Education

Curriculum

The Citizens School of Nursing curriculum consists of 8 terms (four in the first year and four in the second year), each 10 weeks in length.

The total program is 2 years long and consists of 2160 hours of nursing theory and practice and 33 college credits in specific subjects earned at Penn State University and Westmoreland County Community College.

To learn more:

• Curriculum Objectives
• Curriculum Overview
• College Course Descriptions
• Nursing Course Descriptions
• Concurrent Completion of College and Nursing Courses (Master Rotation)

Facilities

Citizens School of Nursing has extensive facilities for instruction and clinical experience. Allegheny Valley serves as the chief area for experience in the practice of nursing. The hospital has a 250-bed capacity and serves patients with a variety of health problems. This affords an abundance of opportunities for the practice of nursing. Various cooperating agencies are also used to provide clinical experiences in the specialized areas of nursing and in the community.

Academic Progression/Promotion and Graduation

At Citizens School of Nursing, academic progress and eligibility for graduation are determined by the documented successful completion of required nursing and college courses with a minimum grade of “C” on a term-by-term basis. For more information:

• Grading System/Quality Point System
• Academic Progress/Probation
• Promotion Policies
• Graduation
• Qualifications for Licensure
• Leave of Absence
• Termination
• Dismissal Policy
• Readmission

Admission

Applicants who meet admission criteria will be admitted to the School of Nursing. A class of regular students starts in August of each year. Advanced placement licensed practical nurse (LPN) students begin in Term III.

Each applicant is to be aware that conviction of a felony prior to or during the course of the educational program may result in the denial of licensure by the State Board of Nursing.

For more information:

• Academic Prerequisites
• Testing Requirements
• Citizenship and Language Requirements
• Application Forms and Procedures
• Interview
• Admission Decisions
• Health Requirements
• Preadmission/ Pre-enrollment Requirements
• Orientation
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Clearances/ Felony Convictions
• Advanced Standing

Finances

Citizens School of Nursing has a Financial Aid Office dedicated to helping students fund their education. For more information:

• 2013-2014 Fee Schedule
• Student Financial Responsibilities
• Financial Aid Information
• Academic Year Definition
• Refunds

Health and Safety

Nursing students, under direct faculty supervision, perform essentially the same physical activities in the clinical areas as do professional registered nurses. Citizens School of Nursing promotes health and safety for all through various policies and procedures. For more information:

• Health Requirements for Nursing Students
• Pre-enrollment Health Requirements (Physical Exam and Immunizations)
• Student Health Program
• Clinical Period Health Requirements

• Drug Screening for Students

Student Life

• Advisor Program 
• Professional Appearance
• Student Employment
• Policy on Drug-Free Workplace
• Professional and Social Activities
• Formal Complaint Policy
• Campus Security Statement

Faculty