La Roche College offers a bachelor's of science in nursing. To be eligible for the bachelor's program, the student must have completed either a diploma or associate degree program for nursing. The 18-month program will build a solid foundation for those ready to get a job after completion of the degree, or for those looking to continue their medical education and attain a graduate degree in nursing.
The program is designed to build a foundation in liberal arts to strengthen the nursing curriculum. Besides standard nursing classes such as "Health Assessment," "Leadership in Nursing" and "Current Issues in Nursing," the student will also take several courses in the humanities, including "Introduction to Philosophy," "Fundamentals of Management,"a literature elective and a history elective.
La Roche College
9000 Babcock Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
412-536-1173
laroche.edu
Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing offers a 22-month program in conjunction with an on-site program at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Students interested in applying to this program must register through the Western Pennsylvania Hospital website for a pre-entrance examination. The curriculum includes several levels of the "Foundations in Nursing" class, several levels of writing courses designed to help students develop critical and analytical thinking skills, and classes devoted to significant issues a nurse will face while on the job, including "Health and the Child Bearing Family," "Acute Health Alterations of the Adult" and "Applications of Microcomputers."
The school emphasizes both individual growth and collaborative learning. The overall goal is to create a person who can do his job professionally, but with care and understanding for the patients he is required to care for.
Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing
4900 Friendship Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
412-578-5530
wpahs.org
The Shadyside School of Nursing offers a 22-month program for full-time students and a four-year program for part-time students. The part-time program offers evening and weekend classes. Those interested in applying for the Nursing Program at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Shadyside will need to successfully complete the PSB Nursing School Aptitude Examination. The exam focuses on math, reading comprehension, vocabulary and natural science. Students must score higher than the 75th percentile in all areas to be considered for admission.
The program includes classes and seminars in nutrition, logic, microbiology and introductory and advanced nursing practice classes. The program emphasizes a strong clinical approach to learning. Students are given many opportunities for hands-on learning.
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing
5230 Centre Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412-623-2950
upmc.com