Empowering Future Nurses | Serving Western Pennsylvania

About the School

The PennWest School of Nursing empowers future nurses and serves Western Pennsylvania through innovation, academic excellence, collaboration, and community engagement.

Academic Programs

The PennWest offers a full range of accessible, accredited nursing programs across its campuses and online:

Undergraduate

Graduate

 

 

Nationally Accredited

All programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

 

 

Hands-On, Real-World Learning

PennWest’s nursing programs integrate practical experience to prepare students for clinical excellence:

  • Simulation Labs: High-tech, realistic scenarios build clinical and critical thinking skills
  • Clinical Placements: Diverse, real-world experiences in hospitals, clinics, and communities
  • Community Projects: Service-based learning to address local health needs

Collaborative & Interdisciplinary Learning

Nursing students work alongside peers from:

  • Pre-Health Professions and Health Sciences
  • Medical Imaging
  • Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
  • Exercise Science and Health Promotion
  • Counseling and Art Therapy
  • Social Work

This interdisciplinary approach prepares students to excel in today’s collaborative healthcare environments.

PennWest Community Health

Through the PennWest Community Health initiative, students apply their learning in settings that serve the public while gaining valuable experience. Local community services across Western Pennsylvania  include:

  • PA Thrive Partnership
  • Speech-Language-Hearing Clinics (California, Clarion, Edinboro)
  • School Psychology Clinic
  • Community Learning Workshop

 

 

Strategic Partnerships for Workforce Development

PennWest collaborates with regional employers to align student education with workforce needs:

* Scholars Network: Loan repayment support for nursing graduates
* AHN–St. Vincent’s Talent Attraction Program: Connecting students with employment pathways
* UPMC Tuition Discounts: 20% off select nursing programs for UPMC employees

 

 

Contact Us

PennWest School of Nursing

Craig Coleman
Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences and Human Services
ccoleman@pennwest.edu
814-732-1407

 

 

 

 

 

A Legacy of Healthcare

PennWest, with historical roots in California, Clarion, and Edinboro, has a proud tradition of preparing generations of skilled and compassionate nurses. Our nursing alumni serve in nearly every healthcare setting across Pennsylvania—from rural clinics to major urban hospitals—providing quality care and leadership in communities throughout the state.