The UNLV School of Nursing earned a spot among the country's top 10 online graduate nursing programs in U.S. News & World Report's 2015 survey.

The school's Master of Science in Nursing program ranked sixth out of 133 surveyed programs offered entirely online. The program jumped four spots from 10^th last year, and it has ranked among the top 20 every year since U.S. News began the ranking in 2012.

U.S. News ranks online nursing programs in five distinct areas: student engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer reputation, student services and technology, and admissions selectivity.

"This recognition belongs to our faculty and staff, especially Dr. Tish Smyer, the associate dean for academics, and our master's program coordinators," said Carolyn Yucha, dean of the UNLV School of Nursing. "Their interaction with our students and dedication to the program continually enhances the curriculum and overall experience."

The school offers three master's tracks--family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, and nurse educator--that prepare advanced clinicians and educators in nursing to serve the health needs of the community and educate future nursing care providers.

The UNLV School of Nursing, which is celebrating its golden anniversary during 2015, offers all of its graduate level courses online, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and a Ph.D. in Nursing.

Visit U.S. News and World Report to view the complete list of rankings and ranking methodology.