All You Need To Know About UPMC Schools Of Nursing In 2023

In 2023, UPMC Schools of Nursing are not just institutions; they are transformative stepping stones to a career that is at the heart of healing and compassion. 

If you're curious about pursuing a nursing education that not only meets but exceeds the evolving demands of the healthcare industry, you've come to the right place. 

Join us as we embark on an enlightening journey to explore all you need to know about UPMC Schools of Nursing and how they are shaping the future of nursing education. Whether you're an aspiring nurse, a concerned parent, or a healthcare enthusiast, prepare to be inspired and informed as we delve into the exciting world of UPMC Schools of Nursing in 2023.

UPMC Schools of Nursing and its history

UPMC Schools of Nursing is a network of nursing schools in Pennsylvania that are affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). The schools offer a variety of nursing programs, including diploma, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree programs.

The UPMC Schools of Nursing network has a rich history, with its roots dating back to the late 19th century. The UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, for instance, was originally founded in 1884 as the Pittsburgh Training School for Nurses by physicians from the Pittsburgh Homeopathic Hospital.

UPMC Schools of Nursing are spread across multiple campuses. UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing is located in Pittsburgh, while UPMC Jameson School of Nursing has a campus in New Castle. There are additional locations affiliated with UPMC for nursing education.

Over the years, UPMC Schools of Nursing has expanded to include several other schools, including:

• UPMC Hamot School of Nursing (Erie, Pennsylvania)

• UPMC Mercy School of Nursing (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

• UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Researching nursing schools

When researching nursing schools for your education, several key factors should be taken into account to make an informed decision:

1- Accreditation 

Ensure that the nursing school is accredited by relevant accrediting bodies. Accreditation ensures that the program meets specific educational standards and is recognized by employers and licensing agencies. Accredited programs are generally more respected and provide a quality education.

2- Curriculum

Review the curriculum and courses offered. Some nursing schools offer specialized programs in areas such as pediatrics, oncology, or mental health nursing. Look for programs that align with your career goals and interests. A comprehensive curriculum with a variety of clinical experiences is valuable for your education.

3- Location

Consider the school's location. Decide whether you prefer to study locally or are open to relocating. Proximity to healthcare facilities for clinical rotations is important.

4- NCLEX pass rate

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate is crucial. High NCLEX pass rates indicate the school's success in preparing students for the licensure exam, which is essential for your career.

5- Faculty-to-student ratio

A low faculty-to-student ratio allows for more personalized instruction and support. Smaller class sizes can enhance your learning experience.

6- Clinical opportunities

Evaluate the clinical opportunities available to students. The more diverse and extensive the clinical experiences, the better prepared you'll be for real-world nursing practice.

7- Cost and financial aid

Consider the cost of tuition and related expenses. Explore available scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to help fund your education.

8- Program types

Consider the types of nursing programs offered, such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and more. Choose the program that suits your career goals and timeline.

9- Facilities and resources

Assess the school's facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and technology resources. A well-equipped learning environment can enhance your education.

10- Faculty qualifications

Investigate the qualifications and experience of the nursing faculty. Experienced and knowledgeable instructors can make a significant difference in your learning.

Remember to thoroughly research and compare multiple nursing schools to find the one that best aligns with your goals and needs. Consider visiting campuses and speaking with current students and faculty to get a firsthand perspective.

UPMC Schools of Nursing admissions requirements

The UPMC Schools of Nursing have specific admissions requirements for prospective students. Here are the key requirements:

• Successful completion of high school from an accredited institution or obtaining a GED (General Equivalency Diploma). High school seniors have the option to provide an anticipated graduation transcript.

• Completion of two science courses, which can be fulfilled during high school, at a post-secondary institution, or through a combination of both.

• Completion of an Algebra course during high school or at a post-secondary institution.

• Submission of a TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) score that meets the qualifying criteria. Note that certain applicants, including UPMC employees, individuals with a Bachelor’s degree, and active LPNs, may be exempt from the TEAS exam.

• Submission of all necessary admission documents as outlined by the school before the application deadline.

UPMC Schools of Nursing financial considerations

UPMC Schools of Nursing are actively engaged in federal, state, and institutional financial assistance programs, adhering to the established rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education at the federal level and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and Ohio Higher Education Department at the state level. These programs predominantly consider the financial needs of students.

Financial need is the disparity between the financial resources available to the student, their parents, or spouse, and the actual costs associated with their educational program. Consequently, every student and their family are expected to contribute to the best of their ability to support the student's educational expenses.

The School of Nursing partakes in a range of financial aid programs, including:

• Federal Pell Grant Program

• State Pennsylvania Higher Education Grant (PHEAA)

• Ohio Higher Education Department Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

• Other Pennsylvania State and County Funded Programs

• Federal Direct Student Loan Program

• Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

• Federal Direct PLUS Loan

• Veterans Administration Benefits

• Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Assistance

• Pittsburgh Promise

• Employer Tuition Assistance

• NURSE Corps Scholarship Program

• AmeriCorps Scholarship Program

• Other Private Grants and Private Loans

To get the most up-to-date and detailed information about UPMC Schools of Nursing tuition , fees & cost of attendance, and UPMC Schools of Nursing financial aid , visit the school's website or contact the school directly.

UPMC Schools of Nursing rankings and reviews

The UPMC Schools of Nursing offer nursing programs, and you can find rankings and reviews for these schools. Here's some information based on the provided search results:

UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing ranks 1,135 out of 2,529 nursing schools in the USA based on evaluation factors, putting it in the top 45% of nursing schools in the country.

You can also find student outcomes for UPMC Schools of Nursing, including NCLEX-RN pass rates, completion rates, and job placement rates on the official UPMC website .

Suppose you are looking for more detailed reviews and rankings. In that case, you may want to explore websites like Niche , which provide comprehensive information about colleges and universities, including UPMC Schools of Nursing.

Here are 2 reviews of UPMC School of Nursing on Yelp :

1- I was a graduate from UPMC Shadyside after St. Francis Hospital's nursing school closed mid-education year and we all got transfered into Shadyside's nursing program. Because of that, I can't speak for the whole of the educational experience because I did my first year at St. Francis.

It was a good school that focused a lot on being very hands on and they were very demanding academically - which is the way it should be. There were multiple clinical experiences at different hospitals associated with the hospital - for example psych was done at Braddock, ICU was done in Shadyside, etc... Microbiology classes were done through Carlow College…

The location is great because it is close to most of the areas that you have to do clinicals, there is a book store and a whole foods right across the street so students are able to get healthy lunches and pop over to the bookstore for more resources.

I sincerely hope that they have expanded their school because there were times that there were too many classes, too many students and not enough class rooms and we were sitting on the floor of the computer lab trying to learn about labor and delivery, etc... so this was certainly a failing point for the school.

The teachers were very dedicated to each students success and made a concerted effort to reach out to help struggling students.

The whole "nursing shortage" thing is a myth these days and new grads are having a very very difficult time finding jobs - that should get better as the economy does, but it isn't a good market for jobs anywhere these days.

2- The School seems to have policies in place to prevent enrolling minority students. After numerous tries to get into that school, a friend and I moved to North Carolina where we attended Duke University and graduated with BSN. I'm highly disappointed that the Director Joanne Vukotich has not made any efforts to change this bad culture. Many great talents have left Pittsburgh for other cities because of these kinds of experiences. UPMC being the number employer for the city must do a better job to stop this. Diverse groups provided the best results.

Degrees and tracks offered by UPMC Schools of Nursing

UPMC Schools of Nursing offers the following degrees and tracks:

Degrees:

• Diploma in Nursing (ADN)

• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Tracks:

• RN-BSN Dual Enrollment Program

• Nurse Anesthesia

• Nurse Midwifery

• Nurse Practitioner

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

• Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

• Family Nurse Practitioner

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

UPMC Schools of Nursing campus life and student experience

UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing offers a range of student support services, encompassing academic and career counseling, wellness programs, and assistance with employment opportunities. 

Additionally, the campus houses its own libraries to aid students in their educational endeavors. Below, you'll find a summary of the student services available at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing for its students.

• Academic/career counseling service

• Employment services for students

• Library facilities at institution

The school's students are passionate about nursing and committed to making a difference in the lives of their patients. 

UPMC Schools of Nursing is also committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The school's students come from a variety of backgrounds and represent a wide range of cultures and perspectives. The school offers a variety of resources and support services to help all students succeed.

Preparing for licensing exams

Preparing for licensing exams can be a challenging but crucial step in your professional journey. Here are some tips to help you excel in your licensing exams:

1- Plan and organize

Create a study schedule that covers all relevant topics. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks, and set specific goals for each session.

2- Understand the exam format

Familiarize yourself with the exam format and structure. Know the number of questions, time limits, and any specific sections. This will help you manage your time effectively during the exam.

3- Use practice exams

Take advantage of practice exams or sample questions. These can give you a feel for the types of questions you'll encounter and help you identify areas where you need more practice.

Smart'n is an NCLEX study tool that helps nursing students with their studies. It offers access to a variety of practice questions, explanations, and assessments. 

There are over 2,500 practice questions and more than 60 hours of nursing case studies available. These resources are categorized by topic, making it easier for students to focus on specific areas of nursing practice like respiratory, cardiac, mental health, and more.

4- Stay consistent

Consistency is key. Study regularly and avoid cramming. It's better to study a little each day rather than trying to learn everything at once.

5- Minimize distractions

Find a quiet, distraction-free study environment. Turn off your phone and any other distractions to maximize your concentration.

6- Review and revise

Regularly review the material you've covered. This helps reinforce your understanding and retain information.

7- Seek support

If you're struggling with specific topics, don't hesitate to seek help. Consider joining study groups or discussing challenging concepts with colleagues.

8- Stay healthy

A balanced diet and regular exercise can help boost your cognitive function. Ensure you're well-rested and alert during your study sessions.

9- Stay positive

Maintain a positive mindset and manage exam anxiety. Visualization and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress.

10- Practice time management

During the exam, pace yourself. If you encounter a difficult question, move on and return to it later if needed. Don't spend too much time on a single question.

Tips for success in nursing school

Here are some tips for success in nursing school:

• Develop good study habits

Nursing school is a demanding program, and it is important to have good study habits to succeed. Create a study schedule and stick to it. Make sure to set aside enough time to review your notes, read your textbooks, and practice answering questions.

• Get organized

Nursing school requires you to keep track of a lot of information, so it is important to be organized. Create a system for organizing your notes, textbooks, and other materials. This will help you to stay on top of your coursework and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Form a study group

Studying with other nursing students can be a great way to learn and stay motivated. Form a study group with students who are also serious about succeeding. You can meet regularly to discuss your coursework, quiz each other, and help each other to prepare for exams.

• Take advantage of all available resources

Nursing schools offer a variety of resources to help students succeed, such as tutoring, academic advising, and counseling services. Take advantage of these resources if you need help.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help

If you are struggling with a particular concept or topic, don't be afraid to ask for help from your professors, classmates, or tutors. There are people who want to see you succeed, and they are there to help you.

• Take care of yourself

Nursing school can be stressful, so it is important to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. It is also important to take breaks and to do things that you enjoy.

• Learn your learning style

Some people learn best by reading, while others learn best by listening or doing. Identify your learning style and adjust your study habits accordingly.

• Focus on your weaknesses

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Identify your weaknesses in nursing school and focus your studies on those areas.

• Use active recall

When studying, try to recall the information without looking at your notes or textbooks. This will help you to learn the material more effectively.

• Take practice tests

Practice tests are a great way to prepare for real exams. They help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and they give you a chance to practice answering questions in a timed setting.

• Stay positive

Nursing school can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding experience. Stay positive and focused on your goals. You will get through it!

Conclusion 

In 2023, UPMC Schools of Nursing continue to be a valuable choice for those aspiring to become professional nurses. These hospital-based nursing schools are committed to training the next generation of nursing professionals, offering various programs to cater to different students' needs, whether they are recent high school graduates or second-degree students. UPMC Schools of Nursing have a strong focus on producing competent and caring nurses, and their commitment to scholarship and training is evident in their programs and outcomes.

FAQs

1- Does UPMC have a nursing school?

Yes, UPMC has a network of nursing schools called UPMC Schools of Nursing.

2- Is UPMC a university or hospital?

UPMC is both a university and a hospital. It is a comprehensive health care provider and insurer, and it also has a network of schools and colleges that offer a variety of health care education programs.