Last week, RegisteredNursing.org ranked Weber State University number two in its “2026 Best Online Nursing Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate Schools in Utah” ranking.

“Weber State University’s online Post-Master’s Leadership & Management Certificate equips registered nurses with advanced administrative and leadership skills for career advancement,” RegisteredNursing.org’s website said of WSU’s Post-Master’s Leadership & Management Certificate. “This 100% online program requires a master’s in nursing and consists of 10-14 graduate credit hours, focusing on evidence-based curriculum and executive leadership development. No entrance exam is required for admission, but applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and earn at least a B- in all courses. The flexible online format allows working nurses to enhance their expertise without disrupting professional commitments, offering specialized training in leadership and management.”

Rachel Badali, WSU’s interim public relations director, told the Standard-Examiner the school is proud of the ranking.

“The ranking speaks volumes to our high-quality, flexible, advanced education options,” she said. “The Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing is a leader not just in entry-level nursing education, but also in helping current professionals excel in their field. These advanced certificates are one way we ensure our alumni can continue to shape the industry.”

She said nursing is among the school’s biggest programs and most important.

“Nursing is repeatedly a top degree at Weber State,” she said. “The Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing educates over 1,000 nursing students every year, which means so many of the nurses you see at hospitals, clinics, and elsewhere are WSU alumni.”

Badali added that the program has evolved a lot as the state has grown.

“As Utah has grown, so have we,” she said. “The goal is always to prepare students to meet the needs of both the community and industry. One way we do that is by providing options at various points in someone’s career — whether they’re just starting or looking to advance. We’ve increased community collaborations, added a mental health nurse practitioner track, and bolstered options for existing students to upskill, among other initiatives, to help students enter essential and fulfilling jobs.”

She said this is an especially pivotal time for the spotlight to be on the school’s nursing program.

“Nurses are often referred to as the backbone of the healthcare industry for a reason,” she said. “They’re doing jobs that are vital to our communities, and the education they receive at Weber State helps prepare them to continue in that role. When students come here, we work hard to ensure they receive more than just a degree; they’re leaving with connections, experience, and a clear pathway to an amazing career.”