Nursing Degree Programs in Pittsburgh
Nursing programs in Pittsburgh have expanded over the last decades, in response to the increasing pressure on nursing schools in Pittsburgh to produce nurses to fill workforce vacancies. There are several accredited nursing schools in Pittsburg that offer over 30 nursing degree and certificate programs. To find nursing schools in Pittsburg that offer the programs you are interested in, scroll down to programs, or select your nursing specialty from the left hand column. You can request information from schools to learn more about specifics.
Nursing Education in Pittsburgh
Some of the most popular nursing schools in Pittsburg metro area include the following:
- Duquesne University
- Mercy Hospital School of Nursing
- Community college of Allegany County
- Carlow University
- University of Pittsburg – Pittsburgh Campus
- Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Shadyside School of Nursing
- Chatham University
Duquesne University offers a traditional Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, a Second–Degree BSN, which can be completed in 12 months and the RN–BSN program. The graduate programs offered include the MSN, PhD, DNP and the Post–Masters Certificates. The MSN programs include the Family Nurse Practitioner, Forensic Nursing and Nursing Education.
The University of Pittsburgh’s graduate school is ranked seventh in the US News & World Report and it is ranked fifth by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for awarded research dollars. They also offer an accelerated second degree BSN and a RN-BSN program.
The Master’s program has specialty roles of Nursing Administration, Clinical Nurse Leader and Nursing Informatics, plus they offer a new Neonatal Nurse practitioner and a Nurse Anesthesia program. Their Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a BSN to DNP program in Adult-Gerontology, Nursing Administration and several nurse practitioner programs. There is also a Doctor of Philosophy program and a large number of certificate programs as well.
PTIs Practical Nursing program has a state of the industry simulation lab so you can work with the latest equipment and technology during your nursing training. The program can be completed in 12 months.
Curriculum of Nursing programs in Pittsburg
Nursing program core class requirements are very similar between colleges and universities, especially for entry level routes such as Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees. You will need to complete basic English, Mathematics, Anatomy & Physiology, Biology and Chemistry. The junior and senior year typically begins the focus on nursing theory and practice and includes the following courses:
- Behavioral and Community Health
- Nursing for Women and Children’s Health
- Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
- Cultural Applications in Clinical Practice
- Gerontological Nursing Practice
- Genetics and Nursing and Health
- Critically Ill Adult
- Nursing Ethics Across the Lifespan
- Evidence-based Approaches to Professional Nursing Practice
- Leadership and Management and Clinical Environments
Pittsburg nursing schools will process financial aid forms after you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA, which will determine your eligibility for grants and loans in work–study employment. Federal Grants include the Pell Grant and the Federal Stafford Loan.
Carlow University provides grant funds to undergraduates seeking a full time degree who demonstrates financial need. The Pennsylvania State Grant Program is a financial aid reward that does not need to be repaid if all requirements are met.
Several of the colleges offer Merit-Based Scholarships where the amount of the award is based on their GPA. Carlow University also offers a Transfer Scholarship of $2,500 from Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship. Traditional Transfer Awards for students who wish to complete their degree at Carlow University is also based on the students GPA; a 3.5 GPA receive $8,000, 3.0 receives $6,000, 2.5 receives $4,000 and 2.0 receives $3,000. The Mercy Hospital School of Nursing provides partial tuition coverage to eligible students that commit to complete their education at this nursing school.
Pittsburgh has multiple opportunities for nursing education, and we have taken the time to compile them on BestNursingDegree.com to save you time while you search for nursing degree programs in Pennsylvania. You can follow the links below to request information directly from schools, collecting the information you need to make a sound decision about pursuing nursing education in the area.
Life and Career Options in Pittsburgh
The state of Pennsylvania has 255,900 nursing professionals and 52,830 work in Pittsburgh, which reflects a four percent growth from 2006 to 2010. This means that entering the nursing profession now by attending a Pittsburg nursing program can be a solid career move.
There are several places to work as a nurse in Pittsburg, from community agencies to clinics and hospitals throughout the area. The US News & World Report ranks the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center as the number one hospital in the state of Pennsylvania. In addition, they are nationally rated in the top 10 hospitals for their multiple specialties. Additionally, the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine is ranked 16th in the nation for the being one of the best research medical schools.
Hospitals in Pittsburg
The American Nurses Credentialing Center has given the following hospitals the Magnet Award for their outstanding quality of care and ability to attract and retain nurses.
- Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
- UPMC Shadyside
- UPMC St. Margaret Hospital
LPNs in Pittsburg earn a mean annual salary of $43,300, and enjoy a high degree flexibility when it comes to work environments (2016). There are available jobs for LPNs in home health care, nursing care facilities and assisted living facilities for the elderly, as well as in clinics and community health agencies. The annual mean salary for RNs in Pittsburg is $63,740 and practice areas are quite diverse (2016).
Advanced practice nurses in Pittsburg often earn more than Registered Nurses without advanced training, so attending nursing school in Pittsburg for a Master’s or Doctoral degree may be the way to improve not only your professional practice, but your personal satisfaction as well.
The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association is very active in leadership and professional development, and can be a great resource as you begin looking for jobs. Other associations include the Hospice and Palliative Nurse Association, the Oncology Nursing Society, and several Nursing Student Organizations.The Pennsylvania Action Coalition has created diverse partnerships with business leaders, consumers, nurses, and other providers, such as policy makers, and educators.
