The Western Pennsylvania Hospital
Nursing Training in Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital's School of Nursing prepares nurses to meet the exciting and rapid pace of today's healthcare environment. No matter where they practice, "West Penn grads" find they have the solid academic foundation and clinical experience they need to meet the challenges of a career as a professional registered nurse (RN).
The School of Nursing, founded in 1892, offers:
- Full accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
- 22-month program for the RN diploma
- On-site college courses required for the RN diploma, option for concurrent Associate of Science in Allied Health degree, and optional continuation for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania
- ‘Virtual hospital' simulation (STAR) center in the School
- Early ‘hands-on' patient experience
- Faculty commitment to help students achieve
- Only Pittsburgh diploma nursing program with on-site housing
- On-site daycare available
- On-site full-time financial aid officer
Clinical Settings
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing curriculum provides for extensive and varied clinical experiences.
The Western Pennsylvania Hospital is the first hospital in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania to be awarded Magnet Recognition(R) for excellence in nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Part of West Penn Allegheny Health System, West Penn Hospital is a leader in patient care, education, and research. The hospital serves as a clinical campus for Temple University School of Medicine and its graduate medical education (residency/fellowship) programs. With Indiana University of Pennsylvania, West Penn Hospital developed one of the nation's first and most respected schools of Respiratory Care. The Hospital also serves as a clinical site for numerous programs in radiologic technology.
Primary clinical sites for West Penn Hospital School of Nursing students include The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Allegheny General Hospital, and Forbes Regional Hospital. Experience in mental health nursing is gained at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Highland Drive Division, and Forbes Regional Hospital. Pediatric clinical experience is provided at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and The Children's Home. Other affiliate agencies are utilized for specialized experiences and activities in community, geriatric, and home health nursing.
Academic Resources
The School's classrooms and administrative and faculty offices are located in the School of Nursing, adjacent to West Penn Hospital.
West Penn Allegheny Health System's Simulation, Teaching and Academic Research (STAR) Center is housed on the first floor of the School of Nursing building. The School's faculty and students use the STAR Center extensively for teaching, learning, and practicing a wide range of patient care techniques and to test proficiency in managing a variety of clinical situations. The STAR Center is also used by other healthcare students and professionals. STAR Center resources include the region's first Ambulance simulator and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a Birthing suite, and medical-surgical and intensive care units with full-size mannequins and numerous task and partial-body trainers.
The recently completely renovated School of Nursing building features wireless Internet in dorm rooms and lounges. The Richard M. Johnston Health Sciences Library located in the Hospital offers the latest technology for accessing on-line information and the services of a medical librarian.
University Affiliation
Required college courses for students enrolled in West Penn Hospital's School of Nursing are taught by Clarion University faculty in classrooms located in the West Penn Hospital School of Nursing.
School of Nursing students may be eligible to receive an Associate of Science Degree in Allied Health degree from Clarion concurrent with their Diploma from the West Penn Hospital School of Nursing.
Student Services
School of Nursing faculty are committed to helping students achieve their personal potentials for success. Each student's faculty advisor works with the student on an individual basis. Several faculty members have additional expertise in helping students who experience particular challenges in achieving their goal of becoming a nurse.
Admission Requirements, Tuition, and Financial Aid
Acceptance into the School of Nursing is based on academic, personal, and health requirements. Academic requirements include:
- graduation from an approved high school, preferably in the top two-fifths of the class, or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), with 4 units in English, 2 units in science (one course must be chemistry with a grade of "C" or better; both courses must include a laboratory), 3 units in social studies, 2 units in mathematics (one course must be algebra with a grade of "C" or better), and 5 units in electives (preferably academic courses) and
- a GPA of 2.5 or above and acceptable scores on standardized tests (SATs) and preadmission test (ATI-TEAS).
Tuition and fees for The Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing are reasonable and the School's Financial Aid Officer is committed to helping students and their families explore all available forms of assistance to offset the costs of education.
To develop learning skills for a lifetime, please contact:
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The Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing
Contact (toll-free): 1-877-33NURSE |
