Well before the spread of COVID-19 there was a severe shortage of registered nurses within the healthcare system. Today, that shortage is even greater as employers scramble to boost their nursing workforce to ease the burden on their existing employees. The constant demand for nurses makes it a perfect time to get an associate degree in nursing and become a registered nurse. With this degree, you will still qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam without spending a lot of time or money. The program is offered at community colleges throughout Pennsylvania. There is even a hospital-based diploma program with a built-in transition to the BSN degree. The diploma or the ADN is designed to get you into the workforce sooner – in as little as 18 months. These career-focused programs cover core training that is essential to practice as an entry-level registered nurse. You can at a later time complete the requirements for a BSN degree and learn additional skills such as communication, leadership, and evidence-based practice to improve your career and financial outlook. Registered nurses can complete the requirements for a BSN degree in one year through RN to BSN transition programs.
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing
The accredited nursing program at Shadyside School of Nursing offers extensive training in nursing art and sciences. Through theory and hands-on instruction, students will receive all they need to become competent, compassionate providers of care. UPMC Shadyside is a Magnet® facility that upholds its commitment to nursing professionalism, quality of care, and evidence-based practice. Clinical rotations, conducted at UPMC Shadyside and other quality hospitals, provide students with the best practices inpatient care. The training seeks to give students the very best from the commencement of their practice to and instill a commitment to providing the very best care throughout their careers.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 69
Duration: 16 months (full-time) 32 months (part-time)
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Professional Concepts of Nursing, Foundational Concepts of Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology I, Physiological Concepts of Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology II, Growth and Development, Complex Individual and Family Nursing Concepts, Microbiology, College Writing, Biomedical Ethics, Advanced Nursing Concepts, Transition in Nursing Practice, NCLEX Prep Course
Admission criteria:
- Provide documentation of completing high school or GED
- Provide official transcripts indicating completion of two science courses which included laboratory experiences and a basic algebra course at the high school or college level
- Take and pass the TEAS pre-entrance exam with a score of 62% or higher
- Submit a completed application to the nursing program using the online link or complete and return via mail or email to the campus of choice
- Request and submit all high school and post-secondary transcripts
- Submit evidence of current CPR certification
- Must have a negative TB test (skin or chest x-ray)
- Must have updated immunizations – Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, and influenza
- Submit a report of a physical exam
- Must obtain criminal background clearance
Program Cost:
The total program cost of $32,480 includes tuition and fees including ATI and Examsoft fees and graduation fee. The cost of books, supplies, and uniform are additional. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.upmc.com/
Address: Motor Square Garden, 5900 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-647-8762
Toll-Free: 800-533-8762
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.01%
Pittsburgh Technical College
The Associate in Science Nursing program at Pittsburgh Technical College prepares students for practice as a professional nurse. Students will learn how to integrate knowledge and skills into the nursing process to care for patients, use critical thinking and clinical reasoning tp prioritize care, apply knowledge to plan and implement care, provide health teaching that is culturally and developmentally sensitive to patients, and demonstrate a spirit of inquiry and commitment to lifelong learning.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 69
Duration: 21 months (full-time)
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Introduction to Nursing and the Language of Medicine, Steps to Nursing Success, College Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Foundations of Nursing, Clinical Practice I, Nutrition, English Composition I, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Primary Care and Wellness, Clinical Practice II, Pharmacology in Disease Management, English Composition II, Care of Adults with Chronic Illness, Clinic Practice III, Psychology, Effective Speech, Acute Care of the Adult, Clinical Practice IV, Lifespan Development, Pediatric Professional Nursing, Clinical Practice V, Maternity Professional Nursing, Clinical Practice VI, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Practice VII, Professional Transition to Practice, Clinical VIII
Admission criteria:
- Provide documentation of completing high school or GED
- Submit record of ATI TEAS score of 65% or higher or SAT scores (MATH 500 or higher Reading/Writing 500 or higher) or ACT score of 21 or higher
- Must be 18 years old prior to the start of class
- Complete a satisfactory criminal records check
- Must have completed the educational units required by the PA Board of Nursing at high school or college level before enrolling in the nursing program – 4 units of English, 3 units of social studies, 2 units of math, 2 units of Science and Lab
- Submit a completed application to the nursing program
- Request and submit all high school and post-secondary transcripts
- Submit evidence of current CPR certification
- Must have a negative TB test (skin or chest x-ray)
- Must have updated immunizations – Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, and influenza
Program Cost:
The estimated tuition per year is $21,090. Books and materials cost an additional $11,62 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://ptcollege.edu/
Address: 1111 Mckee Road, Oakdale, PA 15071
Phone: (412) 809-5100
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.50%
Community College of Allegheny
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Community College of Allegheny prepares students for success on the NCLEX -RN examination and practice as a registered nurse. The curriculum covers training in liberal arts, sciences, and core nursing courses. Theory and practical instruction are guided by the professional nursing practices outlined by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Instructors provide a dynamic, diverse, and supportive student-centered environment to encourage learning. The emphasis on active engagement of students paves the way for their success academically, professionally, and personally. The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Program Outline
Semester credits: 67-68
Duration: 4 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Foundations and Health Promotion Concepts for Nursing Practice, Health Assessment Concepts for Nursing Practice, Introduction to Psychology, Mathematic Electives, Anatomy and Physiology II, English Composition I, Basic Health Concepts Nursing Practice, Evidence Based Nursing Drug Therapy, Human Growth and Development, Microbiology, English Composition II, Professional Nursing Issues, Adult Health Concepts for Nursing Practice, Family Health Concepts for Nursing Practice, Complex Health Concepts for Nursing Practice, Leadership and Management Concepts, Humanities Electives
Admission criteria:
- Must be accepted to CCAC and have a student ID number
- Pass a criminal background check
- Pass the mandatory drug test
- Complete a physical at a licensed physician and submit the report
- Submit a completed application to the Nursing Program
- Take and pass the TEAS exam with a composite score of 58.7% or higher by the application deadline
- Complete prerequisites with a grade C or better prior to the application deadline – Biology, Chemistry, English/Reading, Mathematics
- Submit official transcripts to the college – high school as well as post-secondary transcripts
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher – for applicants who have earned 12 or more college credits
- Must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 or higher – for applicants who meet all other requirements but have earned less than 12 college-level credits
- Must have a negative TB test (skin or chest x-ray)
- Must have updated immunizations – Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, and influenza
Program Cost:
The estimated tuition is $7,080 for Allegheny County residents and $14,160 for residents of other Pennsylvania counties. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.ccac.edu/
Address: 808 Ridge Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-237-2525
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.69%
West Penn Hospital School of Nursing
West Penn Hospital School of Nursing offers an RN Diploma program to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and licensure as a registered nurse. The training includes extensive hands-on and realistic experiences to provide students will all they need to succeed in practice. Clinical experiences commence early to facilitate a smooth transition into the clinical environment. Committed faculty provide extra learning and guidance to enhance the learning experience. There are no prerequisites for admission and on-site dormitory housing is available. Through an affiliation with Clarion University, WPHSON provides students with the opportunity to begin BSN coursework in preparation for the RN to BSN transition.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 73
Total hours: 1290
Duration: 8 weeks over 22 months (full-time)
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Foundation for Nursing I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Foundation for Nursing II, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Microbiology, Medical Surgical Nursing II, General Psychology, Maternal Child Nursing or Mental Health & Community Nursing or High Acuity Nursing, Developmental Psychology, Maternal Child Nursing or Mental Health and Community Nursing or High Accuity Nursing, Writing II, Maternal Child Nursing or Mental Health and Community Nursing, or High Acuity Nursing, Ethics, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, NCLEX-RN Preparation
Admission criteria:
- Complete an online application for admission to WPHSON in affiliation with Clarion University Pittsburgh Campus
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of $50
- Register for and take the ATI-TEAS test – applicants are eligible to retake the exam once
- Submit required transcripts and proof of eligibility to study at the post-secondary level
- Submit an official copy of high school transcript indicating required coursework and date or graduation or a GED certificate with test scores
- Submit letters of recommendation – a minimum of two references submitted on the provided reference forms
- Obtain criminal background and record clearance, child abuse clearance and fingerprinting
- Complete a satisfactory urine drug screen
- Submit documentation of required immunizations
Program Cost:
The total estimated cost of $32,034 includes tuition, Clarion University fees, and WPHSON fees. Books and materials are additional. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.ahn.org/
Address: 4900 Friendship Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Phone: (412) 578-5538
Toll-free: 1-877-33-NURSE
Fax: (412) 578-1837
Email: sonadmissions@ahn.org
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.96%