UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing Program Review

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside School of Nursing (UPMC SHY SON), originally known as the Pittsburgh Training School for Nurses, has been in existence since 1884. Over 4000 students have graduated from its nursing program since the time of its foundation. The school cooperates with UPMC Shadyside Hospital (one of the two campuses of UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside) in order to provide a rigorous clinical experience for its students, as well as career opportunities for graduates. Here is an overview of the Shadyside School of Nursing’s program:

Diploma in Nursing Program Overview

Shadyside School of Nursing’s Diploma in Nursing program prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX_RN). If successful with this test, they can begin their careers as Registered Nurses (RN). In order to prepare for the exam and for their nursing career, students must earn ninety-four credits. The curriculum consists of a combination of nursing classes and background courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, and logic. Clinical rotations are heavily emphasized; most clinical rotations take place at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, although the school does cooperate with other local healthcare centers. Students have two options for completing the curriculum: full-time and part-time. On a full-time basis, the program takes twenty-two consecutive months to complete. It begins in the fall semester, and wraps up in the summer semester, nearly two full years later. Classes and clinical rotations take place during the day. On a part-time basis, the program takes four years to complete. A student in the part-time program takes the non-nursing, background classes in the evenings, and takes the nursing classes on the weekends. Clinical rotations are scheduled for the evenings. The part-time program also begins in the fall. After completing the program, a student is fully prepared for the NCLEX_RN.

Program Facts

Shadyside School of Nursing’s diploma program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and has approval from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Its curriculum has a proven rate of success: over 90 percent of the program’s graduates pass the NCLEX_RN on the first try.

Continuing Education Options

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a necessary stepping stone to graduate-level nursing education in an area of specialization. A graduate of the Shadyside School of Nursing diploma program has the option of earning a full BSN degree by completing an RN to BSN program offered through Chatham University in Pittsburgh. To complete the program, a graduate of the diploma program only needs to earn an additional twenty-six credits. The classes are available online. A graduate may complete an RN to BSN program at another school, of course, although it may take longer if all his credits do not transfer smoothly.

Financial Aid

While Shadyside School of Nursing does not offer any scholarships, it does participate in loan and grant programs offered by the Department of Education, American Education Services, and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Students who are employees of UPMC Shadyside Hospital may also be eligible for tuition reimbursement, if they continue to work full-time and enroll in the part-time, evening program.

Contact:
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing
Motor Square Garden,
5900 Baum Blvd.,
Pittsburgh, PA 15206