# The Top 20 Two\-Year Nursing Programs in Pittsburgh for 2026 - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-20-two-year-nursing-programs-in-pittsburgh-for-2024/ - Published: 2024-02-11 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- As a higher education reform expert, I analyze nursing programs across the country based on affordability, quality of education, career outcomes, and other key metrics. Pittsburgh offers several high-value two-year Associate‘s Degree in Nursing programs that provide tremendous ROI for graduates entering the nursing profession. In this 3,000 word guide, I profile the top 20 ADN programs in Pittsburgh and offer my insider perspective on why they stand out. ## An Insider‘s Overview of Nursing Education in Pittsburgh With a major aging population and expanding healthcare sector, demand for nurses in Pittsburgh is growing rapidly. The city‘s nursing schools are responding through targeted curriculum innovations and partnerships with leading health systems. As outlined in the table below, two-year ADN programs in Pittsburgh report strong career outcomes: | Metric | Result | | --- | --- | | Average Tuition | $11,200 | | Acceptance Rate | 75% | | Graduation Rate | 82% | | First-Time NCLEX Pass Rate | 87% | | Avg Starting Salary | $55,000 | _Data compiled from IPEDS and Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing statistics._ These high ROI programs provide the accelerated training needed to begin rewarding RN careers. Many grads obtain jobs at prestigious health networks like UPMC, Allegheny Health, Heritage Valley and more. Now let‘s explore the top nursing programs in Pittsburgh and why they stand out. ## 1. Community College of Allegheny County With over 5,000 nursing graduates and 50 years training Pittsburgh‘s top nurses, CCBC has the scale, expertise and employer connections that produce outstanding outcomes. The school maintains strong partnerships with major health systems to place students in clinical rotations. Graduates consistently rate their training as very relevant to on-the-job needs according to ICES alumni surveys. CCBC also utilizes cutting-edge simulation labs that provide critical hands-on experience. Developed in collaboration with Laerdal Medical, the sim labs feature advanced human patient mannequins and scenarios to develop clinical competency. **Key Stats:** - 5,241 ADN Grads Over Past Decade - 87% NCLEX Pass Rate - 3,600+ Clinical Rotation Hours ## 2. Citizen‘s School of Nursing As Pittsburgh‘s oldest nursing school dating back to 1913, Citizen‘s has trained over 6,000 nurses that go on to rewarding careers. The school has invested over $2 million in recent years to upgrade facilities and technology. Citizen‘s simulation labs use industry-standard equipment found in most major hospitals to align education with practice. I‘ve also been impressed by Citizen‘s career development offerings. The school provides resume assistance, interview coaching, job referrals and more through its Career Services department. **Key Stats:** - 6,112 ADN Grads Since 1963 - 93% First-Time NCLEX Pass Rate - 210+ Clinical Sites ## 3. Allegany College of Maryland While just across the border from Pittsburgh, Allegany‘s ADN program should be on the radar of any prospective nursing student in the region. The school is designated an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education – one of just 19 two-year colleges nationwide to earn this distinction based on program quality and outcomes. Allegany also offers a degree pathway tailored specifically for LPNs looking to advance their practice, making it easier for working nurses to earn an ADN credential. I expect more schools to roll out programs catering to this audience in the future. **Key Stats:** - Designated NLN Center of Excellence - 87% NCLEX Pass Rate - Bridge Program for LPNs ## 4. Indiana County Technology Center For students seeking very affordable tuition, Indiana County Tech offers exceptional value. Graduates consistently give the school high ratings for career preparation. All students gain experience through clinical rotations at Indiana Regional Medical Center. They work across departments like the emergency room, intensive care, pediatrics and more. Indiana Tech has also formed innovative partnerships with correctional facilities to place students in clinicals. This provides invaluable experience handling a wide range of medical situations. **Key Stats**: - $8,950 Tuition - 94% Employer Satisfaction Rate - 200-Hour Clinical Requirement ## 5. Westmoreland County Community College WCCC has radically overhauled its ADN curriculum over the past few years to align with the latest industry trends. Students now complete over 100 specialized lab modules focused on key scenarios like medication administration, wound care and telemetry. The school also realized many graduates were choosing roles in long-term, home health and hospice care over hospitals. In response, WCCC increased gerontology course content by over 60% to better support this career path. Finally, WCCC partnered with the Wolford Center, a memory care facility, to offer dedicated clinical rotations focused on dementia and Alzheimer‘s care. Proactive alignments like this prepare graduates to excel in their nursing specialty. **Key Stats:** - Overhauled Curriculum Aligned to Industry Needs - Long-Term Care Course Content Up 60% - Specialized Gerontology Clinical Site ## 6. Buter County Community College While small in size at just 300 nursing students, BC3‘s program leverages its tight-knit community to provide exceptional education. The school has formed partnerships with over 100 healthcare providers to ensure students receive clinical experience in their desired specialty. Whether interested in pediatric care, cardiology, gerontology or other fields, BC3 can arrange customized rotations. Students also benefit from the school‘s strong NCLEX pass rate. At 92% over the past 5 years, BC3 grads are very likely to excel on this essential licensure exam. **Key Stats**: - 92% Avg NCLEX Pass Rate - 100+ Customizable Clinical Rotation Partners - Student to Faculty Ratio of Just 8:1 ## 7. Fayette County Career & Technical Institute Fayette County Career & Technical Institute has greatly expanded enrollment in recent years to help address the region‘s growing need for qualified nurses. I expect this trend to continue based on strong student outcomes. The school maintains transfer agreements with several RN-to-BSN programs, providing a clear path for ADN grads to continue advancing their education. Continuing education is key for career mobility to roles like nurse practitioner. Finally, Fayette County excels at placing students in relevant clinical rotations early in the program – often in their first term. This hands-on experience drives knowledge retention and preparation for practice. **Key Stats:** - Rapid Program Growth Over Past 5 Years - Transfer Options to 15+ RN-to-BSN Programs - Clinical Rotations Within First Term ## 8. Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center Tucked away in scenic Cambria County, Greater Johnstown CTC offers a hidden gem of a nursing program. The school punches above its weight with graduate outcomes consistently exceeding state averages. Over 90% of students pass the NCLEX exam on their first try – better than half of all ADN programs in Pennsylvania. Greater Johnstown has also done an excellent job aligning curriculum to meet local care demands. Students receive specialized instruction in cardiology, wound care, hospice and other high-need areas to prepare them for regional nursing roles after graduation. Finally, very affordable tuition under $6,000 makes the program highly accessible. Graduates praise the high return on investment. **Key Stats:** - 90%+ First Try Pass Rate on NCLEX Exam - Localized Curriculum Meeting Care Demand - Exceptionally Affordable Tuition ## 9. South Hills Education & Training While focused primarily on allied health fields like radiology and phlebotomy, South Hills also provides a high-quality ADN program at its State College campus. Impressively, 100% of South Hills ADN graduates secure RN licensure within a year of completing the program. This perfect track record speaks to the quality education students receive. South Hills has also formed partnerships locally with Mount Nittany Medical Center and Geisinger Health to place graduating nurses. These providers offer tuition reimbursement and other incentives that make the program very accessible. For nursing students in the State College region, South Hills is an excellent choice. **Key Stats**: - 100% ADN Grad RN Licensure Rate - Tuition Reimbursement Options at Top Health Networks - Robust Job Placement Pipeline ## 10. Pittsburgh Career Institute Formerly known as Pittsburgh Technical Institute, PCI offers an accelerated ADN program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. This fast-track format appeals to students desiring to enter the workforce quickly. Impressively, PCI‘s nursing grads achieve a 92% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX exam – higher than both state and national averages. The school‘s Oakland campus location also provides easy access to clinical rotation opportunities at highly regarded providers like UPMC Presbyterian and Magee-Women‘s Hospital of UPMC. **Key Stats:** - 18 Month Accelerated Program - 92% NCLEX First-Try Pass Rate - Clinical Rotations at Top UPMC Hospitals ## 11. Lenape Technical School While small in size, Lenape Technical School has outsized impact training nurses in Armstrong County. The school punches well above its weight with fantastic graduate outcomes. An incredible 100% of Lenape nursing students secure RN licensure after graduating over the past 5 years – an almost unheard of perfect record signalling program rigor and quality. The school also places 100% of students in clinical rotations at Butler Memorial Hospital. This focused approach ensures deep exposure to all aspects of care at the county‘s largest medical center. Lenape represents a hidden gem for prospective nurses in Western PA. Its grads consistently excel on licensure exams and transition smoothly into the workforce. **Key Stats**: - 100% ADN-to-RN Licensure Rate Over 5 Years - 100% Clinical Rotations at Butler Memorial - Tiny Class Sizes Under 25 Students ## 12. Forbes Road Career & Technology Center While Fayette County grabs headlines, Forbes Road offers exceptional nursing education just next door in Westmoreland County. The school stands out for its balanced approach integrating online and in-person learning. Students complete virtual course modules that provide flexibility and develop digital literacy skills needed in technology-driven healthcare settings. Forbes Road has also aligned curriculum to the industry-standard QSEN competencies endorsed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This ensures graduates develop holistic nursing knowledge beyond clinical skills. Finally, the school maintains transfer partnerships with over 10 RN-to-BSN programs. ADN grads receive guaranteed admission and credit transfers that simplify continuing their education. **Key Stats:** - Innovative Online/In-Person Hybrid Format - QSEN Competency-Aligned Courses - 10+ RN-to-BSN Transfer Partners ## 13. Beaver County Career & Technology Center Beaver County CTC stands out for its phenomenal level of district support that enables program quality. As evidence, the school recently completed a $2 million expansion and upgrade funded by taxpayers. The investment brought a 5,000 sq. foot simulation lab replicating a full hospital setting with ER, ICU, labor delivery rooms and more. Nursing students receive immersive experience in this facility that drives knowledge retention. Beaver County also rotates students through clinicals at Heritage Valley Hospital just minutes away. This exposes them to a wide variety of cases and specialties. **Key Stats**: - Brand New $2 Million Nursing Simulation Lab Facility - Rotations at Major Heritage Valley Hospital Network - Strong Taxpayer Support Driving Program Quality ## 14. Greene County Career & Technology Center Tucked away in Pennsylvania‘s rustbelt lies a hidden gem training nurses at Greene County CTC. The school delivers exceptional graduate outcomes despite lacking name recognition. Greene County achieves a near-perfect 95% pass rate for first-time test takers on the NCLEX-RN exam. This rivals top nursing schools nationally. The program‘s affordability also stands out. At just $6,950 for tuition and fees, nursing students receive tremendous ROI – especially given the career salary potential. Finally, Greene County nursing students benefit from a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This level of individualized instruction and mentoring contributes greatly to student development. **Key Stats:** - 95% Avg. First-Time NCLEX Pass Rate - Exceptionally Affordable $6,950 Tuition - 13:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio ## 15. St. Paul School of Nursing Located on Staten Island, NY, St. Paul‘s School of Nursing is still within reach of Pittsburgh students seeking high-caliber nursing education. The school provides another hidden gem option. Impressively, St. Paul‘s achieves a near-perfect 98% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensing exam over the past decade. Graduates clearly receive in-depth preparation. The school also holds the distinguished Center of Excellence designation from the National League for Nursing. This recognition places it among the top nursing programs nationally. While a bit further away, students willing to travel out-of-state will discover a top-tier yet affordable nursing education at St. Paul‘s. **Key Stats:** - 98% Avg. First-Time Pass Rate on NCLEX - Designated an NLN Center of Excellence - Located on Staten Island, NY ## 16. Somerset County Technology Center Somerset County Technology Center has trained nurses in Pennsylvania‘s Laurel Highlands for over 50 years. The program continues providing high quality education as evidenced by outcomes. Most nursing schools struggle securing clinical rotation placements as competition for slots at hospitals increases. Yet Somerset maintains guaranteed rotations at UPMC Somerset thanks to a rare long-term partnership. The school is also actively expanding enrollment to help address regional shortages. Graduates are eagerly hired by the major healthcare networks. **Key Stats:** - 50+ Year Track Record of Nursing Education - Guaranteed Clinical Rotations at UPMC Somerset - Expanding Enrollment to Address Local Shortages ## 17. Indiana County Technology Center Indiana County Tech offers an incredibly affordable ADN program at just $8,950 for total tuition. Graduates praise the significant return on investment. The school also places 100% of students at clinical sites thanks to partnerships with Indiana Regional Medical Center, Chestnut Ridge nursing home and other major county providers. Finally, Indiana Tech‘s simulation labs feature some of the most advanced human patient mannequins available. Students develop clinical competency through realistic scenarios prior to placements. Prospective nurses seeking affordable, localized training find an excellent option in Indiana County Technology Center. **Key Stats:** - $8,950 Total Tuition - 100% Clinical Placement Rate - Cutting-Edge Simulation Lab ## 18. Mon Valley Career & Technical Center Easily accessible off the Mon Valley Expressway, Mon Valley Career & Technical Center delivers strong outcomes. Graduates regularly cite satisfaction with their level of preparation for nursing practice. The school stands out for offering a part-time program pathway to accommodate working LPNs and others with schedule constraints. This flexible option expands access to those seeking career advancement. Mon Valley also began offering fully online prerequisite courses this year in fields like nutrition, lifespan psychology, and English composition. This blend of digital and in-person curricula represents the future of nursing education. **Key Stats:** - Part-Time ADN Pathway - New Online Prerequisite Courses - Conveniently Located Off Major Expressway ## 19. Clarion County Career Center Clarion County Career Center excels at preparing graduates for success on nursing board exams. An impressive 92% of students pass the NCLEX-RN test on their first attempt. The program is also incredibly affordable thanks to public funding. At $7,200 annually, Clarion County offers one of the lowest tuition rates statewide while still delivering fantastic outcomes. Finally, graduating students give the school consistently high marks for career preparation. Clinically-focused curriculum and over 500 hours of firsthand patient experience ensure graduates deliver care confidently. **Key Stats**: - 92% Avg. First-Time Pass Rate on NCLEX Exam - $7,200 Annual Tuition - 500+ Hours of Clinical Rotations ## 20. Clearfield County Career and Technology Center Rounding out our top nursing programs is Clearfield County Career and Technology Center. The school offers strong outcomes across the board. Clearfield achieves an admirable 85% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam over the past 5 years – higher than both state and national averages. The school also places 100% of students in clinical rotations at Clearfield Hospital thanks to a special partnership. Students work extensively across ER, pediatrics, surgery and other departments. Finally, Clearfield nursing students give the program consistently positive reviews. 95% recommend the school and praise the level of practical experience gained. **Key Stats:** - 85% Avg First-Time NCLEX Pass Rate - 100% Clinical Placement at Clearfield Hospital - 95% Student Recommendation Rate --- Source: [The Top 20 Two\-Year Nursing Programs in Pittsburgh for 2026](https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-20-two-year-nursing-programs-in-pittsburgh-for-2024/)