Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden Named a 2026 National League for Nursing Center of Excellence

This prestigious national recognition honors the school’s sustained commitment to enhancing student learning and professional development.

CAMDEN, N.J. – August 19, 2026: Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden has been designated a 2026 Center of Excellence (COE) by the National League for Nursing (NLN). It is one of only 20 nursing schools and programs nationwide selected for this year’s designation, which represents one of the highest distinctions in nursing education.

The National League for Nursing recognized Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden for its sustained efforts to enhance the student learning experience and advance professional development, underscoring the school’s longstanding commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and preparing the next generation of nursing leaders.

“This is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the dedication, expertise, and passion of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners,” said Dean Donna Nickitas. “At Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden, we are deeply committed to creating transformative learning experiences that prepare nurses to lead, innovate, and improve health outcomes in the communities they serve. We are proud to be recognized among the nation’s leading nursing education programs by the National League for Nursing.”

The designation comes during a period of significant momentum for Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden. The school continues to expand access to nursing education through innovative academic programs, strategic partnerships, advanced simulation and clinical training opportunities, and initiatives designed to support student success and workforce development.

“Being named a Center of Excellence serves to affirm our mission and the collective work of our faculty and staff to foster a culture of innovation, scholarship, and student-centered learning,” Nickitas said. “As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, we remain focused on preparing compassionate, highly skilled nurses who are ready to meet the challenges of the profession and advance the health of individuals and communities.”

Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden will be formally recognized as a 2026 NLN Center of Excellence at the National League for Nursing Education Summit on September 25, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

 

About Rutgers University–Camden

Ranked among the Top 50 public institutions by U.S. News & World Report and named one of Washington Monthly’s “25 Best-in-Class Colleges,” Rutgers University–Camden provides an exceptional environment for intellectual growth, community engagement, and student success.

Located in Camden, NJ’s “eds and meds” district, the campus sits within a city rich in cultural and historic attractions, a vibrant arts community, leading healthcare institutions, and global corporate headquarters that support internships and experiential learning. Recognized as one of the safest campuses in the region, Rutgers–Camden offers a welcoming environment for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, with easy access to Center City Philadelphia and the broader South Jersey region.

Home to approximately 6,000 students, Rutgers–Camden fosters a close-knit academic community while delivering the resources of a world-class research institution. The campus comprises four schools—the School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Nursing, and the Law School—and is part of the Rutgers University system. Designated an R2 research university and recognized with the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, Rutgers–Camden is a national model for civically engaged urban institutions, contributing impactful scholarship and creative work on a global scale.

About the National League for Nursing

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 individual and 1,000 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations. Learn more at NLN.org.

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