RN Programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Get your RN degree in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

So, you’re considering a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Great choice! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding what an RN does to finding the right RN programs in Pittsburgh.

Why Become an RN in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh, known as the “Steel City,” offers a vibrant community with a rich history and diverse neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and the Strip District. The city is home to top-tier healthcare facilities, making it an excellent place to start your nursing career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an RN in Pittsburgh is approximately $73,000 per year. The job growth for RNs is projected to be 7% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

For more information about the city, visit the official Pittsburgh website.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before enrolling in an RN program, you’ll need to meet certain prerequisites. Typically, these include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18
• Completion of prerequisite courses in subjects like biology and chemistry
• Passing scores on entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
• A background check and drug screening

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs generally offer a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. You can expect to study courses such as:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Nursing Ethics
• Pharmacology
• Health Assessment
• Pediatric and Adult Nursing

Clinical training will give you real-world experience in various healthcare settings, preparing you for the demands of the job.

RN Training Programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Here are three local schools offering RN programs in Pittsburgh:

1. University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
   • Address: 3500 Victoria St, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
   • RN Program Page
   • Description: The University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive BSN program recognized for its excellence. The program includes rigorous coursework and extensive clinical practice. Tuition for in-state students is approximately $20,000 per year.
2. Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)
   • Address: 800 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
   • RN Program Page
   • Description: CCAC provides an affordable Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Known for its flexible schedules, the program costs around $9,000 per year for in-county residents.
3. Carlow University
   • Address: 3333 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
   • RN Program Page
   • Description: Carlow University offers a BSN program with a strong focus on holistic nursing. The program costs about $30,000 per year, and financial aid is available.

RN Employment Opportunities in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is home to several major healthcare facilities, offering numerous employment opportunities for RNs:

1. UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
   • Address: 5230 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
   • Employment Opportunities
   • Description: UPMC is a leading healthcare provider with numerous specialty services and a strong reputation in the medical community.
2. Allegheny General Hospital
   • Address: 320 E North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
   • Employment Opportunities
   • Description: Part of the Allegheny Health Network, this hospital offers a range of services and is well-known for its cardiac care.
3. VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
   • Address: University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240
   • Employment Opportunities
   • Description: This facility provides comprehensive care to veterans and is an excellent place to gain experience in various nursing specialties.

RN Certification Requirements

To become an RN in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to:

1. Complete an accredited RN program
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
3. Obtain a Pennsylvania RN license through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Pittsburgh can vary significantly. Expect to pay anywhere from $9,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the school and program. Financial aid options include:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Student Loans
• State grants and scholarships
• Institutional scholarships from the schools themselves

Be sure to fill out the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Licensure Reciprocity

If you’re an RN moving to Pennsylvania, you’ll be pleased to know that the state participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means your RN license from another NLC state will be recognized in Pennsylvania. For more information, visit the Nurse Licensure Compact website.

Get Started Today

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to become a Registered Nurse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it’s time to take the next step. Contact one of the local schools listed above and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in nursing today!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Pittsburgh RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Pittsburgh?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Pennsylvania. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Pennsylvania. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Pennsylvania.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.