Admission Procedures

It is the policy of West Penn Hospital School of Nursing to provide equal educational opportunity according to academic qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military/veteran status or any other legally protected group status.

Applicants to the School of Nursing must meet established criteria for acceptance and admission. All current admission criteria are published on the school website.  All applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of a student nurse with or without reasonable accommodation. Criminal background and record clearance, child abuse clearance and fingerprinting, urine drug screen and immunizations are required prior to enrollment.

Applicants should be aware that certain felony convictions may make them ineligible for state licensure. Therefore an individual may be ineligible to work as a registered nurse. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing reserves the right to deny licensure based upon the applicants criminal history, even if that individual has completed the nursing program.

Criteria for Admission

Academic

In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Professional and Vocational Standards- State Board of Nursing Section 21.01, applicants shall have completed work equal to a standard high school course with a minimum of 16 units:

• English – 4 units
• Social Studies – 3 units
• Mathematics – 2 units (1 unit of Algebra required)
• Science – 2 units with a related laboratory (Biology and Chemistry preferred)
  

If the applicant does not meet the standard high school science requirements, they will be required to complete two science courses with related laboratory before being considered for admission.

In lieu of a High School diploma, a certificate of completion of a general educational development (GED) will be accepted.  An original copy of the GED certificate is required.

Standardized testing

Regardless of educational background all applicants are required to provide either SAT/ACT scores OR an Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) composite score for consideration of admission.

SAT/ACT Examination Scores

• A minimum SAT score of 1020 OR
• A minimum ACT composite score of 20
• SAT or ACT scores must be within five years of application date.
  

ATI TEAS Test

• The ATI-TEAS is a national standardized test that assesses an individuals’ overall academic preparedness for a health science program.
• There are four sections to the test including reading, math, science and English and language usage. Each section must be completed to obtain a total adjusted individual score.
• The preferred adjusted individual total score is 65%. An individual must achieve a minimum composite score of 62% or better to be considered for admission.
• TEAS Scores within two years of application will be accepted.  Applicants may attempt the TEAS three times within one application year.
  

Application procedure and requirements

Step 1: Complete the application for admission

Apply online for admission to West Penn Hospital School of Nursing.

• Complete all elements of the application.
• All applications require a $50 non-refundable fee.  Applications will not be processed until required fee is submitted.
  

Step 2: Submit SAT/ACT or ATI TEAS scores

• SAT or ACT scores should be sent directly from the College Board to the admissions office.
• ATI TEAS testing is offered on the campus of West Penn Hospital School of Nursing. Applicants may register by contacting the admissions office.
• Testing may also be completed at an alternative testing center. Scores from alternative testing centers should be sent from ATI to the admissions office.
  

Step 3: Submit required transcripts/ proof of eligibility to study at the post- secondary level

• Official copy of High School Transcript including required course work and date of graduation.
• In lieu of a High School diploma, an original copy of the GED certificate with test scores.
• Post-secondary education transcripts
  • Official transcripts must be submitted for all prior post-secondary education completed.  This includes any college, university, nursing, technical and/or vocational program.

West Penn Hospital School of Nursing reserves the right to request a letter of reference and/or an interview if determined necessary.  
 

Admissions Office
West Penn Hospital School of Nursing
4900 Friendship Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Toll-free: 1-877-33-NURSE
Email: sonadmissions@ahn.org

Transfer of credit policy

It is the policy of West Penn Hospital School of Nursing to accept transfer credit for newly admitted students. Transfer of college/general education credits will only be considered prior to admission to the nursing program. Students admitted to, and currently enrolled in courses at West Penn Hospital School of Nursing are required take courses offered by Clarion University Pittsburgh Campus.

The purpose of this policy is to provide students with the ability to transfer credits at the time of admission.

In order to be eligible for transfer, students must provide an official transcript with evidence of course completion and grade from college and/or university for consideration. A course must be comparable in content, credit(s) and/or contact hours. Course descriptions and syllabi may be required to determine whether courses are acceptable for transfer. Acceptable substitutes for required courses are determined by Clarion University.

Courses for transfer must meet the following criteria:

• Courses be completed at an institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting association for colleges and universities.
• A Grade of "C" or better attained in the course.
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II must be completed at the same institution.
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II and Microbiology must have been completed within seven years of prospective admission.
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II and Microbiology must have a laboratory component to be considered for transfer.
• Nursing courses from other schools of nursing are not accepted for transfer.

Transfer credit may be given for Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations for High School General Psychology. Evidence of AP Examination Score must be provided from the College Board with a minimum score of 3.

High school and college and/or university transcripts from a foreign country must be translated and evaluated for U.S. course equivalency by a translation and evaluation service acceptable to the West Penn Hospital School of Nursing. Cost for this service is the responsibility of the applicant.

Any transfer of credit granted to the student will be considered attempted and earned prior to admission. The transfer of credit will not apply to the student’s overall grade point average (GPA). The student will be notified of acceptance of credits in writing prior to the start of the program.

West Penn Hospital School of Nursing provides no guarantee that credits earned while enrolled will transfer to another educational institution.