The West Penn School of Nursing, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading institution in the healthcare education sector. The school continues to innovate and set the standard for nursing education.
Its commitment to producing skilled professionals and compassionate healers sets it apart. Whether you're a prospective student or an industry professional, West Penn School of Nursing offers a wide range of opportunities for those seeking a fulfilling career in nursing. Join us as we delve into all that West Penn School of Nursing has to offer in 2023.
West Penn School of Nursing and its history
West Penn Hospital School of Nursing is a private nursing school located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1885, it is one of the oldest nursing schools in the United States.
The school offers a 22-month diploma program in nursing that prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs). The school is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The West Penn Hospital School of Nursing, founded in 1885, offers a three-year curriculum in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing practices. It was affiliated with West Penn Hospital in 1917, providing students with clinical experience in various settings.
In the 1950s, a two-year diploma program was introduced to prepare students for the healthcare industry. In the 1970s, a one-year accelerated program was introduced for students with a bachelor's degree in another field.
In 1992, the school was awarded a Magnet designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), recognizing hospitals providing excellent nursing care.
Researching nursing schools
Choosing the right nursing school is an important decision that can impact your entire nursing career. Here are some factors to consider when researching nursing schools:
1- Accreditation
Ensure the nursing school is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation ensures that the school meets high standards of quality and that your education will be recognized by employers.
2- Program offerings
Consider the type of nursing program you want to pursue. Nursing programs typically offer associate degrees (ADN) or bachelor's degrees (BSN).
ADN programs are two-year programs that prepare students to become registered nurses (RNs). BSN programs are four-year programs that provide a more in-depth education and prepare students for advanced nursing roles.
3- Clinical opportunities
Clinical experience is an essential part of nursing education. Ensure the nursing school has strong clinical partnerships with hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
This will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of settings.
4- Faculty qualifications
Consider the qualifications of the nursing school's faculty. Ensure the faculty is experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to teaching.
5- Reputation
Research the reputation of the nursing school. Consider factors such as the school's pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, the employment rate of graduates, and the overall satisfaction of alumni.
6- Location
Consider the location of the nursing school. If you want to attend school full-time, you'll need to consider whether you want to live on campus or commute. If you're considering an online nursing program, ensure the program is accredited by the appropriate agencies.
7- Cost
Nursing education can be expensive. Consider the cost of tuition, fees, and books. Research financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
8- Student support services
Consider the student support services offered by the nursing school. These services may include tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.
9- School culture
Visit the nursing school and talk to current students and faculty to get a sense of the school's culture. Choose a school that has a positive and supportive environment.
Once you've considered these factors, you can narrow down your list of potential nursing schools and start visiting campuses and attending information sessions.
West Penn School of Nursing admissions requirements
Academic
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Professional and Vocational Standards- State Board of Nursing Section 21.01 requires applicants to complete a minimum of 16 units of standard high school courses, including English (4 units), Social Studies (3 units), Mathematics (2 units), and Science (2 units with a related laboratory, preferred).
If an applicant does not meet these requirements, they must complete two science courses with a related laboratory. A certificate of completion of a general educational development (GED) is accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma.
Standardized testing
AHN Schools of Nursing applicants must submit standardized testing scores, including SAT/ACT or ATI® Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) composite scores, for admission consideration.
Some applicants, such as those with a bachelor's degree or above and current active LPN license, are exempt from standardized testing requirements.
SAT/ACT examination scores
Applicants with a 1020 SAT or 20 ACT composite score within five years of the application date are considered for expedited acceptance.
Those with scores below the minimum recommended score will be considered for admission based on additional information provided to the School of Nursing Admissions Committee. ATI-TEAS may be advised for applicants.
ATI TEAS test
The ATI-TEAS is a national standardized test that evaluates an individual's academic readiness for a health science program. It comprises four sections: reading, math, science, and English and language usage.
Applicants can take the test three times within one year, with scores accepted within two years of application.
ATI-TEAS scores
Applicants with a composite score of 62% or higher will be considered for expedited acceptance, while those with a score between 58.7% and 61.9% will be considered based on additional information.
West Penn School of Nursing financial considerations
The cost of attendance (COA) is the estimated cost of a student's education, including tuition, fees, living expenses, books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and miscellaneous expenses.
It determines a student's eligibility for financial aid, and their total aid, including scholarships, grants, federal loans, and private loans, cannot exceed their COA.
Here are the total estimated costs for the 23/24 academic year:
1st Year Student PA Resident: $26,586.00 ($33,586.00)
1st Year Student Non-PA Resident: $28,454.00 ($35,454.00)
2nd Year Student PA Resident: $28,477.00 ($35,477.00)
2nd Year Student Non-PA Resident: $30,245.00 ($37,245.00)
Financial aid is a financial assistance program that aids students and their families in covering post-secondary expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and more and includes grants, scholarships, work-study, and student/parent educational loans.
To get more detailed information about the West Penn School of Nursing financial aid and tuition costs, visit the official financial and tuition page .
West Penn School of Nursing rankings and reviews
Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing is a top-rated nursing school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has consistently received excellent reviews from students and alumni.
Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing has an overall rating of 4.73 out of 5 stars on Niche.com .
Here are some West Penn School of Nursing reviews on Niche.
1- I haven’t attended yet but was accepted to attend this fall so am not sure of their ratings or knowledge on how the school is but from reviews and success rate I am interested to see how it goes
2- I love the teachers they are willing to help if you need it. when you do your rounds the staff on the floor always keeps you busy. I like how you are able to study on campus if you need it.
3- I absolutely love the staff here. It has been an easy transition to begin nursing for this upcoming fall semester. The emails and text messages have been wonderful to keep the students up to date with what they need.
Degrees and tracks offered by West Penn School of Nursing
Here are some of the specific tracks offered by West Penn School of Nursing:
Practical nursing (PN) to registered nursing (RN) track: This track is designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to become RNs. The track includes all of the required coursework for the RN diploma program, as well as additional courses to help LPNs transition to the RN role.
Second degree accelerated BSN (BSN) track: This track is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in another field and want to become RNs. The track includes an accelerated curriculum that can be completed in as little as 12 months.
RN to BSN online track: This track is designed for RNs who want to earn their bachelor's degree in nursing. The track can be completed entirely online, and students can take as few as two courses per semester.
West Penn School of Nursing campus life and student experience
West Penn School of Nursing offers a vibrant and supportive campus life for its students. The school has a strong sense of community, and students have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of extracurricular activities.
Campus life
On-campus housing: 75% of freshmen live on-campus in the school's residence halls.
Day care services: The school offers day care services for students with children.
Student organizations: There are a number of student organizations that students can join, including the Student Nurses Association, the Nursing Honors Society, and the Global Nursing Club.
Volunteer opportunities: Students have the opportunity to volunteer at a variety of organizations in the Pittsburgh community.
Clinical rotations: Students complete clinical rotations at a variety of healthcare settings in the Pittsburgh area.
Student experience
Students at West Penn School of Nursing enjoy a number of benefits, including:
Small class sizes: The school's small class sizes allow for more individualized attention from faculty.
Experienced faculty: The school's faculty are experienced nurses who are passionate about teaching.
Modern facilities: The school's facilities are modern and up-to-date.
Location: The school is located in Pittsburgh, a vibrant and exciting city with a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities.
Overall, West Penn School of Nursing offers a well-rounded and supportive campus life for its students. The school's strong sense of community, extracurricular activities, and clinical rotations provide students with the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
Preparing for licensing exams
Preparing for licensing exams can be a daunting task, but there are a number of tips and strategies you can use to increase your chances of success.
1. Start early and create a study plan
The earlier you start studying, the more time you will have to master the material. Create a study plan that breaks down the material into manageable chunks and allocate specific times each day or week to study.
2. Understand the format and content of the exam
Familiarize yourself with the format of the exam, including the types of questions, the number of questions, and the time limit. This will help you to develop an effective study strategy.
3. Gather high-quality study materials
Use a variety of study materials, such as textbooks, practice exams, and online resources. Make sure that the materials you use are up-to-date and relevant to the exam you will be taking.
Smart'n is an NCLEX study tool that aids nursing students by offering a vast array of practice questions, rationales, and assessments.
With over 2,500 practice questions and 60+ hours of NGN NCLEX-style nursing case studies, students can easily focus on specific nursing practice areas like respiratory, cardiac, mental health, and neurological.
4. Create a study environment that is free from distractions
Find a quiet place where you can focus on your studies. Avoid studying in noisy or crowded environments.
5. Use a variety of study techniques
There are many different study techniques that you can use, such as active reading, flashcards, and group study. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
6. Take practice exams
Practice exams are a great way to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts. Take as many practice exams as you can under timed conditions.
7. Get enough sleep and eat healthy foods
Your brain needs rest to function properly. Make sure you are getting enough sleep each night and eating healthy foods to give your body the energy it needs to study effectively.
8. Manage your stress
Stress can interfere with your ability to study and focus. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
9. Seek help if you need it
If you are struggling to prepare for your exam, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to help you, such as tutoring, study groups, and online forums.
Tips for success in nursing school
Succeeding in nursing school requires dedication, hard work, and a strong commitment to learning. Here are some tips to help you navigate this challenging yet rewarding academic journey:
Develop a strong foundation in nursing fundamentals
Before diving into complex nursing concepts, ensure you have a solid grasp of the fundamentals. This includes understanding basic anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology. A strong foundation will make it easier to comprehend more advanced nursing concepts.
Effective time management
Nursing school demands a balance between academic rigor and clinical rotations. Develop effective time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and allocate sufficient time for studying and self-care.
Active learning and study strategies
Passive reading and rote memorization are not the most effective ways to learn complex nursing concepts. Engage in active learning techniques like concept mapping, group discussions, and practice questions to enhance your understanding and retention of information.
Seek clarification when needed
Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification from instructors, clinical preceptors, or peers if you encounter difficulties. Nursing school is a collaborative environment where seeking help is a sign of strength and a commitment to learning.
Prioritize self-care and well-being
Nursing school can be demanding, both mentally and physically. Prioritize self-care practices such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep to maintain your physical and mental health.
Utilize technology and resources
Take advantage of available technology and resources to enhance your learning experience. Online resources, educational apps, and study groups can provide additional support and guidance.
Embrace continuous learning
Nursing is a dynamic field with constant advancements. Develop a habit of lifelong learning by staying updated on new research, guidelines, and practices.
Build strong professional relationships
Networking with fellow students, instructors, and healthcare professionals can provide valuable support, mentorship, and career opportunities.
Seek guidance from the nursing faculty
Your instructors are there to support you and provide guidance throughout your nursing school journey. Utilize their expertise and seek their advice when needed.
Maintain a positive attitude and resilience
Nursing school can be challenging, but it's important to maintain a positive attitude and resilience. Focus on your passion for nursing and the impact you can make on others.
Remember, success in nursing school is not just about academic achievements but also about developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and compassionate care skills that are essential for a successful nursing career.
Conclusion
The West Penn School of Nursing, a leading institution in nursing education, continues to provide a comprehensive and enriching learning experience to its students. The school prepares graduates to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Students are equipped with knowledge and skills for their careers, making it a premier choice for aspiring nurses seeking a top-tier education and supportive learning environment.
FAQs
1- What is the hardest nursing major?
Pharmacology, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology, Cardiology, Chemistry, and Mental Health are challenging subjects for some students, while others may find them particularly challenging.
2- What is the easiest nursing degree to get?
A BSN degree is a straightforward path for those seeking to advance their nursing education and career.
