UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing

The 16-month accelerated RN diploma program is the school’s flagship offering, blending classroom instruction with clinical rotations at UPMC hospitals. Students praise the state-of-the-art simulation lab for hands-on practice, and the curriculum’s intensity is frequently noted ('a lot of work but worth it,' per a Reddit review). The program is designed for efficiency—ideal for career-changers or those balancing work and family obligations. Faculty support is highlighted in testimonials, with one student citing a 3.0 GPA and feeling 'very supported.' A partnership with Chatham University offers pathways to further nursing degrees.

With 594 students, the school fosters a tight-knit, career-focused community. The 16-month program’s pace leaves little room for traditional campus life, but students engage in clinical rotations across UPMC’s Pittsburgh hospitals, blending learning with real-world experience. Celebrations like National Student Nurse Day and commencement ceremonies (noted for their 'heartwarming' atmosphere) punctuate the rigorous schedule. Off-campus, Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods provide casual hangouts, though the program’s intensity means socializing often revolves around study groups.

UPMC Shadyside boasts strong NCLEX-RN pass rates (97% in 2024) and near-perfect job placement (99.5% in 2025), but its graduation rate lags at 54% over five years—a point scrutinized in local investigations. Graduates earn $63K starting salaries, rising to $71K within five years, outperforming national averages for RNs. The program’s attrition may reflect its accelerated pace, with some students struggling to balance demands. Still, those who persist are highly employable, often within UPMC’s vast hospital network.

Tuition is $18,917 annually, with 60% of students taking loans (averaging $10,199) and 27% receiving federal grants ($3,504). The school offers a net price calculator and promotes private scholarships, though average total aid is modest ($5,944/year). The accelerated format reduces long-term costs but demands full-time commitment, limiting part-time work options. Financial aid advising is available, but the program’s brevity means fewer institutional aid opportunities compared to traditional colleges.

UPMC Shadyside is a no-frills, high-reward pipeline into nursing, leveraging its UPMC hospital affiliations for unmatched clinical access. The 16-month timeline is a standout for speed-to-licensure, and its 97% NCLEX pass rate validates the rigor. However, the 54% graduation rate signals a sink-or-swim environment—best suited for highly motivated students. For those who thrive, the payoff is clear: near-guaranteed employment in a top-tier health system and salaries that outpace peers. It’s Pittsburgh’s best-kept secret for aspiring RNs who want to bypass the liberal arts and get straight to work.