If I attend Upmc Shadyside SON diploma program, will I be able to to get masters?

carbon86 · Jul 19, 2013

Yes, you can get your masters if you go to Shady Side. As with any education it's a process. First you would get your under graduate degree which would be your RN (or BSN but for arguments sake were gonna start with the diploma Rn), then you would either get your BSN or go directly from your RN to your MSN.

I am also a wife and mother of 3. I was seriously considering a diploma program but the 18 month fast track program at CCAC was a better choice for me (I start in August). Shady Side has a part time and full time program which is great for working parents. Just keep in mind though that you will still have to take your co-reqs like English, A and P I II, Micro, and the others. The difference with Shadyside is that you are able to take them along side of your nursing classes. I am not sure how full your hands are with kids and work but it may be better for you to take some of your non-nursing classes prior to nursing school because it can be a lot to juggle. I took all of my non-nursing courses prior to even applying for the nursing program.

DidiRN · Jul 20, 2013

Moved to PA State Nursing Programs for best response.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2013

I graduated from shadyside 5 years ago. After graduating I went onto chatham and got my RN-BSN, although you could go to any other RN-BSN program. While chatham is a fast program (I graduated in only 8 months) it is very expensive and if you shop around you will find much cheaper options.

I am currently enrolled in a MSN program. The education you will get at shadyside will provide a strong foundation for your nursing career.

DJones2 · Jul 21, 2013

Thanks sooo much!!! @carbon86 Good luck also! @christineN thank you so much also! Great advice! What MSN program are you enrolled in now? I'm looking to becoming a NNP (neonatal nurse practioner)

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jul 23, 2013

Thanks sooo much!!! @carbon86 Good luck also! @christineN thank you so much also! Great advice! What MSN program are you enrolled in now? I'm looking to becoming a NNP (neonatal nurse practioner)

I relocated after a couple years and am now at LaSalle University in Philly. If you are planning on staying in Pgh I don't think anyone has an NNP program except for Pitt.

naturalgirl · Jul 25, 2013

@christine, if you moved from PA, do you have to take the RN exam in the state that you move to?

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jul 26, 2013

@christine if you moved from PA, do you have to take the RN exam in the state that you move to?[/quote']
No, you only have to take NCLEX once. It is a national exam, that is state legislated. All you have to do is apply for license in another state by endorsement, normally takes a couple weeks and that's it

naturalgirl · Jul 29, 2013

Awesome! I'm out of Pittsburgh after school! Lol

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2013

Awesome! I'm out of Pittsburgh after school! Lol

If you have a diploma, you may actually find it easier to get a job in Pgh and work while you get your BSN. My part of the country has many hospitals that are BSN only, including for experienced nurses. Even my current hospital won't hire without a BSN

naturalgirl · Aug 1, 2013

I am going to stay here and work while I get my BSN. I figured that's about another 1-2 years. I'm just excited to get out of this city! Lol