Diploma programs

[burghblonde]

Looking at Diploma (RN) programs in the Pittsburgh area. I have spent the last 4 semesters getting pre and co requisites out of the way for a local community college program and I am not happy with the unorganized methods at the school. I realized that it is in my best interest, for what I am looking for, to move to a straight clinical program. With 2 wonderful hospital networks in the Pittsburgh area I am so stumped on which to choose and plan to take the pre and entrance testing for both. Any input from those of you who may have completed, or are currently active, in any of these programs would be greatly appreciated. This is my second career and my lifelong dream, as well as a long commute daily, so I need to make the best decision possible. My goal...to work in pediatric oncology eventually. Any input out there?

[c.kelly20]

Hello burghblonde! I just graduated from West Penn Hospital School of Nursing in June. It is a diploma program, obviously within the Allegheny Health Network. It is a 22 month program broken up into 8 ten week terms (with brief Christmas and "summer" breaks). It is a very challenging program, with the lowest passing grade being 78%. You start having clinical experience from the very beginning, which for me, was very helpful. The class sizes are small and the teachers know you by name. I'm very thankful for the solid education they gave me, though I worked very hard to get it. I was doing things in clinical during my first few weeks that other schools hadn't learned yet. The program is accelerated but respectable and our NCLEX pass rate is above the rest. I plan to go back for my BSN but West Penn was a great starting point for me.

I hope this helps!