North Pittsburgh Nursing school???

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

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Hi all, husband and I are moving to a north suburb of Pittsburgh (Cranberry area). I've been an STNA in Ohio for a year now and wanted to start nursing school soon. I was planning on LPN, but I have a Bachelor's in another subject and am open to ADN or accelerated BSN. The thing is, while there are many great schools in Pittsburgh (pitt, st.margaret, etc) it's over an hour drive into the city so I'd rather find something closer. Lenape Tech in Kittanning which I have seen praised on these boards is also over an hour away :( Is there a closer nursing school to Cranberry that I am missing? I'd appreciate any/all help! :bowingpur thanks!! -Filumena

Specializes in School Nursing.

How close is Sewickley? They have a very good diploma program. (Sewickley Valley School of Nursing) Also check with the closest community college. CCAC has a good program. Not sure if there is a campus near you or not.

Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

What about Butler? I work with a few people who went to school there. There used to be some four year universities that have satellite campus centers in Cranberry. I can't remember which schools. You may be able to do your pre-req's there and some of your other classroom stuff.

I'm looking into Sewickley--that could work! Unfortunately, the school moved to Moon Township. Do you have any idea about tuition? I couldn't find much info. on the website.

I go to Butler County Community College (BC3) and live near Cranberry. Just got my acceptance letter into their ASN program this week. They have a satellite campus in Cranberry and also online classes. They run a little under $100 a credit for Butler County Residents.

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) has ASN nursing programs at several of their campuses. I think they start 2 times a year.

La Roche, in the North Hills, has a ADN program also. West Penn, UPMC Mercy, UPMC Shadyside, and UPMC St. Margaret, all have diploma programs. Pitt and Duquesne both have BSN programs. There are a couple others that have programs an hour or more outside the city.

As you can see, there are lots of options in the area. I am not sure which one is the closest for you, but getting into downtown really doesn't take very long. It takes me about 20-30 minutes to get to the North Shore from Cranberry. I would suggest Googling the ones listed to see which one is the best fit for you.

PM me if you have any questions. I have been researching the schools in the area to figure out my backup plan if I didn't get into BC3. Best of luck to you. You have moved to a great city to start a healthcare career.

Do you (or anyone else) know anything about LaRoche? Besides the fact that it's pricey, unfortunately. :( But, it looks like the closest to me and has no pre-reqs. Butler (like most RN programs) requires pre-reqs and since I was planning on starting with LPN, I've just been working as a CNA and haven't taken an pre-reqs. St. Margaret's LPN class starts only once a year and is already full for this year, so LaRoche may be my best option. Anyone have any opinions/info/experience with LaRoche College?

I don't know much about La Roche's program, other than it is relatively new.

As far as BC3 goes, you don't have to have all the classes as prereqs, most of them can be completed as coreqs. You have to have a lab biology (a&p I covers this requirement) and lab chemistry, within the last 5 years and a GPA of 2.7 or higher to apply. They are flexible too. One of the girls in my class has been utilizing chemistry for years with her prior job and had several chem classes for her prior degree. Because she had work experience, they forgave the chebmistry requirement. If you call them and ask they are super nice and gave me lots of encouragement as far as returning to school after 10 years with 2 kids.

La Roche :down:

look at NCLEX pass rates for PA, they are second to last.

Because of this they are aggressively teaching to the test. i.e. panic mode.

Costs way too much.

On the plus side you can get right in, no waiting. wonder why? you should.

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