UPMC Schools of Nursing
UPMC has a commitment to the education and development of the next generation of nurse professionals. Our four hospital-based nursing schools combine unparalleled clinical experiences with exceptional academics. And we prepare our graduates to enter the workforce to become leaders in health care and advocates for their patients.
UPMC Schools of Nursing are unique in that they offer full-time, part-time and weekend programs for students who need flexibility in their education. Students may also receive credit for courses they have already completed.
UPMC Shadyside and UPMC Jameson have unique partnerships with Chatham University and Westminster College, respectively. Students are admitted to the four-year institutions as freshmen, declaring nursing as their major, and are also admitted to the affiliated UPMC School of Nursing. Upon completion of the freshman year, the students attend the UPMC School of Nursing for their sophomore and junior years, graduate and take NCLEX. The senior year consists of the respective college’s RN to BSN program, resulting in the awarding of a BSN in four years.
First Time NCLEX-RN Pass Rate FY 18-19 (National first-time NCLEX pass rate is 87.5%)
Academic Partnerships
Developing and maintaining strong partnerships with local and regional nursing schools is a top priority of the UPMC Center for Nursing Excellence. Students enrolled at these schools gain access to world class world-class clinical sites and also provide a potential pipeline of talent for hospitals. The partnership between UPMC and academic institutions is mutually beneficial.
Each month, the Academic Service Partnership Council meets with the goal of promoting and supporting collaborative working relationships between UPMC and its academic partners. Representatives from UPMC hospitals and regional schools of nursing work to develop strategic plans to increase enrollment in schools and increase capacity of clinical groups to give students a robust learning experience.
UPMC is affiliated with nearly 300 academic institutions. Below are some of our affiliated schools.
- Bloomsburg University
- California University of Pennsylvania
- Capella University
- Carlow University
- Chatham University
- Clarion University
- Community College of Allegheny County
- Duquesne University
- Edinboro University
- Franciscan University
- Gannon University
- Harrisburg Area Community College
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- La Roche University
- Lock Haven University
- Mansfield University
- Mercyhurst University
- Messiah College
- Millersville University
- Misericordia University
- Mount Aloysius University
- Penn State University
- Robert Morris University
- Seton Hill University
- St. Francis University
- UPMC Schools of Nursing
- University of Pittsburgh
- Walden University
- Waynesburg University
UPMC Nurse Assistant Program
UPMC Center for Nursing Excellence hosts classes for individuals looking to work directly with patients in the role of this program. This nurse assistant program welcomes those without experience such as high school students, pre-med students, and nursing students. After completing classes and skills education, the Nurse Assistant attends clinical orientation with a preceptor.
UPMC Scholars Program
The UPMC Scholars Program, in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, supports our vision to increase the diversity of the UPMC nursing workforce. UPMC supports students entering the BSN program with $25,000 scholarships for each of the four years in the program, with a three-year work agreement following graduation.
The 2018 inaugural class consisted of 12 UPMC Scholars who were invited to participate in the program. On campus, they were able to interface with UPMC and Pitt representatives and asked to provide a written essay, resulting in ultimate selection and agreement to enter into a work commitment agreement following graduation. UPMC Scholars are provided mentoring opportunities by both UPMC and University of Pittsburgh representatives.
The second class started in the fall of 2019 with an additional eight UPMC Scholars.
UPMC leaders attended a scholarship luncheon hosted by the University of Pittsburgh to recognize the scholars. Additionally, members of the UPMC Nursing Inclusion Council hosted a luncheon to network and provide mentoring to the scholars.
UPMC Student Nurse Internship Program
The Student Nurse Intern (SNI) Program is designed for nursing students interested in seeing what being a nurse is really like. For the UPMC Center for Nursing Excellence, it is an ideal way to recruit top, career-oriented nursing students, while giving them valuable experience.
Students apply during their junior year and participate in a 10-week paid summer internship the following summer. Students work one-on-one with a trained preceptor and are afforded the opportunity to provide direct patient care, participate in supplementary educational sessions, build relationships, and learn hands-on about the nursing profession.
During their internship, the student is located at one hospital and has the opportunity to experience two distinct units (one complex acute care unit & one specialty area). They can work up to 40 hours/week and follow the schedule of their preceptor. Internship opportunities are also available in nursing specialty areas.
UPMC offers flexible schedules that enable student nurses to stay with UPMC as patient care technicians while they finish their senior year, which facilitates a transition to a registered nurse position after graduation.
