UPMC has announced the UPMC Mercy School of Nursing at UPMC Altoona — a new school that will bring more critically important nurses to the region and offer area residents the opportunity to pursue careers in nursing through an affordable, established program.
“The partnership between UPMC Mercy School of Nursing and UPMC Altoona to offer this local pathway into health care comes at such a pivotal time for the nursing profession,” said Kitty Zelnosky, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President, Patient Care Services, UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford. “This new program will play a vital role in replenishing and strengthening the pipeline of skilled nurses — those who will care for our family, friends, and neighbors for years to come.”
The UPMC Mercy School of Nursing at UPMC Altoona is a 16-month diploma program for those interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN). While enrolled in the nursing program, students will complete over 900 hours of clinical rotations at UPMC Altoona and 21 credits in science and humanities in partnership with Saint Francis University. Once students graduate and pass the RN licensing examination, they will be well-positioned to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing from Saint Francis University while maintaining full-time employment.
The School of Nursing expects to welcome up to 100 students for its inaugural class beginning in the fall of 2026.
“We’re not just opening a new school, we’re opening doors for so many aspiring health care providers who have felt called to care for patients but may not have had the resources to fulfill those dreams until now,” said Angela Balistrieri, director, UPMC Mercy School of Nursing. “This program brings opportunity close to home, making it possible for more people in the Altoona area to pursue meaningful careers in health care.”
Applications for the UPMC Mercy School of Nursing at UPMC Altoona are now open. The last day to apply for the fall 2026 class is June 1, 2026. For more information, visit UPMC.com/SON. If you have any questions about the program, or you are interested in a potential faculty position, call 412-232-7205 or email upmcaltson@upmc.edu.
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