Leah, a recent graduate of UPMC Schools of Nursing
Pave Your Path
Whether you’re a first-time student or are looking for a new career path, UPMC Schools of Nursing are here to help you accelerate your goals. With multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania and various program lengths to accommodate your learning and lifestyle needs, UPMC Schools of Nursing pave your path to becoming a registered nurse in as little as 16 months.
Submit Your Interest
Program tracks that fit your life and goals
Students of all ages have different learning styles and preferences. That’s why UPMC Schools of Nursing offer four different program types to help you find your nursing school fit. Whether you’re looking to get your diploma as quickly as possible or you’re looking for a program that allows you to work while you study, UPMC Schools of Nursing have you covered.
16-month full-time program: Earn your diploma in four semesters with our standard accelerated nursing program. Classes are M-F daylight hours, with program options beginning in the fall, spring, and summer.
24-month extended program1: Learn at the pace that works for you! This gradual program runs for six semesters, with classes during daylight hours.
32-month part-time program2: Designed for working professionals and non-traditional students, this 8-semester program includes evening and weekend classes to suit your lifestyle.
LPN-RN bridge program: Are you a current licensed practical nurse (LPN)? This 4-semester program is designed to help you grow your career to become a registered nurse in 16 months, eliminating introductory nursing courses.
1 Available at UPMC Mercy location only. 2 Available at UPMC Shadyside location only.
Looking to learn more about locations and the programs offered at them? Schedule a tour or attend an info session to learn about programs, curriculum, financial aid and tuition, and more.
Locations Close to Home
With campuses across Pennsylvania, UPMC Schools of Nursing’s locations are designed to help provide a cutting-edge nursing education close to the place you call home.
UPMC Mercy
FALL START
RN Full-Time and RN Extended (24 months)
- Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
- Program Start Date: September 2, 2025
SUMMER START
RN Full-Time
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Program Start Date: May 4, 2026
UPMC Shadyside | Pittsburgh
FALL START
RN Full-Time and RN Part-Time (32 months)
- Application Deadline: July 7, 2025 *extended
- Program Start Date: September 2, 2025
SPRING START
RN Full-Time
- Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Program Start Date: January 5, 2026
UPMC St. Margaret
FALL START
RN Full-Time and LPN-RN Bridge
- Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
- Program Start Date: September 2, 2025
UPMC Jameson
FALL START
RN Full-Time and LPN-RN Bridge
- Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
- Program Start Date: September 2, 2025
SPRING START
RN Full-Time
- Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Program Start Date: January 1, 2026
Washington Health System
FALL START
RN Full-Time
- Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
- Program Start Date: September 2, 2025
SPRING START
RN Full-Time
- Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Program Start Date: January 1, 2026
UPMC Shadyside at UPMC Harrisburg
FALL START
RN Full-Time
- Application Deadline: July 7, 2025 *extended
- Program Start Date: September 2, 2025
SUMMER START
RN Full-Time
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Program Start Date: May 4, 2026
UPMC Jameson at UPMC Hamot
FALL START
RN Full-Time and LPN-RN Bridge
- Application Deadline: June 7, 2025 *extended
- Program Start Date: September 2, 2025
SUMMER START
RN Full-Time and LPN-RN Bridge
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Program Start Date: May 4, 2026
Submit Your Interest
Why Choose UPMC Schools of Nursing?
Reason #1
Gain hands-on experience
Get hands-on clinical experience in UPMC’s state-of-the-art facilities beginning on your first week of classes. By the time you graduate, you’ll have over 1,000 hours of clinical experience.
Reason #2
Works towards your BSN
Earn up to 69 college credit equivalencies by the end of your program, which you’ll be able to transfer to our partnering universities for an RN-BSN bridge program, including no-cost options for UPMC employees.
Reason #3
Save Money
Become a registered nurse up to 2 years sooner than you would at a traditional four-year degree program, at a fraction of the cost.
Reason #4
Set yourself up for success
Receive personalized guidance to help you gain the skills and confidence you need for a successful nursing career with a 1:8 educator-to-student ratio in clinical settings, as well as dedicated student success managers.
Reason #5
Learn from the best
With 10 UPMC hospitals receiving Magnet® Recognition for excellence in nursing, you’ll be learning from the best of the best – nurses and educators with experience in UPMC’s culture of cutting-edge nursing and compassionate care.
Tuition & Aid
We know the cost of higher education is intimidating, so we’re committed to keeping quality, innovative nursing education as affordable as possible. With UPMC Schools of Nursing, you can become a registered nurse up to 2 years sooner than you would in a traditional degree program – at a total cost that is less than the average cost of one year of college tuition.
Students who successfully complete their first semester and continue to meet academic requirements are eligible to receive up to $7,000/semester in tuition forgiveness* for all remaining semesters – and you’ll secure a nursing position with UPMC before you graduate! UPMC Schools of Nursing also participate in grant and loan programs for students with financial need.
* UPMC Schools of Nursing Tuition Loan Forgiveness program has been extended through 2025. By participating, students must commit to a three-year work agreement with UPMC upon program completion. Click here for more information on tuition and fees. Click here to learn more about additional financial aid options.
Hear from Alumni
Where Passion Meets Purpose: Leah’s UPMC Story
Starting her career in Environmental Services, Leah shares how she fell in love with health care and became a nurse.
Nurses of the Future: Testimonials from UPMC Schools of Nursing
Hear from some of our most recent graduates about what their experience at UPMC Schools of Nursing has meant to them.