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Rio’s health care degree programs named among best in America

By
University of Rio Grande, Press Release

University of Rio Grande has been recognized in the 2024 Best Healthcare Degree Programs Ranking in America, recently released by Research.com. The university ranking platform was designed to assist students in making informed educational choices.

The rankings were compiled based on a deep analysis of numerous data points gathered from reliable sources such as Peterson, IPEDS, and College ScoreCard. These rankings consider a wide array of degree programs and regions, focusing on key factors such as overall quality, affordability, popularity and the time required to complete a degree.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition. This award highlights the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and students,” said Ryan Smith, University of Rio Grande’s President. “This achievement reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence in health care education, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities.”

Rio continues to make strides in its health care programs. Earlier this month, the Holzer School of Nursing’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program was granted continuing accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for the next eight years. This recognition reflects the program's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality nursing education that prepares students for success in their nursing careers.

This fall, it was announced that all 2024 Rio graduates in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) and Radiologic Technology programs passed their credentialing exams on the first attempt. The 100-percent success rate in Radiologic Technology beats the 75-percent benchmark set by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Additionally, the success rate for DMS exams vary nationally between 59-74 percent, while Rio grads posted a perfect pass rate across the four categories the students took.

You can learn more about the recognition and all of Rio’s health care offerings at rio.edu/academics/healthcare.

Nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, Rio stands as a beacon of accessible and affordable education. Our main campus is a haven for learning, innovation, and technology, offering students the security and charm of a small-town environment. With more than 60 diverse programs to choose from, Rio empowers students to pursue associate, bachelor, and master degrees, along with certificate programs. Our commitment extends to four regional centers — Jackson, McArthur, Meigs and Pike — dedicated to enriching their communities by providing quality education and fostering a robust workforce. At the core of our institution are passionate faculty members who serve as both educators and mentors, devoted to the academic and personal growth of each student. Rio's academically challenging programs are complemented by a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, creating a holistic educational experience.

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