Nursing Program FAQ

Below you will find frequently-asked questions about the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Nursing Program. Check back to this page often, as information will continually be added.

Q: Why should I choose the Pitt-Greensburg BSN program?

A: There are many reasons to choose the Pitt-Greensburg BSN program. Here are just a few:

  • The Pitt School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top nursing programs, both nationally and globally. That attention to educational quality extends from the undergraduate programs through the graduate programs—and to Pitt-Greensburg’s BSN program.
     
  • Pitt-Greensburg offers the resources of a large university within an intimate learning environment. That means you know your professors and your professors know you.
     
  • In addition to earning your BSN, you will have the opportunity to choose a variety of minors. Pitt-Greensburg uniquely offers a minor in Healthcare Management program, which will set you up for further career advancement as you climb the medical career ladder.

Q:  Is the Pitt-Greensburg nursing program the same as Pitt School of Nursing?

A: YES! Pitt-Greensburg follows the same curriculum and graduate with the same University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing degree as students at the Oakland campus.  When you graduate from the Pitt-Greensburg BSN program, you will become part of a large network of prestigious Pitt School of Nursing alumni who can be found working throughout our region and nation.

Q: Is Pitt-Greensburg nursing accredited?

A: YES! The BSN program at Pitt-Greensburg holds the same national and state accreditations as the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. This includes Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation, which ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs. CCNE accreditation means our program meets the established rigorous standards of the organization and engages in effective educational practices.

As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and nurse residency/fellowship programs.

Q:  What are the advantages to attending accredited nursing schools?

A: Nursing school accreditation allows students to participate in federally funded and state-entitlement programs. Graduates from accredited nursing school programs also qualify to attend other accredited schools to pursue advanced studies, including master and doctoral programs.

Q: What is the NCLEX Exam?

A: The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a licensing exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).  This examination measures the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed, entry-level RN.  Questions presented on the NCLEX ensure the applicant has attained the clinical judgment necessary to make quality nursing judgments and provide safe patient care. 

Q: Will this program help prepare me for the NCLEX?

A: Yes. Faculty use questions like those found on NCLEX throughout the curriculum in teaching presentations and on exams to help students be familiar with the types of questions they will be presented with on NCLEX.  We also utilize the ATI Educational System, which provides a wide variety of learning material and assessment tools for students designed to identify strengths and weaknesses so that students can focus of their areas of need. ATI also helps nursing faculty identify the specific content needs for each nursing student so that they can strengthen their areas of weakness.  There is a direct correlation between meeting success on ATI testing and the NCLEX exams. Students who are successful using the many ATI testing materials usually do well on the NCLEX exams.

Prior to graduation, students attend the ATI 3 Day Live Review, which is taught by an ATI Educator and reviews important content learned throughout the program to prepare students for NCLEX.  Students also complete the ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor exam, which provides students and faculty with a numeric indication of the likelihood of passing the NCLEX-RN at the student’s current level of readiness and serves as a guide for remediation efforts based on the exam content missed.

Q: Will I be prepared to further my nursing education after graduating Pitt-Greensburg’s Nursing program?

A: YES! A BSN is the best degree to have if you plan to pursue a graduate degree (Master’s, DPN, or PhD) in nursing or an associated field.

Q: What is the cost of the Nursing program?

A: The tuition and cost for Pitt-Greensburg’s nursing program is competitive with other accredited programs in the region. For details related to the costs of attending our program, please click here.

Q: Why is the Nursing tuition higher than other programs on campus?

Professional programs at Pitt—business, engineering, computing and information, nursing, and health and rehabilitation science—varies by program but is higher than general arts and sciences because these programs are costlier to provide due to clinical requirements. In general, all tuition rates are lower in the regional campuses than for the analogous programs at the Pittsburgh campus. This differential reflect the University’s commitment to the regions where its campuses are located and its recognition that their local economies are different and more challenged than the Pittsburgh economy.

Q: What learning facilities are available for nursing students?

A:  In January 2023, Pitt-Greensburg opened its Life Sciences Building, which provides a state-of-the-art facility for the natural science and nursing courses. The Nursing Skills Lab offers both classroom and an 8 bed practice area, where students learn a skill and then practice that skill at the bedside.  Expansion of the nursing program into the Life Sciences Building has provided 2 simulation rooms equipped with high-fidelity simulation mannequins.  Simulation education provides students the opportunity to practice clinical and decision-making skills in a safe environment that does not compromise patient well-being.

Q:  Are there Study Abroad opportunities for nursing students?

A:  Yes.  All students first must earn a minimum of 24 Pitt credits before being eligible to study abroad. Many Nursing students take advantage of Summer Term programs, although you can go abroad during any term (after earning 24 credits).  Participating in a study abroad program during a Fall or Spring Term will interrupt your curriculum sequence and extend your time to graduation.

Pitt Nursing students can use study abroad credits toward not only their program requirements, minor requirements, and language acquisition, but also learning certificates such as the Global Health Certificate and the National Preparedness and Homeland Security Certificate. Lynnea Lombardi is the Program Manager for nursing-related global experiences and study abroad programs and can provide you with more information regarding Study Abroad opportunities.