Misericordia University Expands Nursing Pathways as Pennsylvania Addresses Workforce Shortage

Latest Pittsburgh ABSN Graduates Join Nursing Workforce as University Prepares to Launch Accelerated Program in Dallas

DALLAS, Pa. — As Pennsylvania continues to address the need for qualified nurses, Misericordia University is expanding pathways into the profession while celebrating the latest graduates of its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Pittsburgh.

The latest graduates are Jessica El Amin of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; Melanie Rhone-Hudspeth of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; Tea Smith of Sarver, Pennsylvania; and Amy Petcovic of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Their graduation comes as a recent report from the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) highlights the role independent nonprofit colleges and universities have played in responding to Pennsylvania's nursing workforce needs.

AICUP reports that its 43 independent nonprofit nursing schools account for 69% of all four-year nursing degrees awarded in Pennsylvania. In recent years, these institutions have responded to workforce demands by expanding nursing programs and facilities, developing partnerships, creating accelerated pathways and increasing access to nursing education.

Misericordia University has been part of that effort by providing multiple pathways for students to pursue careers in nursing, including its traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Part-Time Evening Nursing Program and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

Misericordia is looking forward to welcoming its first ABSN cohort at its Dallas, Pennsylvania, campus in spring 2027.

The Dallas ABSN program is designed for students with previous college experience who want an accelerated pathway into the nursing profession. The hybrid program can be completed in as few as 16 months over four semesters. Lecture content is delivered online, with in-person laboratory sessions held primarily on weekends at Misericordia's Dallas campus and clinical experiences completed at health care facilities within a 60-mile radius.

Misericordia also offers a Part-Time Evening Nursing Program designed to make earning a BSN more accessible for students who need flexibility to balance their education with work and other responsibilities. Classes and labs are held primarily in the evenings, and students can earn their BSN in as few as seven semesters.

The University's traditional full-time BSN program continues to prepare undergraduate students for professional nursing practice through classroom instruction, clinical experiences and hands-on learning.

Together, Misericordia's nursing pathways serve traditional undergraduate students, adult learners, career changers and students with previous college experience, helping prepare more qualified nurses to serve communities throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.

AICUP's recent report noted that Pennsylvania was predicted in 2024 to face the nation's most severe nursing shortage by 2026. While the state's nursing workforce shortage remains a critical concern, AICUP reports that the prediction has not materialized to the extent anticipated. The organization points to the work of nursing schools, health care partnerships and legislative support as factors helping Pennsylvania respond to the challenge.

For more information about Misericordia University's nursing programs, click here.