Best Nursing Schools in Pittsburgh, PA: Online & Campus
Learn about top nursing schools in Pittsburgh, PA and find out which pathways are available to you — whether you’re a new student, a licensed nurse, or switching from another career.
Wherever you’re starting from, nursing programs in Pittsburgh offer various options to help you reach your professional goals. If you’re a licensed RN or practical nurse, there are online programs designed to help you upgrade to a bachelor’s or master’s degree while you continue working. If you’re coming to nursing from a different field and already hold a bachelor’s degree, pathways exist to help you become a registered nurse. And, of course, there are traditional campus nursing programs for students without any previous nursing or college experience.
This guide will help you get started on finding the right campus or online nursing program in Pittsburgh. It spotlights some best accredited nursing schools in Pittsburgh, breaks down the different program options, helps you find financial aid and other support resources, explores the job market for nurses in Pittsburgh, and much more. Read on to discover which schools made it onto our list as the best choices for prospective students just like you.
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
La Roche University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Pittsburgh, PA
Most nursing schools in Pittsburgh, PA offer multiple degree and learning format options to help you advance your career. From actively licensed nurses to incoming freshmen new to the field, pathways like the ones listed below can provide the training you need to succeed. Learn more about the different types of nursing programs available and why you might choose one over the others.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Pittsburgh
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
These programs fulfill licensure requirements for most entry-level nursing positions in the Pittsburgh region. They typically take about two years of full-time study to complete and provide foundational instruction in the core nursing skills necessary to embark on an entry-level RN career.
Examples of Pittsburgh Nursing Schools With This Program
Pittsburgh Technical College: Associate in Science (Nursing)
Community College of Beaver County: Nursing (ADN)
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
A traditional BSN results in a four-year RN degree that entails more comprehensive training than the associate RN degree. It readies students for licensure just like an ADN, but it can qualify them for a wider range of job opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. Students receive the same clinical instruction as an ADN, but develop additional competencies in education and management.
Examples of Pittsburgh Nursing Schools With This Program
Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus: Nursing BSN
Carlow University: Nursing Major
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated bachelor’s in nursing programs offer a convenient pathway to registered nursing for professionals from other fields and students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. The accelerated BSN program focuses study on the core skills and technical knowledge you need to obtain RN licensure. Because these programs usually do not require general education classes, most students graduate in 15 months.
Examples of Pittsburgh Nursing Schools With This Program
University of Pittsburgh: Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN (ABSN)
Robert Morris University: Nursing B.S.N. (Second Degree)
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Direct-entry MSN program are ideal for individuals who want to become registered nurses, but have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Depending on the student’s educational background, direct-entry MSN programs usually consist of about 75 didactic credits on top of the clinical training necessary to become a registered nurse. Upon completion, graduates will be ready to take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become RNs.
Examples of Pittsburgh Nursing Schools With This Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Pittsburgh, PA for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
Practical nurses with an active license can use these bridge pathways to expand their professional scope. These programs recognize past training and experience and offer hands-on clinical instruction in applied settings with a wider scope of practice. Coursework covers nursing foundations, primary care and wellness, pharmacology, and lifespan development.
Examples of Pittsburgh Nursing Schools With This Program
Pittsburgh Technical College: LPN to ASN Track
Community College of Allegheny County – Nursing, AS LPN to RN Option
RN to BSN Programs
These bridge or degree completion programs cater to active RNs with a diploma or ADN. They deepen your clinical skill set, offering classes that develop professional competency beyond primary care alone. Most students complete their studies in 18 months or less, graduating fully equipped for career advancement or further study.
Examples of Pittsburgh Nursing Schools With This Program
RN to MSN Programs
Working RNs interested in advanced roles in leadership, education, clinical care, or administration can use this bridge option. The RN to MSN program results in a master’s degree that focuses on scholarly approaches to nursing and cultivates hard skills in evidence-based practice. Most nursing schools in Pittsburghwith this option offer specializations in areas like pediatrics, mental health, and geriatric care.
Examples of Pittsburgh Nursing Schools With This Program
Chatham University: Nursing (RN-MSN)
Robert Morris University: RN to MSN
Advanced Nursing Programs in Pittsburgh, PA
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
These programs lead to the same graduate degree as RN-MSN bridge options but accept students who already hold a BSN. As a result, they require fewer credits (around 30 or so) and less time (two-three years depending on the circumstances). Like other MSN offerings, these programs also provide opportunity for specialization and represent a common pathway to becoming advanced practice registered nurses.
Examples of Pittsburgh Nursing Schools With This Program
Pennsylvania Western University: Online Master of Science in Nursing
Duquesne University: Online Master of Science in Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctoral programs confer the highest level of nursing education possible. They attract students with either a BSN or an MSN and some professional experience. DNP programs focus on professional expertise and clinical practice. In contrast, a PhD course of study focuses on scholarship and academic research. Both qualify students for work as nursing educators, although the PhD is sometimes better suited for the teaching role.
Examples of Pittsburgh Nursing Schools With This Program
University of Pittsburgh: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Chatham University: Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Post-graduate nursing programs in Pittsburgh, PA offer continuing education opportunities for MSN-degree holders. An ideal option for graduate-level nurses looking to broaden their expertise, certificate programs develop applied skills without requiring another degree. Popular areas of concentration include family nurse practitioner, forensic nursing, nurse leadership, and adult-gerontology.
Examples of Pittsburgh Nursing Schools With This Program
Duquesne University: Online Post-Master’s Nursing Certificates
Carlow University: Post-Master’s Certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner
Understanding Online Nursing Programs in Pittsburgh, PA
Online nursing programs in Pittsburgh, PA are typically offered in hybrid formats to reflect the immersive and hands-on rigors of real-world nursing practice. This hybrid or blended nursing education approach means you will use a blend of online and in-person elements throughout your studies. Most programs deliver classroom instruction and theory-based coursework using online modalities. They include synchronous or asynchronous class formats or a combination of the two.
These programs often pivot to face-to-face experiences in the later stages of study, providing you with clinical placements or practicum components that give you the in-person training you need to advance. In some instances, you may need to complete hands-on lab requirements as well.
The transition to in-person learning can be challenging, especially if you’ve grown accustomed to self-paced study during coursework. Many programs address this by using a cohort model that provides structured opportunities for peer support throughout. In limited cases, some nursing programs can be completed fully online, although these tend to be offered at the graduate level and focus on non-clinical specializations, like leadership and education.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Pittsburgh, PA
Can I earn my nursing degree in Pittsburgh completely online?
Sometimes, as it depends on the type of program and area of study. Students attending online nursing programs in Pittsburghwill still need to complete some requirements in-person for programs that provide clinical training, such as an ADN or clinical practice-based MSN. At a minimum, most programs deliver most coursework entirely online, even if they eventually shift to face-to-face learning in the later stages. Some may also require in-person elements like orientation sessions and skills simulations.
Will my online Pittsburgh nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Not at all. Prospective employers look at previous professional experience and licensure credentials when making hiring decisions. As long as you attend an accredited program with approval from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, you will meet basic employment qualifications. Employers care about competency and skill, not course delivery methods.
Are online nursing programs in Pittsburgh more affordable than campus programs?
This depends on a number of factors like the type of school you plan to attend, whether you will enroll full time or a part time, and where you will live throughout study. Tuition rates fluctuate year-to-year even for the most affordable schools, but overall online nursing programs in Pittsburgh fall within the same price range as in-person offerings. One way you’ll save money with an online program is by reduced commuting costs to and from campus.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Pittsburgh, PA
Financial aid opportunities like scholarships and grants can make a big difference in the overall cost of your nursing education. For some students, it can make the difference between getting a nursing degree or not. Fortunately, most nursing schools in Pittsburgh strive to provide their students with some form of monetary aid. This aid can be competitive and is typically awarded on the basis of academic merit or individual financial need.
Organizations like the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania also provide scholarships and grants to qualified students. EduMed’s financial aid guide offers more information on where to look for potential awards, and our nursing scholarship guide looks at additional opportunities for aspiring RNs, including those in the Pittsburgh area.
How to Become an RN in Pittsburgh, PA: Licensing Requirements
Once you graduate, you will still need to apply for licensure with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing before you can obtain work as an RN in Pittsburgh. The requirements for initial licensure include completing an approved and accredited education program, passing the NCLEX exam, submitting a background check, and paying any applicable fees. For more information on each step of this process see our guide to nursing schools in Pennsylvania.
How Much You Could Make as an RN in Pittsburgh?
As you have seen, it takes a lot of work to earn a nursing degree and then obtain a license. It can also be an extremely rewarding experience because you get to join the ranks of one of the most respected professions in the community. However, you may be concerned about how much you can be paid after putting in all this time and effort. Below, we’ve compiled data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a picture of what the salary landscape looks like. The average salary for RNs in Pennsylvania is $82,780. The 10th percentile of professionals makes $64,820, and the 90th percentile earns $109,740. This is comparable to what nurses earn in this city. In Pittsburgh, the 10th percentile of registered nurses makes $64,790, while the 90th percentile makes $103,380. The average RN salary around the state is $79,630.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $64,820 | $82,780 | $109,740 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $64,790 | $79,630 | $103,380 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Additional Pittsburgh, PA Nursing Resources
This volunteer-run outlet strives to improve bedside care and healthcare decision-making in Pennsylvania. It sponsors organizing activities and maintains an active social media presence that connects working professionals throughout the state.
Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania
A private nonprofit founded in 1983, this organization supports Pennsylvania nurses by recognizing outstanding achievement. It also extends a number of scholarships and other financial aid opportunities to qualified nursing students.
Pennsylvania Organizations of Nurse Leaders
This organization promotes excellence in nursing leadership and administration. It operates local chapters throughout the state and works to connect nursing management professionals to new opportunities through its career center. It also hosts annual conferences and events.
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
This agency is empowered to oversee the licensure process for nurses in Pennsylvania and to enforce continuing education requirements. It is the primary source for figuring out what needs to be done to become an RN in Pennsylvania, as it provides the most up-to-date information on state regulations dealing with nursing practice
Pennsylvania State Nurses Association
Headquartered in Harrisburg, this organization assists nursing students throughout the Keystone State. It provides plenty of opportunities for networking, engages in advocacy efforts, and maintains a career center for recent and upcoming graduates.
