Pitt-Bradford and UPMC have partnered to offer an affordable RN-BSN pathway for UPMC nurses

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and UPMC announced a new educational partnership that will expand access to Pitt-Bradford's online RN-BSN degree completion program for UPMC registered nurses seeking to attain a bachelor's degree in nursing. Under the agreement, eligible UPMC employees enrolled in the program may receive a grant to help cover the tuition costs after their UPMC tuition benefits and any financial aid have been applied, making this Pitt Online degree accessible and affordable for the medical center's registered nursing workforce.

UPMC operates eight hospital-based schools of nursing across the commonwealth. Many UPMC registered nurses hold nursing diplomas or associate degrees and are seeking flexible pathways toward BSN attainment. This partnership addresses that need, creating a financially supported route for those RNs to earn their degree while continuing to work full time.

"This unique collaboration enhances educational pathways for working nurses, ensures that we can retain top health care talent in our region and increases access to high quality health care for all," Pitt-Bradford President Richard Esch said. "This partnership also advances Pitt-Bradford's broader efforts to strengthen the health care workforce across northwestern Pennsylvania."

Students who choose to start in the spring term can take advantage of two UPMC tuition benefit cycles and Pitt-UPMC grants - one before Aug. 1 and one after - potentially covering the full tuition cost of both terms. That's a Pitt degree with no tuition out of pocket for eligible employees.

The Pitt-Bradford RN-BSN degree completion program is online and asynchronous, allowing RNs to earn their BSN without leaving their UPMC role or adhering to set class times. Registered nurses who meet prerequisite and admissions criteria (24-30 additional college-level course credits completed) can finish the program in as few as two semesters, with possible part-time course loads available for those who need greater flexibility. The program is delivered by practicing nursing faculty and is rooted in evidence-based practice and leadership development.

"UPMC is committed to supporting our nurses' professional development throughout their careers. We are excited to announce this new partnership, which will enable our nurses to build their skills and knowledge while earning a BSN in a flexible environment," said Brandy Hershberger, chief nursing officer and vice president of academic affairs for UPMC Nursing.

"At Pitt EDGE, our mission is to meet the workforce demands of our region by partnering with leading employers like UPMC to remove the barriers that keep skilled professionals from advancing their education. Nursing shortages are a critical challenge across Pennsylvania and the nation, and this partnership directly addresses that need - making it possible for working RNs to earn a University of Pittsburgh degree without stepping away from the patients and communities they serve," said Anthony Delitto, associate provost for digital education at Pitt's Center for Excellence in Digital Education.

Apply now to start in the spring of 2027.

Photography by Aimee Obidzinski