2/26/2026
WASHINGTON, Pa. – The former Washington Health System School of Nursing has become the UPMC Washington School of Nursing, a transition that reflects both the growth of the program and UPMC’s continued investment in nursing education and workforce development in Washington and Greene counties.
The name change coincides with expanded enrollment and a new admissions model designed to increase access to high‑quality nursing education close to home. This will help ensure the region has the skilled nurses it needs for years to come.
Growing Enrollment to Meet Community Demand
In January 2026, the school welcomed its first yearly spring class, enrolling 43 students, more than doubling the enrollment from last spring. The transition to twice‑yearly admissions, with classes beginning each January and September, increases capacity and provides more predictable entry points for aspiring nurses in the region.
The school currently enrolls 50 students in its diploma program, with 17 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students continuing their education through the school’s partnership with Washington & Jefferson College.
In December 2025, 16 students graduated as the final class under the Washington Health System School of Nursing name, with 14 choosing to begin their careers at UPMC Washington. The December 2025 graduating class currently has a 92 percent National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate, with four graduates still scheduled to take the exam.
A Modern, Integrated UPMC Curriculum
With its transition into the UPMC system, the school has adopted UPMC’s concept‑based curriculum used across all UPMC nursing campuses. The updated 16‑month program integrates all coursework — including non‑nursing classes — into a single, seamless curriculum. Students complete 967 clinical hours, gain hands‑on experience early in their nursing education and now qualify for financial aid across the entire program.
“Renaming the school to UPMC Washington School of Nursing represents far more than a new name,” said Susan Shaffer, director of the UPMC Washington School of Nursing. “It represents a renewed commitment to the students we serve and to the future of nursing in our community. By expanding our cohorts, strengthening our curriculum and integrating fully into the UPMC Schools of Nursing network, we’re creating more opportunities for students to learn, grow and succeed. Our graduates are not only exceptionally prepared — they are deeply connected to the patients and families of Washington and Greene counties. I’m incredibly proud of the work our faculty and staff are doing to support student success at every step.”
To support the expansion, UPMC Washington has added faculty, introduced a Student Success & Retention Nurse Specialist and has begun repurposing space to increase classroom and skills‑lab capacity.
Investing in the Region’s Nursing Workforce
All current and future students are eligible for UPMC’s tuition loan forgiveness program, which helps reduce financial barriers to nursing education. Students who receive support commit to working at a UPMC facility for one year per $7,000 forgiven, up to a three‑year commitment for full program coverage.
This investment directly supports UPMC Washington’s efforts to recruit, retain and grow a strong nursing workforce close to home.
“The evolution to the UPMC Washington School of Nursing is another powerful example of UPMC’s investment in our region since the 2024 merger,” said Maribeth McLaughlin, chief nurse executive, UPMC. “This expansion strengthens the pipeline of talented nurses who will care for our community for years to come. Workforce development has been one of our highest priorities, and this program’s growth — from larger class sizes to expanded clinical experiences and loan‑forgiveness opportunities — directly supports that mission. We are proud to welcome these students to UPMC and will be honored when they choose to begin their careers at UPMC.”
Student Experience
“UPMC Washington School of Nursing not only gave me the tools to succeed in the field of nursing but the confidence as well,” said Joseph Lanasa, a December 2025 graduate. “The program gave me the strongest foundation to build my nursing career upon. This is due in part to the faculty, who were always available to the students and aided us in any way possible. With the support of the school and faculty, they facilitated the transition into a professional nursing role in the hospital.”
About UPMC Washington School of Nursing
For more than 100 years, the school has educated nurses committed to compassionate, skilled patient care. Now part of the UPMC system, the UPMC Washington School of Nursing continues its mission to prepare practice‑ready nurses while expanding access, enhancing clinical training and supporting the future of healthcare across southwestern Pennsylvania.
To learn more about the UPMC Washington School of Nursing, visit UPMC.com.
Photos (click for high-resolution version)
First Photo
Caption: The December 2025 graduating class marks the final group to graduate as Washington Health System School of Nursing, ahead of the school’s transition to UPMC Washington School of Nursing.
Credit: UPMC
Second Photo
Caption: External view of UPMC Washington Hospital
Credit: UPMC
Third Photo
Caption: Signage at UPMC Washington Hospital
Credit: UPMC
