | 118 | 97% | $16,260 | $77,288 |
| 6 | South University - Savannah Online Savannah, GAPrivate for-profitMaster's | 86 | 7% | $28,691 | $77,635 |
| 7 | Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KYPublicPost-degree cert. | 80 | 52% | — | $68,649 |
| 8 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 80 | 75% | — | $71,105 |
| 9 | Hofstra University Hempstead, NYPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster'sMaster's | 42 | 69% | $34,539 | — |
| 10 | Western Connecticut State University Danbury, CTPublicMaster'sMaster's | 34 | 52% | — | $86,600 |
| 11 | New York University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 30 | 88% | $29,023 | $111,360 |
| 12 | Pace University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 30 | 60% | $29,994 | $107,433 |
| 13 | St. John Fisher University Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 28 | 74% | $25,213 | $73,333 |
| 14 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicMaster's | 28 | 50% | — | $78,468 |
| 15 | St. Joseph's University - New York Brooklyn, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 27 | 69% | $17,134 | $96,958 |
| 16 | William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJPublicMaster's | 26 | 44% | — | $92,257 |
| 17 | Daemen University Amherst, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 26 | 59% | $16,826 | $79,376 |
| 18 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NYPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 26 | 76% | — | $94,853 |
| 19 | Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, ARPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 21 | 61% | $21,322 | — |
| 20 | Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SCPublicMaster's | 21 | — | — | $68,199 |
| 21 | Middle Georgia State University Macon, GAPublicMaster'sMaster's | 21 | 25% | — | $70,650 |
| 22 | La Salle University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 19 | 57% | $21,997 | $84,400 |
| 23 | University of Massachusetts - Lowell Lowell, MAPublicMaster's | 17 | 65% | — | $78,247 |
| 24 | Adelphi University Garden City, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 17 | 67% | $27,326 | $102,136 |
| 25 | Methodist University Fayetteville, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | 44% | $24,551 | $70,746 |
| 26 | Vanderbilt University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 17 | 94% | $14,854 | — |
| 27 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VAPublicMaster's | 16 | 80% | — | $76,490 |
| 28 | Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 15 | 66% | $24,921 | $69,116 |
| 29 | Long Island University Brookville, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 14 | 57% | $24,639 | $100,097 |
| 30 | Madonna University Livonia, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Master's | 12 | 60% | $16,904 | $73,608 |
| 31 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IAPublicDoctoral | 11 | 75% | — | $69,368 |
| 32 | Mercer University Macon, GAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 10 | 70% | $22,641 | $76,787 |
| 33 | Concordia University - Wisconsin Mequon, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 10 | 68% | $24,409 | $72,393 |
| 34 | Felician University Lodi, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 9 | 47% | $41,497 | $95,990 |
| 35 | Molloy University Rockville Centre, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 9 | 70% | $25,812 | $105,747 |
| 36 | Russell Sage College Troy, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 9 | 56% | $22,451 | $73,302 |
| 37 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPublicMaster's | 8 | 54% | — | $68,136 |
| 38 | CUNY Hunter College New York, NYPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 8 | 57% | — | $103,692 |
| 39 | Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NYPublicMaster's | 7 | — | — | $77,319 |
| 40 | Gwynedd Mercy University Gwynedd Valley, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 7 | 57% | $25,843 | $82,372 |
| 41 | Quinnipiac University Hamden, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 76% | $36,137 | $84,856 |
| 42 | Georgia State University Atlanta, GAPublicMaster's | 6 | 53% | — | $78,165 |
| 43 | College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, NYPublicMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 6 | 34% | — | $110,335 |
| 44 | Mount Carmel College of Nursing Columbus, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 54% | $12,526 | $69,969 |
| 45 | Moravian University Bethlehem, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 72% | $28,454 | $82,585 |
| 46 | Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 5 | — | — | $98,610 |
| 47 | Bradley University Peoria, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.) | 5 | 76% | $21,768 | $73,143 |
| 48 | Winona State University Winona, MNPublicDoctoral (prof.)Post-degree cert. | 5 | 57% | — | $75,313 |
| 49 | Saint Peter's University Jersey City, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 5 | 58% | $14,440 | $88,259 |
| 50 | Mount Saint Mary College Newburgh, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 65% | $21,810 | $95,495 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Registered Nursing field (CIP 51.38) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 27 states & territories
Where Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates come from. Each state links to all Registered Nursing programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1141, Registered Nurses, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Adult Health Nurse/Nursing program can pursue careers as Registered Nurses, with a median wage of $93,600. The job outlook for this field is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.9% and approximately 189,100 annual openings. A typical entry-level education requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.3803
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Registered Nursesprimary SOC 29-1141 | $97,550 | +4.9% About as fast as average | ~189,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Nurse Practitioners SOC 29-1171 | $132,300 | +40.1% Much faster than average | ~29,500 | Master's degree |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1072 | $80,250 | +16.8% Much faster than average | ~8,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Adult Health Nurse/Nursing programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
Tools and technology used
Other Registered Nursing specializations
The 22 other 6-digit CIP codes under Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38).
- Registered Nursing/CIP 51.3801
Registered Nurse 263,325 graduates / yr2,067 institutions - Family Practice Nurse/CIP 51.3805
Nursing 14,703 graduates / yr293 institutions - Nursing PracticeCIP 51.38189,384 graduates / yr322 institutions
- Nursing AdministrationCIP 51.38027,804 graduates / yr198 institutions
- Psychiatric/CIP 51.3810
Mental Health Nurse/ Nursing 5,358 graduates / yr179 institutions - Nursing ScienceCIP 51.38084,605 graduates / yr148 institutions
- Registered NursingCIP 51.38993,940 graduates / yr99 institutions
- Nurse AnesthetistCIP 51.38042,183 graduates / yr72 institutions
- Public Health/CIP 51.3811
Community Nurse/ Nursing 934 graduates / yr21 institutions - Geriatric Nurse/CIP 51.3821
Nursing 680 graduates / yr43 institutions - Clinical Nurse LeaderCIP 51.3820588 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Nurse Midwife/CIP 51.3807
Nursing Midwifery 530 graduates / yr22 institutions - Critical Care NursingCIP 51.3814505 graduates / yr39 institutions
- Pediatric Nurse/CIP 51.3809
Nursing 389 graduates / yr36 institutions - Women's Health Nurse/CIP 51.3822
Nursing 350 graduates / yr15 institutions - Perioperative/CIP 51.3812
Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/ Nursing 150 graduates / yr10 institutions - Maternal/CIP 51.3806
Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/ Nursing 149 graduates / yr14 institutions - Clinical Nurse SpecialistCIP 51.3813135 graduates / yr22 institutions
- Emergency Room/CIP 51.3816
Trauma Nursing partial data83 graduates / yr9 institutions - Forensic NursingCIP 51.3824partial data26 graduates / yr4 institutions
- Occupational and Environmental Health NursingCIP 51.3815partial data21 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Palliative Care NursingCIP 51.3819partial data19 graduates / yr3 institutions
Common questions
What degree do I need to become an Adult Health Nurse?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for this role.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication skills.
What is the job outlook for Registered Nurses?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.9%.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 75 colleges offering the Adult Health Nurse/Nursing program in the U.S.
What is the CIP code for Adult Health Nurse/Nursing?+
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing is CIP 51.3803 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Registered Nursing (CIP 51.38). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares registered nurses to provide general care for adult patients. Includes instruction in adult primary care, adult pathophysiology, clinical management of medication and treatments, patient assessment and education, patient referral, and planning adult health maintenance programs.
How many institutions offer Adult Health Nurse/Nursing programs?+
75 U.S. institutions reported Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 27 states & territories, awarding 2,125 credentials in the year. That is 0.7% of all Registered Nursing graduates.
How much do Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Registered Nurses occupation, which Adult Health Nurse/Nursing most directly leads to, pays a median of $97,550 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Registered Nursing field report median earnings of $77,319 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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