What was the first autonomous nursing school established in the US?

The first autonomous nursing school established in the United States is indeed the Yale School of Nursing. It was founded in 1923 and marked a significant shift in nursing education by creating a program that was fully independent and separate from hospital-based training. This autonomy allowed for an innovative curriculum and the ability to offer advanced education in nursing, which included both academic and clinical training.

The establishment of an autonomous nursing school represented a movement toward professionalizing nursing as a distinct field that emphasized theory and practice rather than training that was solely hospital-based. The Yale School of Nursing has since become a leader in nursing education and research, contributing significantly to the advancement of the nursing profession.

In contrast, the other options listed, such as the Harvard Training School, Connecticut Training School, and Boston Training School, were either part of larger hospital systems or did not operate independently in the same manner as the Yale School of Nursing. This differentiation in autonomy is what makes the Yale School a pivotal institution in the history of nursing education in the U.S.