Harrisburg University in downtown Harrisburg
A new, Harrisburg-based program aims to help solve one of today’s greatest healthcare challenges—a critical shortage of nurses.
UPMC and Harrisburg University this week jointly announced the opening of the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg, which will feature an accelerated, 16-month degree program for registered nurses.
“There is a critical shortage of nurses in our region, and we are happy to partner with Harrisburg University to help fill that need,” said Philip Guarneschelli, president of UPMC in Central Pa., in a statement. “It’s an ideal program for students who want to start an exciting career in nursing as soon as possible.”
The school expects to welcome up to 200 students for its inaugural class, slated to start in August at Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg.
First-year students will take non-nursing courses at Harrisburg University, nursing courses from UPMC faculty and complete over 900 hours of clinical rotations at UPMC Harrisburg and other regional UPMC facilities. Once students graduate and pass the RN licensing examination, they will be positioned to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing from Harrisburg University while maintaining full-time employment, according to UPMC.
“This further strengthens the university’s commitment to the latest technology, state-of-the-art resources, academic support and a learning environment that will facilitate the training of well-prepared 21st-century nursing graduates who can confront today’s unpredictable health care challenges,” said Dr. Eric Darr, HU president.
According to UPMC, scholarship and grant opportunities may be available, and UPMC offers a tuition reimbursement program for employees to continue their education, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing. UPMC officials stated that they also offer a work-study program so that eligible students can work around their class schedule at UPMC while earning their degree.
“Nurses are an essential component of our health care system, and we value our partnerships with the universities and colleges who are helping meet these and other important health care staffing needs,” Guarneschelli said.
Registration for the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg is now open. Limited faculty positions are also still available. For more information, visit UPMC.com/ShadysideSchoolOfNursing.
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