Nursing Programs in Pittsburgh, PA

Entry Level ADN & BSN Programs in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh is home to plenty of diploma and entry-level nursing programs for those just starting out in the industry. Options include the Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed practical nurses who want to expand their career opportunities and take on additional patient care responsibilities may want to pursue a career as a registered nurse. For LPNs, there are special LPN to RN bridge programs that build upon their prior coursework and professional experience to prepare them for a new career as an RN. The Community College of Allegheny County offers an LPN to RN program for students with a valid practical nursing license that consists of 30 credits of nursing courses completed over four semesters of study.

ADN Programs

This basic entry-level program is most typically found at community and technical colleges in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. These programs typically take 2 years to complete. The Community College of Allegheny County, for example, offers a traditional associate's degree in nursing as well as an accelerated version for those with LPN training.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Traditional, four-year bachelor's degree programs are increasingly becoming the norm for RNs. Offered at colleges and universities, direct-entry BSN programs are designed for those who do not already hold an RN license or lower nursing degree/diploma. Carlow University offers a pre-licensure BSN as well as a second-degree BSN for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline.

Find out more about Pennsylvania Accelerated BSN Programs

Pittsburgh RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Pittsburgh

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Pittsburgh based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Pennsylvania out of 77 other accredited programs offered in the state:

• Carlow University - #4
• Heritage Valley Kennedy School of Nursing - #3
• Washington Health System School of Nursing - #15

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Pittsburgh, PA

Bridge programs, also known as RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs, are popular pathways for those who already hold an RN license. These programs are typically shorter than traditional BSN or MSN programs since they take into account some courses and experiences that RNs may already have completed in their prior program.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN program allows nurses to earn a 4-year degree in a fraction of the time. The RN to BSN program through Chatham University allows students to transfer up to 90 credits of college-level courses to count towards their 120 credit requirement. Courses are taken in an online "distance learning" format, an increasingly popular option.

Learn more about Pennsylvania RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

For those in the Pittsburgh area who know they want to enter an advanced specialty or nursing career, the RN to MSN pathway is ideal. Like the RN to BSN option, this degree type is for licensed RNs who have previously completed an ADN or diploma program. Robert Morris University offers a 37-credit RN to MSN program in which the student earns both a BSN and an MSN degree. Some RN to MSN programs do not culminate in both degrees, however.

Learn more about Pennsylvania RN to MSN Programs

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pittsburgh, PA

Those wishing to climb the ranks to the highest nursing positions and nurse practitioner specialties may wish to enroll in an advanced nursing program. RNs can earn a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a post-master's certificate, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to achieve their goals.

MSN Programs

A traditional MSN degree can be earned in roughly 2 years of study. Students typically have their choice of several tracks or specializations, and flexible full-time or part-time schedules are often available. California University of Pennsylvania offers an MSN degree with two specialty options: Nursing Administration and Leadership or Nursing Education.

Learn more about Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Also referred to as post-grad certificates, these programs are designed to help MSN-educated nurses change specialties without having to go through another full degree program. Duquesne University, for example, offers an online post-master's certificate in forensic nursing that consists of just five courses.

Find out more about Pennsylvania Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Doctoral nursing programs are at the top of the nursing chain. Students who complete a DNP are poised to enter the highest clinical nursing careers. The University of Pittsburgh, for example, offers multiple DNP pathways and specialties, including both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP options. Specialization tracks include neonatal, pediatric primary care, adult-gerontology, nurse anesthesia, and more.

Learn more about Pennsylvania DNP Programs