West Penn Hospital School of Nursing Program Review
Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing (WPHSON), commonly referred to as West Penn Hospital School of Nursing, is based in Pittsburgh and part of the West Penn Allegheny Health System. Approximately 100 students enroll in the nursing school each year. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) accredits the Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing. Established in 1892, West Penn Hospital School of Nursing is the self-proclaimed first school to admit male nurses.
The school constantly strives to stay current in the nursing practice, and updates nursing program curriculum to ensure nursing graduates are up to date in the latest industry trends. The West Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing was given the honor of Magnet Status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), an honor less than ten percent of healthcare institutions in the nation receive.
Nursing Programs
West Penn Hospital School of Nursing offers a nursing diploma program. Students have several opportunities to pursue higher nursing education in addition to the diploma program including an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing), BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) or MSN (Master of Science in Nursing). The school offers many amenities to students, including being one of very few diploma programs to offer on-campus housing. The school also offers a daycare, financial aid, and a STAR (Simulation, Teaching and Academic Research) center which provides an opportunity for students to develop clinical skills in a “virtual-hospital” environment. Nursing courses at West Penn Hospital School of Nursing are delivered in partnership with Clarion University staff.
Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing Undergraduate Nursing Programs
RN (Registered Nurse) Program
West Penn Hospital School of Nursing offers a nursing diploma program that gives students the opportunity to have patient interaction within 4 weeks of beginning nursing education. Admission requirements to the RN program include a minimum 2.5 GPA, a rank within the top two-fifths of the class, a high school diploma or GED (including course requirements in chemistry and algebra) and satisfactory scores on standardized tests. The RN program can be completed in 22 months.
The nursing program is designed to be completed in 4, 10-week terms. Students complete courses in community, family, pediatric and mental health nursing. Students in the program complete clinical experience in a variety of settings including West Penn Hospital, Allegheny General Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Upon completion of the program, students receive a diploma in nursing and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses, to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
AS (Associate of Science) in Allied Health
Students enrolled in the Diploma program at West Penn Hospital School of Nursing may concurrently enroll in the AS degree program in Allied Health through Clarion University. Upon completion of the program, nurses will receive a diploma from West Penn Hospital School of Nursing and an AS from Clarion University.
BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) and MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
Nursing students at West Penn Hospital School of Nursing have the opportunity of to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees in Nursing through Clarion University. The BSN program may begin upon completion of the ADN program and is earned through Clarion University. Students may also earn an MSN through a joint program between Clarion and Edinboro universities.
Contact:
Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing
4900 Friendship Avenue,
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
