Allegheny Health Network Schools of Nursing Program Admissions Policy

Policy statement

The Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Schools of Nursing strive to provide an open, inclusive, and supportive academic setting. AHN Schools of Nursing recognize that students come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We welcome the benefits that a diverse study body can bring to the program and the nursing profession. Therefore, the AHN Schools of Nursing use a holistic approach to student admission. This holistic approach utilizes both quantitative and qualitative criteria to evaluate an applicant for admission.

Applicants to the School of Nursing must meet established criteria for acceptance and program enrollment. Current admission criteria and procedures are published on the school website. All applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of a nursing student with or without reasonable accommodation. Criminal background and record clearance, child abuse clearance and fingerprinting, urine drug screen and immunizations are required as a condition of enrollment

Policy purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for prospective applicants regarding the application, acceptance, and enrollment process. It is the policy of the AHN Schools of Nursing to provide equal educational opportunity according to academic qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military/veteran status or any other legally protected group status.

Criteria for admission

Academic

In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Professional and Vocational Standards- State Board of Nursing Section 21.01, applicants shall have completed work equal to a standard high school course with a minimum of 16 units:

• English – 4 units
• Social Studies – 3 units
• Mathematics – 2 units (1 unit of Algebra required)
• Science – 2 units with a related laboratory (Biology and Chemistry preferred)

If the applicant does not meet the standard high school science requirements, they will be required to complete two science courses with related laboratory before being considered for admission. In lieu of a High School diploma, a certificate of completion of a general educational development (GED) will be accepted. An original copy of the GED certificate is required.

Standardized testing

Applicants to the AHN Schools of Nursing are required to submit standardized testing scores as part of the application process. Applicants may choose to submit SAT/ACT scores OR an Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) composite score for consideration of admission.

Certain applicants are exempt from standardized testing requirements. Those exempt include:

• Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree or above
• Applicants with a current active LPN license

SAT/ACT examination scores

• Applicants who receive the following SAT or ACT scores will be considered for expedited acceptance.
  • An SAT score of 1020 OR
  • An ACT composite score of 20 
  • SAT or ACT scores must be within five years of application date. 

Applicants who achieve either an SAT or ACT score that is below the minimum recommended score will be considered for admission based upon additional information provided to the School of Nursing Admissions Committee. Applicants may be advised to take the ATI-TEAS.

ATI TEAS test

• The ATI-TEAS is a national standardized test that assesses an individuals’ overall academic preparedness for a health science program.
• There are four sections to the test including reading, math, science, and English and language usage. Each section must be completed to obtain a total adjusted individual score.
• TEAS Scores within five years of application will be accepted. Applicants may attempt the TEAS three times within one application year.

ATI TEAS scores

• Applicants who achieve a composite score of 62% or above will be considered for expedited acceptance.
• Applicants who achieve a composite score between 58.7% and 61.9% will be considered for admission based upon additional information provided to the School of Nursing Admissions Committee.

Application deadline

AHN Schools of Nursing is currently accepting applications for 2025

Full Time Program RN (22 Months, West Penn and Citizens)
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Classes begin August 18, 2025

Part Time Program RN (32 Months, Citizens Only)
Deadline: September 1, 2025
Classes begin January 5, 2026

Full Time Program LPN-RN (Citizens Only)
Deadline: September 1, 2025
Classes begin January 6, 2025

Part Time Program LPN-RN (Citizens Only)
Deadline: May 1, 2025
Classes begin August 18, 2025

Application procedure

1. Complete the application for admission.

• Here is the application.
• Complete all elements of the application.
• All applications require a $50 non-refundable fee.  Applications will not be processed until the required fee or fee waiver has been submitted. 
• The application fee will be waived for individuals who attend an AHN School of Nursing Information Session or for those who provide an approved fee waiver.

2. Submit SAT/ACT or ATI TEAS scores.

• SAT or ACT scores should be sent directly from the College Board and/or ACT.org to the admissions office.
• ATI TEAS testing is offered on the campus of AHN Schools of Nursing. Applicants may register by contacting the admissions office.
• Testing may also be completed at an alternative testing center. Scores from alternative testing centers should be sent from ATI to the admissions office.

3. Submit Required Transcripts and Proof of Eligibility to Study at the Post-Secondary Level.

• Submit official copy of High School Transcript including required course work and date of graduation.
• In lieu of a High School diploma, submit an original copy of the GED certificate with test scores.
• Post-secondary education transcripts
  • Official transcripts must be submitted for all prior post-secondary education that was completed. This includes any college, university, nursing, technical and/or vocational program

4. Submit additional requirements if requested by admissions office.

• Reference: One reference addressing prompts regarding the applicants’ abilities. Format provided by the admissions office.
• Personal Statement/Essay: Completion of specific essay prompts. Format provided by the admissions office.

LPN advanced standing

Licensed Practical Nurse applicants who seeks advanced standing in the Program should complete the following in addition to the above admission requirements:

1. Provide current practical nursing license number for verification of current/active licensure.
2. One professional reference completed by their direct supervisor or manager, instructor or clinical instructor.
3. Resume highlighting current professional nursing experience.
4. Completion of the ATI Nursing Fundamentals Proctored examination.
   • A score of Level 2 or above is required for advanced standing admission.

Admission process

The admissions office will complete an initial review of the applicant's file after the receipt of a completed application and application fee. Following the initial application, an official correspondence will be sent to guide the applicant toward final completion of the application process.

Following submission of all required documents, a review of the applicants file will be completed by the admissions coordinator. Applicants may be offered expedited admission OR receive a request for additional information to be reviewed by the admissions committee.

Offer of admission

An applicant who meets all admission criteria will be notified with an official acceptance letter/correspondence from the admissions office.

An applicant who does not meet all established admission criteria and is not accepted into the program will be notified with an official rejection correspondence from the admissions office.

Deferment

Any applicant who has accepted admission and chooses to defer may do so for one additional start date. Any applicant deferring for a second time will require a new application.

Post admission/enrollment requirements

Following acceptance, enrollment is contingent upon successfully completing the required financial, academic, health, and compliance policy requirements.

To confirm enrollment, the applicant must pay the required non-refundable enrollment fee of $100.00.

Enrollment is contingent upon successful completion of the following required academic, health and policy requirements.

1. Obtain required Criminal History clearances (Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Criminal Record Check and FBI Fingerprint)

• Clearances must be current, within 6 months of program start and/or re-start
• A student who has any type of criminal record and/or conviction, will have their records reviewed by school administration.
• Students should be aware that certain felony convictions may make them ineligible for state licensure. Therefore, an individual may not be eligible to work as a registered nurse. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing reserves the right to deny licensure based upon the applicant’s criminal history, even if that individual has completed the nursing program.

2. Obtain professional liability insurance.

3. Obtain current Basic Life Support (BLS) healthcare provider certification in CPR which include infant, child and adult resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator.

4. Complete all health screenings including physical examination, urine drug screening and immunization requirements. (Refer to Student Health and Compliance Policy).

5. Attend mandatory pre-enrollment seminars and orientation sessions.

Admissions office

Citizens School of Nursing
539 Pittsburgh Mills Circle
Tarentum, PA 15084
CSONadmissions@ahn.org
(412) 330-4766