UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing

The UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing stands as a distinguished institution with a rich legacy rooted in its founding year, 1884. Originally known as the Pittsburgh Training School for Nurses, it holds the remarkable distinction of being the very first nursing school established in Western Pennsylvania. This pioneering endeavor was sparked by the vision of three dedicated physicians – Dr. James H. McClelland, Dr. Lewis H. Willard, and Dr. Charles F. Bingaman – who, just three years prior, had been inspired by a pivotal meeting with the iconic Florence Nightingale herself. Their commitment laid the groundwork for an enduring institution focused on excellence in patient care and nursing leadership.

As a private nursing school, UPMC Shadyside is uniquely positioned to offer an intimate and highly focused educational experience for its approximately 488 students. Here, aspiring nurses are immersed in a curriculum designed not just to impart knowledge, but to cultivate compassionate and highly competent healthcare professionals. The school's inherent connection to the UPMC health system, reflected in its name, strongly suggests a curriculum that is deeply integrated with contemporary clinical practices and offers access to cutting-edge medical facilities, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to thrive in diverse and demanding healthcare environments.

The school's profound impact on its students and the wider community is continually affirmed, as evidenced by its history of robust support. A significant milestone occurred in 2009 when the school received its largest-ever donation: a $900,000 endowment from Jane Pesci, an alumna from the class of 1939. This remarkable gift underscores the deep loyalty and lasting influence UPMC Shadyside has on its graduates' lives and careers. For well over a century, the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing has not only educated nurses but has fostered a proud tradition of compassionate care, innovation, and leadership that continues to shape the future of healthcare.