Frequently Asked Questions about the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing

Where is the school located?

We are located at Motor Square Garden, 5900 Baum Blvd., a historic building in the East Liberty neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Our location provides parking and easy access to public transportation. Maps and detailed directions are available.

How long has the school been in business?

The UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing has been preparing high-caliber nurses since 1884. Originally founded as the Pittsburgh Training School for Nurses, it was the first nursing school between the Allegheny Mountains and Chicago. The School has prepared more than 4,000 men and women for rewarding nursing careers since graduating its first class in 1887. Many of our graduates now serve in health care leadership roles throughout this region and beyond.

What credential is awarded upon graduation?

Our graduates receive a diploma in nursing and are prepared to sit for the State Board licensure examination to become a registered nurse (RN).

What are my options for full- and part-time study?

A full-time schedule is 5 days per week. A typical day is 6 to 8 hours of class or clinical training. A full-time student completes the program in 22 months.

A part-time evening/weekend schedule for RN nursing courses involves two to three nights per week or two nights per week plus Saturday. Classes begin after 5 p.m. Clinical nursing classes are scheduled two nights per week and a minimum of every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday during daylight hours). A part-time student taking evening/weekend classes completes the program in 4 years.

Is financial aid available?

Our students have many opportunities for possible tuition reimbursement. Nearly 85 percent of our students receive financial aid from state or federal sources. Federal PELL Grants, state grants, Stafford Loans, and Plus Loans are some of the programs that have helped our students.

Do you help with job placement?

Career opportunities for nurses are abundant at UPMC. That trend is expected to continue well into the next decade. During your training, you will be exposed to a wide variety of nursing careers within UPMC. UPMC nurses enjoy competitive pay, opportunities for professional growth and development, tuition reimbursement for spouses and children, and other benefits. To learn more about nursing opportunities at UPMC.

How do I apply?

Visit the How to Apply section of this website for more details, or request an admission packet by calling our Admission Office at 412-623-4069. This packet contains program information, such as admission criteria and procedures, curriculum, academic calendar, and tuition schedule. Request an electronic catalog.

Contact Us

Shadyside School of Nursing
Motor Square Garden
5900 Baum Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-623-2950​

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