4 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Pittsburgh, PA (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH

Pittsburgh is a great place for nurses striking out in a new career direction. Why? Because Pittsburgh is kind of a Come-Back Kid among American cities, having shed its rust belt image and reinvented itself as a vibrant innovation hub. Pittsburgh is a place where success stories—including your own—come true! NPs in the Steel City can expect to earn $125,270 a year on average. Employment opportunities for these skilled professionals are projected to increase by nearly one-third over the next decade. What are the best NP programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Keep reading for the inside scoop on the 4 best nurse practitioner programs in Pittsburgh for 2025.



TOP 5 REASONS WHY PITTSBURGH IS A GREAT PLACE TO PURSUE NP PROGRAMS


A comparatively low cost of living, a strong sense of community, and the presence of world-renowned medical institutions (including the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, one of the largest academic medical centers in the United States) make Pittsburgh a wonderful place to pursue your clinical nursing education. Here are the top five reasons to think about attending one of the nurse practitioner programs in Pittsburgh.

1. Pittsburgh is budget-friendly:

Pittsburgh’s cost of living is 12.5 percent less than the national average and 7.5 percent lower than Pennsylvania’s. This is particularly reflected in the price of housing, which is 38 percent lower than it is in the rest of the country. As a nurse practitioner student, you’ll be counting your dollars, and it’s reassuring to know they’ll go farther in Pittsburgh.

2. Pittsburgh is a center for healthcare and healthcare-related research:

Thinking of working while you’re enrolled in a nurse practitioner program? Many of Pittsburgh’s NP programs are specifically customized for working students, and you’ll find no shortage of nursing jobs with accommodating employers.

3. Pittsburgh has a diverse population:

As a nurse practitioner in training, you’ll have ample opportunities during your clinical rotations to work with patients from every walk of life with a wide variety of medical conditions. You’ll develop excellent clinical and cultural competency skills, which will stand you in good stead when it’s time to look for employment as an NP.

4. Pittsburgh has an outstanding public transportation system:

Don’t want to be saddled with the expense of owning a car while you’re studying to become an NP? No problem in Pittsburgh, which has an excellent bus and light rail system.

5. Quality of life is high in Pittsburgh:

Even the most dedicated nurse practitioner students got to take a break from studying sometimes. Pittsburgh’s thriving culture and art scene and its outdoor parks and bike trails offer numerous ways to refresh your mind when you need a break.



HOW LONG ARE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN PITTSBURGH?


NP programs in Pittsburgh range from 20 months to four years, depending upon the academic pathway you choose to pursue. Academic program lengths vary a great deal by institution: For example, if you’re a full-time student, you can expect to complete any of the NP specialties associated with Duquesne University’s MSN program in three years, but in that same length of time, you can also complete one of the nurse practitioner specialties associated with the University of Pittsburgh’s BSN-to-DNP program.

Enrolling in a post-master’s NP program is the shortest way to complete your nurse practitioner education, but you’ll have to have a graduate nursing degree already to apply to one of these programs. You can complete a post-master’s NP certificate at Carlow University in 27 months and at Robert Morris University in approximately 20 months (five semesters.)



HOW MUCH DO NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN PITTSBURGH COST?


Completing a nurse practitioner track at a school in Pittsburgh can set you back anywhere from approximately $30,000 to approximately $130,000, depending upon the number of credits required by the academic pathway with which the NP track is associated. Public universities tend to charge state residents lower tuition than private universities do, but that competitive advantage disappears if you’re applying to a public university outside the state you live in.

Pittsburgh’s most economical NP program is the post-master’s PMHNP certificate at Robert Morris University, which costs $28,210 (31 credits at $910 per credit.) The city’s most costly NP program is the University of Pittsburgh’s 93-credit PMHNP track, which will necessitate an expenditure of $110,670 if you’re a Pennsylvania resident and $132,618 if you live out of state. An NP associated with an MSN from Duquesne University will cost you $74,7756 (44 credits at $1,699 per credit). In comparison, an NP associated with an MSN at Carlow University will cost you $44,982 (49 credits at $918 per credit.)



WHAT ARE THE BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN PITTSBURGH, PA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 4 Best NP programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Online & Campus) for the year 2025.)


1. University Of Pittsburgh


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Gerontology for Nurse Practitioners


About the School: Since its founding in 1939, the School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh has been one of the nation’s most prestigious centers for nursing education. This nurse practitioner program in Pittsburgh is known as much for its innovative nursing research as it is for its clinical practitioner programs. The National Institutes of Health awarded Pitt Nursing nearly $6 million in competitive federal research grants in 2022. Pitt Nursing is widely celebrated as one of the best nurse practitioner programs in Pittsburgh—and the nation.

In compliance with the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties’ decision to affiliate all entry-level nurse practitioner programs with the DNP degree by 2025, Pitt Nursing offers a BSN-to-DNP track with six clinical NP specialties: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP.)

The MSN-to-DNP track includes seven NP specialties: AGACNP, APCNP, FNP, NNP, PPCNP, PMHNP, plus a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP) concentration.

Pitt Nursing also offers a stand-alone post-master’s certificate for nurses who already have a graduate degree. You can train to become an AGACNP, NNP, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP), or PMHNP or complete a Certificate in Gerontology designed specifically for nurse practitioners.


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP curriculum is split into four components: core DNP coursework, advanced practice classes, courses within a specific area of clinical specialization, and practicums. The NNP and PMHNP tracks both entail 93 credits. The FNP track involves 92 credits, the PPC NP 84 credits, the AGACNP 79 credits, and the AGPCNP 71 credits. In keeping with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education’s mandates, all NP specializations require 1,000 clinical hours.

Among the core DNP courses you’ll be required to take are classes like “Applied Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice, “ “The Science of Health Care Delivery,” and “Public Policy in Health Care Delivery.” Advanced practice coursework includes classes like “Pathophysiology Across the Life Span” and “Human Genetics and Clinical Applications.”

The University of Pittsburgh’s BSN-to-DNP/NP tracks allow nurses to delve more deeply into areas of particular clinical interest to them. Thus, the AGACNP track offers subspecialties in oncology, trauma, cardiopulmonary care, and emergency preparedness, while the AGPCNP track allows students to immerse themselves in the study of specific chronic conditions, multi-morbidities, and other internal medicine issues.

All Pitt Nursing’s BSN-to-DNP study plans culminate with a DNP clinical project during which students will devise, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based initiative based on a challenge they’ve encountered during their clinical practicums. You’ll also need to pass a comprehensive examination.

Pitt Nursing’s Clinical Placement Coordinator arranges practicums, and most assignments are made to hospitals and clinics within the University of Pittsburg Medical Center system throughout Allegheny County and other parts of western Pennsylvania.


BSN-to-DNP Program Length: Classes begin in the fall. Full-time students should be able to complete the BSN-to-DNP/NP curriculum in three years. Part-time completion pathways are also available.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: You’ll need to have a BSN degree from an accredited college or university by the time you start Pitt Nursing’s BSN-to-DNP program with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher. You’ll also need an active, unencumbered RN license in the state where you’ll be doing your clinical requirements.

MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The length of Pitt Nursing’s MSN-to-DNP tracks vary according to how many credits you’ll be allowed to transfer over from your Master’s of Science in Nursing program, but in general, the PMHNP specialization requires 35 to 45 credits, the AGPCNP and FNP specializations 41, the NNP and PPCNP 40, the PACNP 37, and the AGACNP 32 to 35.

The MSN-to-DNP/NP curriculum includes core DNP classes that focus on nursing leadership and the care of populations, NP specialization coursework, and clinical rotations. In this track, too, you’ll be required to complete a DNP clinical project and successfully complete a comprehensive examination. You’ll probably be able to transfer a good portion of the clinical hours you participated in to earn your Master’s of Science in Nursing degree toward completing the 1,000 clinical hours you’ll need for your DNP.


MSN-to-DNP Program Length: Your studies will begin in the fall semester. As a full-time student, you’ll be able to complete the MSN-to-DNP program in just under two full years. Part-time completion options are also available.

MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Like other NP programs in Pittsburgh, Pitt Nursing requires a current, unencumbered RN license for admission into the MSN-to-DNP program. You’ll also need to hold an MSN from an accredited college or university by the time you begin coursework.

Certificate Program Details: The University of Pittsburgh’s standalone post-master’s certificate programs will prepare you for a nurse practitioner specialty without requiring you to earn a degree. The total number of credits you’ll need to take will depend upon how many of your prior credits Pitt Nursing will accept, but typically, the AGACNP certificate is 24 credits and 540 clinical hours, the PACNP certificate 18 to 21 credits and 500 clinical hours, the NNP certificate 25 credits and 660 clinical hours, the PMHNP certificate 26 to 28 credits and 640 clinical hours, and the Gerontology certificate 11 credits and 180 clinical hours.

The AGACNP certificate can be pursued online or at Pitt Nursing’s campus in downtown Pittsburgh, but online students will have to attend three-day skills intensive on campus. The PACNP certificate is a campus curriculum, while the Gerontology certificate can be pursued entirely online. All students must pass a comprehensive examination in their specialty to earn credit for the course.


Certificate Program Length: Classes start in the spring semester. Full-time students can complete a certificate in two or three terms depending upon the number of credits they’re able to transfer; part-time students can take as many as five terms to finish.

Certificate Admission Requirements: You must have NP preparation at either the MSN or DNP level for admission into this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in your graduate studies. You’ll also need a current, unrestricted RN license in the state where you will do your clinical rotations.

Scholarships & Financial Aid for University Of Pittsburgh NP Students: The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing designates certain scholarships toward the financial support of graduate nursing students on the basis of both financial need and academic merit. Additionally, you may qualify for federal and state grants and loans based on the information you submit in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.


Interesting Highlights About University Of Pittsburgh NP School

• In 2021, the University of Pittsburgh awarded 11 MSN and 77 DNP degrees.
• In 2023, U.S. News & World Report dubbed Pitt Nursing’s DNP program the seventh best in the nation and its DNP/FNP program the fifth best.
• Pitt Nursing offers an RN-to-DNP program with a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialty for RNs who graduated with associate degrees or hospital diplomas.
• The University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social and Urban Research offers a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology with a Nursing Track designed for BSN-prepared RNs.
• Pitt Nursing offers a dual DNP/Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)
• Though the DNP-NP program is primarily taught on campus, qualified in-state students can enroll in required courses in the AGACNP, AGPCNP, and FNP curricula through a distance learning platform using synchronous technology.


2. Duquesne University


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate

MSN Specialties Offered: Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Duquesne University has been a trendsetter in graduate nursing education since 1997 when its School of Nursing became the first in the nation to offer an online Ph.D. in Nursing. The university is affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. However, you don’t have to be Catholic to attend the school, and Catholic teachings don’t influence its nursing education at the graduate level.

Duquesne’s nurse practitioner training—widely considered one of the best nurse practitioner programs in Pittsburgh—is offered as part of its MSN degree program. Additionally, NP education is offered in conjunction with post-Master’s certificates. The MSN and the post-master’s certificates offer the same three NP tracks: AGACNP, FNP, and PMHNP.


MSN Program Details: The three NP specialties associated with Duquesne’s MSN program are delivered mostly online. The AGACNP track is a 42-credit program with 12 classes and 750 clinical hours, while the FNP track is a 42-credit program with 12 classes and 700 clinical hours. The 44-credit PMHNP track requires 15 classes and 550 clinical hours.

Like other MSN-nurse practitioner programs in Pittsburgh, clinical specialization coursework is only one component of Duquesne’s curriculum. You’ll also take courses like “Transitioning to Advanced Practice Nursing,” “Historical and Contemporary Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice,” and “Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing,” which will prepare you for a career as an APRN.

Duquesne’s online classes use asynchronous technology so you can proceed with your coursework at your own pace. Though the university’s MSN/NP program relies primarily on distance learning, campus visits are required for skills labs associated with physical assessment courses. Students enrolled in the FNP and PMHNP tracks will make two visits to the Duquesne campus in Pittsburgh; students enrolled in the AGACNP track will make three. Skills labs take place in Duquesne’s state-of-the-art simulation laboratory.

You’ll work with Duquesne’s Clinical Coordinator on clinical placements, which will be made to a hospital, clinic, or primary care center close to where you live or work.


MSN Program Length: Duquesne University’s MSN/NP programs have three start dates a year in the spring, summer, and fall. Full-time students will be able to complete the curriculum in three years.

MSN Admission Requirements: This program is open to graduates of accredited BSN programs who’ve maintained an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher. You’ll need an active, unrestricted RN license in the state where you’ll be doing your clinical rotation. For serious consideration, applicants must have at least one year of full-time professional experience.

Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: Duquesne University’s post-master’s certificates are designed for APRN-prepared nurses who want to expand their expertise into a new clinical field. The curriculum includes the NP specialization coursework and clinical practicums associated with Duquesne’s MSN degree but not the APRN coursework. You’ll access the majority of your classwork online using asynchronous technology.

The actual length of your certificate studies will depend upon the number of credits you can transfer over from a previous graduate nursing degree. The maximum number of transfer credits you’re allowed is nine. However, for the most part, the AGACNP certificate consists of 33 credits spread over nine classes, which include nine classes, 750 clinical hours, and three on-site skills intensives; the 33-credit FNP certificate involves nine classes, two on-site intensives, and 700 clinical hours, while the 35-credit PHMNP certificate requires 12 courses, two campus visits, and 550 clinical hours. You’ll be able to perform your clinical residencies at a healthcare facility close to where you live.


Post-Master's Certificate Program Length: All three NP post-master’s certificates can be completed in two and a half years and have start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: You must have a BSN and an MSN from an accredited nursing program and an active, unencumbered RN license to qualify for admission into Duquesne University’s post-master’s certificate program.

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Duquesne University NP Students: Duquesne University’s School of Nursing offers some scholarship support to aspiring nurse practitioners. You may also qualify for federal or state grants and loans based on the information you submit with your FAFSA form.


Interesting Highlights About Duquesne University NP School

• Duquesne University conferred 74 MSN and 24 DNP degrees in 2021.
• On U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top nursing programs, Duquesne’s MSN program is in the 45th spot, while its DNP program is in the 63rd spot.
• Duquesne University’s nurse practitioner tracks are known for their small class sizes; cohorts seldom contain more than 15 students.


3. Carlow University


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Carlow University’s graduate nursing programs are designed for working professionals. This NP school in Pittsburgh offers two nurse practitioner specialties, FNP and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) tracks, which can either be pursued online or on campus. Both NP tracks are associated with Carlow’s MSN degree and post-master’s certificate programs.

Carlow University is a Catholic university with a strong commitment to social values. Catholic principles as such, however, are not reflected in the university’s graduate nursing education.


MSN Program Details: Both the FNP and WHNP curricula entail 49 credits and 600 clinical hours. Students who pursue their MSN degrees on-site can do so either at Carlow University’s main campus in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood or at the university’s satellite campuses in Greensburg and Cranberry. The coursework consists primarily of web-based educational materials with an evening class that meets twice a month. You can also opt to pursue these MSN/NP tracks entirely online.

The curriculum is divided into three types of classes: classes promoting the advanced practice RN role, classes focusing on your chosen clinical specialty, and clinical practicums. APRN coursework includes classes like “APN Role in US Healthcare System,” “Advanced Physical Assessment & Diagnosis,” and “Human Pathophysiology.” Carlow’s MSN program finishes with a capstone experience during which you’ll apply your newly acquired advanced practice nursing skills to a real-life challenge you’ve encountered during your practicum experiences.

Clinical practicums are paired with corresponding theory classes and must be taken in the same semester. You’ll be able to complete your practicums in the area where you live.


MSN Program Length: All classes begin in the fall semester. If you enroll as a full-time student, you should be able to complete your MSN studies in 20 months. Part-time enrollment options are available, but you must complete your MSN within five years.

MSN Admission Requirements: Carlow University’s MSN program is available to applicants who have a BSN from an accredited nursing program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must have a valid, unencumbered RN license in the state where they will be doing their clinical practicums. You must submit two professional references, a resume, and a reflective essay with your application.

Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: Carlow’s 36-credit FNP post-master’s certificate requires 600 clinical hours. The curriculum includes the NP specialization class and practicum portions of the MSN/FNP curriculum. You can take on-site classes at one of Carlow’s campuses in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, or Cranberry or pursue the certificate online.

The 35-credit WHNP program also requires 600 clinical hours and can be pursued either on-site or online.

Online students can complete their clinical practicums at a healthcare facility close to where they live, while campus students will complete their clinical practicums at urban and rural healthcare facilities throughout Pittsburgh and other parts of Allegheny County.


Post-Master's Certificate Program Length: Carlow University’s two post-master’s NP certificates take 27 months to complete. Classes begin in the fall semester.

Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: Applicants to this program must hold an MSN from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Additionally, you must have an active, unencumbered RN license in the state where you plan to do your clinical rotations.

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Carlow University NP Students: Carlow’s funding for graduate nursing students is limited, but the university’s Financial Aid Office will help you identify and apply for external nursing scholarships. You may also be eligible for needs-based federal grants and loans based on the information you submit with your FAFSA form.


Interesting Highlights About Carlow University NP School

• Seventy MSN degrees and six DNP degrees were awarded by Carlow University in 2021.
• Carlow is one of only two nurse practitioner programs in Pittsburgh to offer concurrent MSN/Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.
• Carlow offers a 10% tuition discount for nurses working at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, in the Allegheny Healthcare Network, and in several other Pittsburgh and Allegheny County healthcare systems.


4. Robert Morris University


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master's Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)


About the School: Robert Morris University’s approach to nurse practitioner education is rigorous and results-driven. Like several other nurse practitioner programs in Pittsburgh, RMU is phasing out its resident MSN program to focus on the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree as the terminal clinical pathway. Robert Morris University offers a BSN-to-DNP/NP track with AGPCNP, FNP, and PMHNP nurse practice specialties and a post-master’s certificate with a PMHNP nurse practice specialty.


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The FNP and PMHNP tracks associated with RMU’s BSN-to-DNP program both involve 86 credits, while the AGPCNP track entails 80 credits. All three tracks require 1,000 clinical hours. RMU’s BSN-to-DNP/NP curriculum is split between advanced practice RN coursework, coursework emphasizing evidence-based population research, clinical specialization classes, and practicums.

Evidence-based research coursework includes classes like “Applied Statistics for Evidence Based Practice” and “Principles of Epidemiology,” while APRN coursework features classes like “Advanced Physical Assessment/Diagnosis” and “Advanced Pathophysiology.” To graduate, you’ll be required to complete a DNP project that will synthesize the theoretical knowledge you’ve learned in the classroom with the real-time experiences you’ve had while completing your practicums.

The AGPCNP and FNP tracks can only be pursued on Robert Morris University’s campus in the Pittsburgh suburb of Moon River. However, you can choose to take the PMHNP track either on campus or online. If you’re enrolled in a campus-based program, your practicum experiences will be scheduled at one of the many excellent hospitals or primary care clinics in the Greater Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area. RMU’s online nurse practitioner students will be able to complete their clinical hours at a medical facility close to where they live.


BSN-to-DNP Program Length: The BSN-to-DNP program begins in the fall semester. Full-time students can complete the program in 11 semesters or a little less than four years.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Additionally, you must have a current, unrestricted RN license. You’re required to submit two professional letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae or resume, and an essay elaborating upon your educational goals with your application.

Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: RMU’s 31-credit PMHNP post-master’s can be pursued at the university’s campus outside Pittsburgh or online using synchronous technology. Students who choose to complete the program on campus will attend class one day a week. This post-master’s nurse practitioner program in Pittsburgh entails 504 clinical hours, which distance-learning students will be able to complete at a healthcare facility close to where they live or work.


Post-Master's Certificate Program Length: Full-time students should be able to complete RMU’s PMHNP post-master’s certificate in five semesters.

Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for this program, you must have a graduate nursing degree with a minimum GPA of 3.25. Additionally, you’ll need national certification as an NP. A resume or CV and an essay addressing your professional goals must be submitted along with your application. All applicants will be interviewed by a faculty member.

Scholarships & Financial Aid for Robert Morris University NP Students: Robert Morris University doesn’t offer many institutional graduate nursing scholarships, but its Student Financial Services Office will gladly provide you with information about external scholarships. If you submit a FAFSA form, you may also qualify for federal and state grants and loans.


Interesting Highlights About Robert Morris University NP School

• In 2021, Robert Morris University awarded 21 MSN degrees and 19 DNP degrees.
• Robert Morris University ranks #120 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top American Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
• RMU offers a dual MSN/MBA degree.
• Robert Morris University participates in an Interprofessional Mental Health Education Program designed to instruct PMHNPs about the value of evidence-based holistic care.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



CAREER INFORMATION FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA


HOW MANY NURSE PRACTITIONERS ARE THERE IN PITTSBURGH?


Pittsburgh’s nurse practitioner workforce numbers 1,840.

Employment
1,840
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


WHERE DO NURSE PRACTITIONERS WORK IN PITTSBURGH?


Pittsburgh’s nurse practitioner workforce is employed in a wide variety of practice settings, including hospitals, ambulatory care clinics, private physician practices, nursing homes, schools, community clinics, and government agencies.

Work Setting
Offices of Physicians
General Medical & Surgical Hospitals
Outpatient Care Centers
Offices of Other Health Practitioners
Home Health Care Services


WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS IN PITTSBURGH?


Employment opportunities for nurse practitioners in Pittsburgh are expected to increase by nearly one-third in the coming decade.

10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030)
+32.69%
(Source: Careeronestop.org)



HOW MUCH DO NURSE PRACTITIONERS MAKE IN PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA?


WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF NP PROGRAMS IN PITTSBURGH EXPECT?


As an entry-level NP in Pittsburgh, you can anticipate earning $78,820 annually. This works out to $37.89 hourly, $1,516 a week, or $6,570 a month.

Hourly$37.89
Weekly$1,516
Monthly$6,570
Annual$78,820
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF NP PROGRAMS IN PITTSBURGH EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?


The more experience you have as a nurse practitioner, the more efficient and effective you become at your job, and the more money you can expect to make. Graduates of nurse practitioner programs in Pittsburgh with one to four years of experience average $99,580 a year, which is 26 percent more than newly graduated nurse practitioners make. With five to nine years of experience, you can look forward to earning 34 percent more than entry-level NPs. With 20 or more years of experience, you’ll make significantly more than twice the starting salary that new NP graduates make.

Level of Experience HourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Entry-Level $37.89$1,516$6,570$78,820
1-4 Years of Experience $47.88$1,915$8,300$99,580
5-9 Years of Experience $50.81$2,033$8,810$105,690
10-19 Years of Experience $79.76$3,190$13,830$165,900
20 Years or More Experience >$100.00>$4,000>$17,330>$208,000
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN PITTSBURGH?


On average, nurse practitioners in Pittsburgh earn $125,270 a year. This breaks down to $60.23 an hour, $2,409 a week, or $10,440 a month. NPs can look forward to reaching this benchmark after approximately 12 years of experience.

Hourly$60.23
Weekly$2,409
Monthly$10,440
Annual$125,270
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



NURSE PRACTITIONER SALARY IN PITTSBURGH VS. OTHER SALARIES


NP SALARY IN PITTSBURGH VS. NP SALARY IN THE NATION


In Pittsburgh, nurse practitioners earn 6 percent more on average than they do throughout the U.S. as a whole.

Average Pittsburgh
NP Annual Salary
Average National NP
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
$125,270$118,040+$7,230+6.13%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


NP SALARY IN PITTSBURGH VS. NP SALARY IN PENNSYLVANIA


Pittsburgh nurse practitioners' average salaries are 7 percent higher than they are in other parts of the Keystone State.

Average Pittsburgh
NP Annual Salary
Average Pennsylvania
NP Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
$125,270$117,260+$8,010+6.83%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


NP SALARY IN PITTSBURGH VS. NP SALARIES IN OTHER PENNSYLVANIA CITIES


Nurse practitioners in Pittsburgh earn the highest salaries of all NPs in Pennsylvania. They earn 3 percent more than NPs in Philadelphia, 12 percent more than NPs in Scranton, and 26 percent more than NPs in Johnstown.

Metro Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
Pittsburgh $125,270 $0 0.00%
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington $121,370 +$3,900 +3.21%
Reading $119,650 +$5,620 +4.70%
Harrisburg-Carlisle $117,200 +$8,070 +6.89%
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton $115,550 +$9,720 +8.41%
Williamsport $115,050 +$10,220 +8.88%
Bloomsburg-Berwick $112,630 +$12,640 +11.22%
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton $112,130 +$13,140 +11.72%
Lancaster $111,030 +$14,240 +12.83%
York-Hanover $110,890 +$14,380 +12.97%
Gettysburg $110,500 +$14,770 +13.37%
Chambersburg-Waynesboro $109,100 +$16,170 +14.82%
State College $108,480 +$16,790 +15.48%
Erie $107,500 +$17,770 +16.53%
Lebanon $107,450 +$17,820 +16.58%
Altoona $104,880 +$20,390 +19.44%
Johnstown $99,690 +$25,580 +25.66%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


NP SALARY IN PITTSBURGH VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN PITTSBURGH


Pittsburgh nurse practitioners top out salary-wise among healthcare workers in the city’s nursing sector. They earn 71 percent more than RNs who don’t have APRN certifications and nearly three times as much as nursing assistants.

Type of Nurse Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
Nurse Practitioner $125,270 $0 0.00%
Nurse Midwife $106,130 +$19,140 +18.03%
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary $87,960 +$37,310 +42.42%
Registered Nurse $73,170 +$52,100 +71.20%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse $49,330 +$75,940 +153.94%
Nursing Assistant $34,080 +$91,190 +267.58%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)


NP SALARY IN PITTSBURGH VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN PITTSBURGH


Pittsburgh nurse practitioners are rapidly closing the wage gap with physicians and other graduates of four-year doctoral programs. Their average earnings are only 18 percent less than the average earnings of physicians and only 9 percent less than the average earnings of dentists. NPs make 8 percent more than pharmacists, 9 percent more than optometrists, and 19 percent more than physician assistants with whom their job responsibilities are most closely aligned in terms of scope of practice.

Job Title Average
Annual Salary
Difference
Number %
Physician $153,330 -$28,060 -18.30%
Dentist $137,580 -$12,310 -8.95%
Podiatrist $129,110 -$3,840 -2.97%
Nurse Practitioner $125,270 $0 0.00%
Pharmacist $116,090 +$9,180 +7.91%
Veterinarian $115,380 +$9,890 +8.57%
Optometrist $114,690 +$10,580 +9.22%
Physician Assistant $105,280 +$19,990 +18.99%
Physical Therapist $89,590 +$35,680 +39.83%
Speech-Language Pathologist $80,750 +$44,520 +55.13%
Occupational Therapist $80,580 +$44,690 +55.46%
Audiologist $75,810 +$49,460 +65.24%
Chiropractor $70,560 +$54,710 +77.54%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT


1. Who Accredits Nurse Practitioner Programs In Pittsburgh?

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

S.No.Accrediting Agency
1Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)


2. How Many Accredited Nurse Practitioner Schools Are There In Pittsburgh?

The University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Carlow University, and Robert Morris University are Pittsburgh's four accredited NP programs.

4


3. On Average, How Long Does It Take To Become A Nurse Practitioner In Pittsburgh?

Depending upon the academic pathway you pursue, it can take you anywhere from 20 months to three years to become a nurse practitioner in Pittsburgh.


4. On Average, How Much Do NP Programs Cost In Pittsburgh?

You can expect to spend between $30,000 and $130,000 to become a nurse practitioner in Pittsburgh, depending upon the academic degree you choose to pursue.


5. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Hour In Pittsburgh?

On average, Pittsburgh-based NPs earn $60.23 per hour.

$60.23


6. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Month In Pittsburgh?

The average nurse practitioner in Pittsburgh will take home $10,440 a month.

$10,440


7. How Much Does A Nurse Practitioner Make Per Year In Pittsburgh?

The average annual salary of a nurse practitioner in Pittsburgh is $125,270 a year.

$125,270


8. Are Nurse Practitioners In Demand In Pittsburgh?

Nurse practitioners are in high demand throughout the Greater Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area, thanks to drivers like a rapidly aging population and a shortage of primary healthcare providers. Employment opportunities for NPs are expected to increase by 33 percent over the next 10 years.


9. Can Nurse Practitioners Practice Independently In Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is in Pennsylvania, and in Pennsylvania, nurse practitioners can only practice under the terms of collaborative agreements they have with supervising physicians. In October 2020, the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing approved regulations that allow NPs who’ve completed three years (3,600 hours) of clinical practice under physician oversight to practice independently, but these guidelines have yet to be implemented.

Reduced Practice


10. Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe Medications In Pittsburgh?

Nurse practitioners in Pittsburgh can only prescribe medications within the scope of the collaborative agreement they have with their supervising physician. In addition, they must fulfill the other requirements for prescriptive authority in Pennsylvania.


Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Pattie Trumble is a nurse who worked in both California and New York for many years as an emergency room nurse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing. After 10 years of providing direct care, she went back to school and earned concurrent Master’s degrees in both public policy and public health from the University of California, Berkeley. Thereafter, she worked for various public health agencies in California at both the community and state levels providing economic and legislative analysis.




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