Citizens School of Nursing Program Review

Citizens School of Nursing (CSN, CSON) is part of the West Penn Allegheny Health System. The school is based in New Kensington, PA and was founded in 1913. The Citizens School of Nursing is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board School of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Over 100 students are served at Citizens School of Nursing each year.

Nursing Programs

The Citizens School of Nursing offers a nursing diploma program and is sponsored by Allegheny Valley Hospital. The school of nursing holds memberships in the Hospital Council of Western Pennsylvania and the Hospital and Healthcare Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). Citizens School of Nursing is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and also accredited by the Joint Commission. The school prides itself in a low student to faculty ratio and in the convenience and size of its facilities.

Citizens School of Nursing Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Nursing Diploma Program

Citizens School of Nursing offers a two-year diploma program including 630 hours of coursework and 1350 hours of clinical experience.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the nursing program requires a high school diploma or GED. In general students should have completed the following 16 Carnegie Units in high school:

English-4 units
Social Sciences-3 units
Electives-5 units
Math-2 Units
Science-2 Units

Applicants to the nursing program who are deficient in any of the required courses, which include Algebra, Biology or Chemistry may be admitted to the nursing program provisionally. Students should also submit scores for the SAT and are required to take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic School) which is administered by the school.

The nursing diploma program at Citizens School of Nursing can be completed in two years. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses, to obtain licensure as an RN (Registered Nurse).

Advanced Standing in the Nursing Program

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and transfer students-including students with college coursework and transfers from other nursing programs may apply for advanced standing in the nursing program. Students transferring from a college are required to submit official transcripts and a course description for each course which the student seeks to transfer. Students who seek to transfer from another nursing program are only eligible to do so if the transfer will be complete within a year of leaving the previous nursing program. In order to transfer to Citizens School of Nursing, previous nursing students should submit official transcripts, a letter explaining circumstances of transfer and a letter of recommendation from the director of the previous nursing program. LPNs seeking a transfer should have a score of 65% or higher on the National League for Nursing Mobility 1 Book 1 exam, official transcripts, an employment evaluation, proof of employment experience and additional professional reference.

Educational Mobility (BSN)

Penn State University has partnered with Citizens School of Nursing to offer an education mobility program. Graduates of the nursing diploma program at Citizen’s School of Nursing are eligible to apply for the BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) degree program at Penn State University. The BSN program will allow qualified graduates of Citizens School of Nursing to receive advanced standing in the BSN program.

Contact:
Citizens School of Nursing
651 Fourth Avenue
New Kensington, PA 15068