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Chatham University and UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing proudly present Pathways to Nursing, a dynamic, collaborative program designed to empower the next generation of healthcare leaders. In just four years, students earn both a Nursing Diploma from UPMC Shadyside and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Chatham University while gaining real-world experience as licensed Registered Nurses.
This unique dual-degree pathway blends rigorous academic preparation with hands-on clinical training, equipping graduates with the expertise, adaptability, and compassion essential for success in today’s fast-evolving healthcare landscape.
Graduate with a Nursing Diploma from UPMC Shadyside and a BSN from Chatham University for a competitive edge in education and career.
Students complete one full year of professional RN work while finishing their BSN, allowing them to enter the workforce with licensure, clinical experience, and confidence.
Benefit from problem-based learning, close faculty mentorship, and simulation labs in a collaborative culture which emphasizes compassionate care and academic excellence.
Graduates are ready for employment, advanced study, and leadership in various healthcare settings, supported by strong job placement and alumni networks.
Pathways to Nursing (PTN) students are guaranteed full-time Graduate Nurse employment at a UPMC facility upon graduation, provided they complete pre-employment screenings and obtain RN licensure per UPMC’s policy. Additionally, PTN students who accept a UPMC role before starting the online RN-BSN year are eligible for tuition advancement of up to $6,000 per academic year.
Pathways to Nursing students complete general education and science courses at Chatham's Shadyside Campus and prelicensure nursing courses at . After completing the SSON program in their third year and passing the NCLEX-RN, students become Registered Nurses (RN) and enter Chatham's accredited online RN-BSN program for their final year. Click the button below to view an example of a student's degree progression.
Explore Pathways to Nursing Curriculum : Checkerboard 2 - Courses & Curriculum
Save money and earn two degrees in less time: qualified students from the Pathways to Nursing program are guaranteed early admission to Chatham’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
Explore IDP : Checkerboard 3 - Integrated Degree Program (IDP)
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing offers a state-of-the-art human simulation lab for students to practice their skills before approaching a real patient, as well as a curriculum based on quality and safety principles. In addition to the tech simulation, we bring in real people for our nursing students to practice mental health care.
Watch this video for an inside look at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing (SSON), part of a partnership exclusive to Chatham University’s unique Nursing (Pathways to Nursing) BSN degree. Nursing (Pathways to Nursing) students take undergraduate courses at Chatham and their nursing courses at SSON.
Chatham and UPMC SSON offer dedicated nursing faculty and academic advising for all four years. Professors bring experiences to relate the course lessons to real-world situations.
Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 6 - Program Faculty
Click the button below to learn more about Chatham's Pathways to Nursing program admissions process, requirements, and information for international applicants.
View Admissions Requirements : Checkerboard 7 - Admissions Requirements
Learn about nursing student and faculty accomplishments, alumni achievements, and various activities that occurred over the last academic year—in Pittsburgh, and all over the country.
Read the Newsletter : Checkerboard 8 - In Touch Newsletters
