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UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT TITUSVILLETO OFFER NURSING PROGRAM THIS FALL
TITUSVILLE, PA, Apr. 7 – Beginning this fall, the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville will provide a new program to students – an associate degree in nursing. UPT President Michael A. Worman made the announcement today. He says, “The University of Pittsburgh is a nationally recognized leader in health education, and we are pleased to bring a high-quality nursing program, reflective of the University, to the Titusville campus.” Dr. Mary Aukerman, Director of the Nursing Program, met with the State Board of Nursing in Harrisburg yesterday and received approval to open the program pending a site visit later this spring. As part of this vote, the State Board has authorized UPT to begin recruiting students immediately for the fall term. Aukerman, who was hired last fall by Worman to develop the Nursing Program, collaborated with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing to develop the program. The new program is designed to be completed in two years on a full-time basis, with graduates earning an Associate of Science degree in Nursing upon graduation. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the state licensing exam to become Registered Nurses. In addition, the program’s strong emphasis on the sciences will provide graduates with a solid foundation upon which to continue their education at the baccalaureate and master’s levels. Aukerman says, “The current shortage of nurses across Pennsylvania and the nation was one of several reasons for developing this program.” The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis predicts an escalating and severe shortfall of nurses for years to come. The program will create growth opportunities for the University and the community as well. Two full-time and five part-time faculty will be hired during the first year to teach nursing classes. Additional teachers will be hired the second year of the program. Aukerman is grateful for the affiliation and clinical contracts with area hospitals and health care facilities. Titusville Area Hospital, UPMC Northwest, Meadville Medical Center, Corry Memorial Hospital, Warren General Hospital, Clarion Psychiatric Center, and Beverly Healthcare are some of the sites where students will be placed to learn and to practice their clinical skills. Aukerman also expressed appreciation to government representatives who provided their support: Congressman John E. Peterson, State Senators Mary Jo White and Joe Scarnati, State Representatives Teresa Forcier and Scott E. Hutchinson, Donald P. Errera of Pennsylvania CareerLink for Venango County, Barbara J. Hogan of CareerLink for Crawford County, Jack Allston of the Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, C.J. Tisi of Titusville’s Chamber of Commerce, and many others. Prior to coming to UPT, Aukerman served as the Director of the School of Nursing at UPMC Shadyside for over 12 years. She brings a wealth of nursing and program administrative experience to the University. “This is an exciting opportunity for the University and the community,” says Aukerman. “This new nursing program will increase enrollment, recruit additional faculty, create a meaningful career avenue for students, and contribute essential workers for our health care facilities.” For information about the Nursing Program, visit the web at www.upt.pitt.edu/upt_nursing or contact Aukerman at 814-827-4515. # # #
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