There is more to Pittsburgh than Pittsburgh Steelers. Known as the “Steel City", Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania. The city is home to a number of institutes for higher education. Students who are interested in nursing education can find a number of options in the city as well. Since Pennsylvania’s health care and social assistance sector are among its top economic drivers, employing about 905,300 individuals (Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board, 2010), pursuing nursing programs in Pittsburgh can be a suitable option. Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry has projected an increase of 12.1% by 2018 in the health care workforce.
Nursing Schools in Pittsburgh
Students interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare sector may consider enrolling in the nursing programs. There are numerous nursing schools in the city that in addition to classroom based instruction, also provide students with hands on opportunities, required for prospective nurses.
Undergraduate degree programs in nursing are designed for students who intend to apply for registered nurse (RN) positions. – RNs are entry-level nurses who provide basic nursing care to patients in clinics, nursing homes, hospitals and other settings. Advanced programs such as master’s degrees in nursing are suitable for students who want to specialize in a particular field in nursing or individuals seeking research, administrative or teaching positions.
LPN (licensed practical nurse) programs are also offered in Pittsburgh. These programs instill nursing knowledge and skills in students who intend to apply for LPN positions and assist RNs.
Nursing Coursework
Nursing students in Pittsburgh will study a range of topics that will allow them to become familiar with nursing practices. Some of the courses may include:
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Anatomy
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Physiology
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Microbiology
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Chemistry
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Nutrition
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Psychology
Classes are also offered in liberal arts as well as other social and behavioral sciences. The bachelor's program generally includes instruction in communication, leadership, and critical thinking.
Admission Requirements
Students, who want to enroll in a nursing program in Pittsburgh, generally need to meet the following requirements:
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Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
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Provide college transcripts (for transfer applicants)
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Submit SAT or ACT scores
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TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete nursing programs will be able to sit for the nursing licensure examination and may exhibit the following:
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Demonstrate understanding, and skill in providing nursing care to patients
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Take up leadership or administrative roles
Financial Aid
The nursing schools in Pittsburgh offer financial assistance to only those students who qualify. Eligible students may get funds to finance their educational expenses including fee, tuition, and study materials.
Career Prospects
Just like other cities of Pennsylvania, career outlook for nurses in Pittsburgh look positive. In 2013, Pennsylvania employed about 130,000 RNs, which is much above the rest of the country. An increasing number of individuals with access to healthcare insurance and expansion in the health information technology/ health information management are some of the factors that will increase demand for nurses. RNs are among the top occupations in terms of job growth through 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).