Pitt Johnstown Mag Summer 2010 ver4 - Pitt-Johnstown Home Page ...

Sophomore student Braxton Ferre,
Johnstown, has a brother who is a nurse.
Braxton shared his appreciation for this plan
and new program. He noted, “I chose nursing
because the demand for nurses is high and the
jobs pay well.” Once he finishes his degree,
Braxton plans to work in the nursing field for a
few years and then become a nurse anesthetist.
According to Dr. Grady, existing allied
health and nursing (RN-BSN) programs have resulted in
cooperative relationships with local health care facilities,
both in the greater Johnstown area and in the
surrounding counties of west and southcentral
Pennsylvania.
“Administrators at local hospitals, including
Conemaugh and Windber, have indicated a desire for
cooperation and mutual benefit between themselves and
the university, as the importance of nursing recruitment
and retention is a concept understood by all.”
The BSN degree is accredited by the Commission on
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through the
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, which ranked
seventh overall in the 2008 US News & World Report’s
rankings of America’s Best Graduate Schools. The strong
quality of the program is reflected in a 95% BSN Licensure
(National Council Licensure Examination) pass rate.
Additionally, the Pitt School of Nursing ranks fifth in the
nation in receiving National Institute of Health research
dollars. The program will build upon the School of
Nursing’s solid quality while offering students the
benefits of a smaller campus. Also, Pitt-Johnstown’s
program will offer a unique capstone that focuses on rural
health issues. The program will combine clinical practice
with traditional nursing theory and values that
emphasize holistic patient care. Students in the program
will develop a strong theoretical base of biological and
behavioral sciences with a foundation in the liberal arts,
providing them with the skills and experience necessary
for careers in today’s nursing profession.
Pitt-Johnstown’s incoming nursing students are
enthusiastic about this new opportunity to prepare for
the Real World! Megan Corle, Cresson, is representative of
the new nursing cohort. As Megan noted, “I’ve always
“This distinct and attractive new program positions
Pitt-Johnstown to deliver a high-quality nursing
program that responds to pressing healthcare needs
in our community, and beyond.”
PRESIDENT JEM SPECTAR
been interested in sciences and thought that it would be a
good area to apply my skills. Nursing has great job
security. You’ll always be able to find a job.”
Last year, Pitt-Johnstown also introduced new degree
programs in biochemistry and computer engineering
technology in direct response to the needs of our students
and communities. These programs also enable Pitt-
Johnstown to expand our growing partnerships with
local and regional industries, particularly those in the
high-tech areas including web design and development,
data communication, network systems, healthcare
technology, and scientific research and development.
Strengthened Enrollment Quality...
Student profiles in our new degree programs compare
favorably with our aggregate student profile:
Group (2010 entering class) Average SAT*
Nursing 1083
Biochemistry 1145
Computer Engineering Technology 1042
All majors 1034*
*This represents a 12-point increase in three years, and exceeds
the Pennsylvania SAT average by more than 30 points.
Simulation Lab Created
A portion of Blackington Hall, which houses the Division of
Nursing and Health Sciences, has been converted into a high-tech
simulation lab. This state-of-the-art lab provides students with
an opportunity to develop and practice skills in a simulation
environment before applying them in a real-life clinical setting.
Plans are underway to break ground in 2011 on a 20,000-sq.-ft.
Health Sciences and Nursing building, which will provide muchneeded
laboratory and faculty office space for programs in
nursing, biology, and chemistry. To the left, Diana Schroeder, RN,
MSN, demonstrates resuscitation technique to nursing student Megan Corle.
2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT ISSUE 3