Nursing Programs in Pittsburgh, PA

Last Updated On Feb 19, 2026

Expert Verified: Melanie Shaw, MSN, RN, CCRN

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Pittsburgh

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for aspiring nurses, and rankings can simplify this decision by highlighting key performance metrics. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Pittsburgh" rankings, focusing exclusively on NCLEX pass rates to provide objective comparisons. These rankings help students identify programs with strong outcomes, ensuring they invest in education that maximizes their chances of licensure success. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Analysis of yearly pass rate trends in Pittsburgh shows fluctuations in average NCLEX pass rates and student volumes over recent years. This data helps identify periods of stability or change in program performance.

2022: Average pass rate 79.87% with 303 students
2023: Average pass rate 92.03% with 464 students
2024: Average pass rate 91.77% with 486 students

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Comparing BSN and ADN programs reveals differences in pass rates and enrollment numbers, which can inform students about program type effectiveness.

ADN: Average pass rate 89.93% with 298 students
BSN: Average pass rate 92.24% with 129 students
Diploma: Average pass rate 100% with 59 students

Top Performing Schools

The top performing schools in Pittsburgh demonstrate consistently high pass rates, making them strong options for prospective nursing students.

Washington Health System School of Nursing: Average pass rate 95.72% with 70 students over 3 years
Pennsylvania Western University: Average pass rate 93.14% with 306 students over 2 years
Citizens School of Nursing: Average pass rate 90.09% with 121 students over 3 years

Pass Rate by Program Size

Program size categories show how pass rates vary across different student volumes, offering insights into scalability and resource allocation.

Small programs (<50 students/year): Average pass rate 90.32% with 124 students
Medium programs (50-100 students/year): Average pass rate 91.34% with 150 students
Large programs (>100 students/year): Average pass rate 92.92% with 212 students

Biggest Improvements

Schools with the biggest improvements in pass rates highlight programs that have enhanced their educational outcomes over time.

Westmoreland County Community College: Improved by 20.67% from 70.24% to 90.91% in 2024
Citizens School of Nursing: Improved by 13.33% from 86.67% to 100% in 2024
Community College of Beaver County: Improved by 12.72% from 79.22% to 91.94% in 2024

Neumann University

Aston, PA - Private 4-year - neumann.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Neumann University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program integrates Franciscan values with comprehensive nursing education, emphasizing clinical reasoning and ethical patient care. The campus-based curriculum includes liberal arts, sciences, and evidence-based nursing courses, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings. The program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission. Neumann demonstrates strong NCLEX performance, with first-time pass rates consistently above 95% in recent years, including 95.29% in 2024. This program focuses on hands-on clinical experiences and inter-professional practice while maintaining a patient-centered approach grounded in respect for human dignity.

High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
Franciscan values core.
Evidence-based curriculum.
Campus-based program.
Clinical reasoning focus.
Ethical behavior emphasis.
Respect for human dignity.
Liberal arts included.
Sciences coursework.
Hands-on clinical experiences.

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - duq.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Duquesne University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a 4-year, 134-credit campus program that prepares students for nursing careers with a holistic approach integrating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of care. The program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams and boasts strong NCLEX pass rates, with 96.67% in 2024. Clinical experiences begin sophomore year through partnerships with over 50 healthcare facilities, supported by state-of-the-art simulation technology. Accredited by CCNE and ranked #52 by U.S. News & World Report, it emphasizes evidence-based practice and cultural competence for diverse healthcare settings.

4-year program duration
134 credit hours required
Campus-based learning
High NCLEX-RN pass rate
Holistic nursing approach
Clinical experiences start sophomore year
Partnerships with over 50 clinical sites
State-of-the-art simulation technology
Accredited by CCNE
Direct admit program

Bachelor's - Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Duquesne University's Second Degree BSN program offers an accelerated 12 or 16-month pathway for individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees, requiring a previous degree and prerequisite courses but no entrance exam. The program features a 96.67% first-time NCLEX pass rate and provides scholarships up to $30,000. Students engage in hands-on clinical practice from the first week at Pittsburgh's top healthcare facilities, focusing on cultural competence, ethical practice, and technology integration. With 67 credits at Duquesne and online prerequisites accepted, it's designed for career changers seeking efficient entry into nursing.

Accelerated 12 or 16-month options.
96.67% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.
Scholarships up to $30,000 available.
Hands-on clinical experience in Pittsburgh.
Focus on cultural competence and ethics.
Technology-integrated nursing education.
Online prerequisites accepted.
Requires previous bachelor's degree.
67 credits at Duquesne.
Clinical practice from first week.

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Carlow University

Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - carlow.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Carlow University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Pittsburgh provides comprehensive preparation for registered nursing careers through a campus-based curriculum. The program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences beginning in sophomore year across diverse healthcare settings. Students benefit from consistently high NCLEX pass rates, with recent data showing 97.56% in 2024. The 120-credit program integrates general education with nursing sciences and maintains a social justice focus through partnerships with local healthcare providers. Admission requires a minimum 3.40 GPA for first-year students or 3.25 for transfers, with flexible fall, spring, and summer start terms available.

High NCLEX pass rates.
Hands-on clinical experience.
Urban location benefits.
120 credits required.
Up to 90 transfer credits.
On campus with some online.
Clinicals start sophomore year.
Prepares for RN licensure.
Flexible start terms.
Minimum 3.40 GPA for first-years.

Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Carlow University's Accelerated Second Degree BSN offers a 15-month hybrid pathway for degree-holders seeking nursing careers in Pittsburgh's medical district. This intensive program combines online coursework with on-campus learning and clinical rotations, requiring prerequisites in anatomy, chemistry, and statistics with a 2.85 minimum GPA. No entrance exam is required for admission. Graduates prepare for NCLEX-RN licensure with strong pass rates supported by healthcare partnerships. The curriculum includes 32 nursing support credits and 63 nursing course credits delivered in accelerated 8-week and 16-week sessions, emphasizing critical thinking skills through CCNE-accredited programming designed for career changers.

15-month accelerated program.
Hybrid delivery: online and on-campus.
Located in Pittsburgh's medical district.
High NCLEX pass rates.
Prerequisites required: anatomy, chemistry, etc.
Minimum GPA of 2.85 for admission.
Clinical experiences in local healthcare settings.
Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Strong healthcare partnerships.
32 nursing support credits required.

Show 1 More Programs ˅

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA - Public 4-Year - pitt.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and professional nursing careers. This four-year campus-based program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and focuses on nursing science, health promotion, and comprehensive clinical education. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance: 87.46% in 2022, 93.10% in 2023, and 97.59% in 2024, indicating effective preparation. The program welcomes both high school graduates and transfer students, emphasizing generalist nursing education while providing opportunities for graduate studies. Military-friendly and featuring a rigorous curriculum, it equips graduates with essential skills for diverse healthcare settings.

Four-year program
Full-time study
Campus-based learning
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Focus on nursing science
Generalist nursing education
Opportunity for graduate education
High school graduates eligible
Transfer students welcome
Comprehensive curriculum

Pennsylvania Western University

California, PA - Public 4-Year - pennwest.edu

Associate - Nursing, ASN

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at Pennsylvania Western University offers accessible campus education across Clarion, Edinboro, and Somerset locations, focusing on foundational nursing skills through practical training. Undergraduate admissions criteria apply, with no specific ACT/SAT requirement mentioned. The program shows solid NCLEX performance, with 2023 and 2024 pass rates of 90.48% and 82.98% respectively, preparing graduates for entry-level nursing positions and potential BSN advancement.

Campus-based program
High NCLEX pass rates
Strong job placement
Multiple location options
Competitive tuition costs

Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Pennsylvania Western University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides comprehensive campus-based education at Clarion and Edinboro locations, emphasizing hands-on clinical training. The program requires undergraduate admissions criteria but does not specify ACT/SAT requirements. Graduates demonstrate strong outcomes, with 2023 and 2024 NCLEX pass rates of 97.17% and 94.59% respectively, indicating excellent preparation for nursing licensure and career advancement.

Campus-based learning
High exam pass rates
Strong job placement
Hands-on clinical experiences
Traditional in-person courses

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2024 Final Release.

Entry Level ADN & BSN Programs in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh is home to plenty of diploma and entry-level nursing programs for those just starting out in the industry. Options include the Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed practical nurses who want to expand their career opportunities and take on additional patient care responsibilities may want to pursue a career as a registered nurse. For LPNs, there are special LPN to RN bridge programs that build upon their prior coursework and professional experience to prepare them for a new career as an RN. The Community College of Allegheny County offers an LPN to RN program for students with a valid practical nursing license that consists of 30 credits of nursing courses completed over four semesters of study.

ADN Programs

This basic entry-level program is most typically found at community and technical colleges in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. These programs typically take 2 years to complete. The Community College of Allegheny County, for example, offers a traditional associate's degree in nursing as well as an accelerated version for those with LPN training.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Traditional, four-year bachelor's degree programs are increasingly becoming the norm for RNs. Offered at colleges and universities, direct-entry BSN programs are designed for those who do not already hold an RN license or lower nursing degree/diploma. Carlow University offers a pre-licensure BSN as well as a second-degree BSN for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline.

Find out more about Pennsylvania Accelerated Second Degree BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Pittsburgh, PA

Bridge programs, also known as RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs, are popular pathways for those who already hold an RN license. These programs are typically shorter than traditional BSN or MSN programs since they take into account some courses and experiences that RNs may already have completed in their prior program.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN program allows nurses to earn a 4-year degree in a fraction of the time. The RN to BSN program through Chatham University allows students to transfer up to 90 credits of college-level courses to count towards their 120 credit requirement. Courses are taken in an online "distance learning" format, an increasingly popular option.

Learn more about Pennsylvania RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

For those in the Pittsburgh area who know they want to enter an advanced specialty or nursing career, the RN to MSN pathway is ideal. Like the RN to BSN option, this degree type is for licensed RNs who have previously completed an ADN or diploma program. Robert Morris University offers a 37-credit RN to MSN program in which the student earns both a BSN and an MSN degree. Some RN to MSN programs do not culminate in both degrees, however.

Learn more about Pennsylvania RN to MSN Programs

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

If you're a registered nurse looking to advance your career, RN to BSN and MSN programs offer flexible paths to higher education. These programs build on your experience and help you gain new skills. Many schools provide online or hybrid options to fit busy schedules. The table below lists schools with their locations, program highlights, and links to learn more. Explore to find a program that matches your goals and start your journey toward advancement today.

Greensburg, PA

Seton Hill University

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in as little as 10 months
- Online 8-week course sessions
- 33 credits awarded for RN license
- $450 per credit tuition rate
- Flexible full-time and part-time options
- Up to 90 credits can transfer
- Career-relevant nursing courses
- Multiple start dates annually

Pittsburgh, PA

Carlow University

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online format
- 11-16 months duration
- 120 total credits
- CCNE-accredited program
- 8 core nursing courses
- Generous transfer credit policy
- Tuition assistance opportunities

*U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pittsburgh, PA

Those wishing to climb the ranks to the highest nursing positions and nurse practitioner specialties may wish to enroll in an advanced nursing program. RNs can earn a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a post-master's certificate, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to achieve their goals.

MSN Programs

A traditional MSN degree can be earned in roughly 2 years of study. Students typically have their choice of several tracks or specializations, and flexible full-time or part-time schedules are often available. California University of Pennsylvania offers an MSN degree with two specialty options: Nursing Administration and Leadership or Nursing Education.

Learn more about Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Also referred to as post-grad certificates, these programs are designed to help MSN-educated nurses change specialties without having to go through another full degree program. Duquesne University, for example, offers an online post-master's certificate in forensic nursing that consists of just five courses.

Find out more about Pennsylvania Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Doctoral nursing programs are at the top of the nursing chain. Students who complete a DNP are poised to enter the highest clinical nursing careers. The University of Pittsburgh, for example, offers multiple DNP pathways and specialties, including both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP options. Specialization tracks include neonatal, pediatric primary care, adult-gerontology, nurse anesthesia, and more.

Learn more about Pennsylvania DNP Programs

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh offers several APRN programs for nurses seeking advanced degrees like MSN, DNP, and NP. These programs help you specialize in areas such as family care, pediatrics, or acute care. Schools in the city provide hands-on training and flexible schedules. Below is a table listing local schools, their program highlights, and links to learn more. Explore options to find the right fit for your career goals in nursing.

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