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Pitt-Johnstown RN-TO-BSN Program Celebrates 25 Years

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Pitt-Johnstown RN-TO-BSN Program Celebrates 25 Years

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The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown faculty, staff, alumni and student nurses will celebrate 25 years of nursing education at a special anniversary dinner on Thursday, March 30, at the UPJ Living Learning Center’s Heritage Hall.

Established in 1980, the UPJ RN-to-BSN Program has graduated more than 500 professional nurses who have helped to improve the healthcare in our community and beyond.  In addition, more than 90 BSN nurses have earned certification to work as school nurses in Pennsylvania schools since the Pennsylvania Department of Education approved the program in 1996.

The RN to BSN program of study prepares a registered nurse to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree and to acquire the foundation for graduate education.  Since 1996, master of nursing (MSN) courses have been offered at the UPJ campus via interactive video conferencing enabling nurses to earn master’s degrees with specialties in acute care practitioner and family nurse practitioner, while continuing to provide care locally.

“With an aging population that also requires more care, we are proud that the Pitt nursing program has successfully provided skilled professionals to meet the increasing demand,” says UPJ President Albert L. Etheridge, PhD. 

Director and Associate Professor of Nursing at UPJ, Nancy Grove, PhD, RN, has received $75,000 in Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation grants to provide educational grants or scholarships to nursing students completing the UPJ nursing program.

“We are proud of the nursing program at the UPJ campus and all of the graduates who have had a positive impact on healthcare delivery and the economy in this community,” says Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing.

A 5 p.m. reception precedes the 6 p.m. anniversary dinner on Thursday, March 30.  The event will be held in the Living Learning Center on the UPJ campus.  Tim Rigby, WJAC-TV sports announcer, will serve as memory lane master of ceremonies.  Illusionist John D. Robertson will provide entertainment.  The cost of the event is $30 per person.  Reservations are required.  For additional information or to make a reservation, contact the UPJ RN to BSN Program at 814-269-2995.

For advance story information and photo and interview opportunities with special nursing alumni/students, contact Kim Miller, Office of Marketing and Public Relations at 269-2080.

Founded in 1927, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown is a four-year, degree-granting college of the University of Pittsburgh with an enrollment of approximately 3,200.  The university offers more than 40 majors and is known for its engineering technology, education, humanities, natural and social sciences degree programs.  UPJ has been ranked “Third in the North,” among public comprehensive colleges and universities, northern region, by U.S. News and World Report, America’s Best Colleges, 2006.
Posted by Sernell, Jeff on 3/15/2006 12:00:00 PM


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