University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Reviews of Master's in Nursing

"This university is diverse in student population and offers many degrees. The location is in a small city college town. The students and faculty have a lot of Panther Pride."

"The graduate programs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing are demanding in terms of workload and critical thinking, but worth it in terms of the exposure, experiences, and collaborations you build. Definitely worth the value!"

"The Pitt program is challenging and intense, but you'll get all the support you need from faculty, staff, and fellow grad students. Living in pittsburgh is wonderful(minus the winter)- there's plenty to do, the cost of living is reasonable, and housing options are plentiful and comfortable."

"A rich learning environment with expert faculty. The students are supportive but there is a healthy level of competition."

"The clinical experiences/rotations are limited by the University excluding the second largest hospital system in the area due to political tensions between the university's medical system insurance company and the other hospital system. The school collaborates with their own medical system and none other which limits the diversity and quality of clinicals."

"As a minority nurse, my experience at Pitt has been quite different than my white counterparts. Though I would agree that my overall education at Pitt has been good, I would also share that learning experiences are always what you make them. One can always develop perseverance, wisdom, strength, and grace in a trying experience. It is my observation that Pitt has a long way to go with regards to diversity, cultural competency and sensitivity. I am the only African American in my program and 9/10 times in my classroom. I find myself often distracted and discouraged by the lack of minorities portrayed positively in class presentations, lecture slides. and learning materials, and hurt by the inappropriate and insensitive comments instructors make about patients or communities they serve. Intentionally or unintentionally, instructors/ authority figures promote and reinforce stereotypes and bias to open-minded, developing students. It's very frustrating and saddening. There are systems/rules/practices in place that are really not supportive, open, or conducive to students of different cultures, backgrounds, upbringing, and perspectives. Though I understand the need to standardize or make black and white the education provided, I often feel restricted and as though there is a reluctance or resistance to open-mindedness or recognition of the gray. When it comes to my concerns as a minority student, I do not feel like I am heard or acknowledged, and I do not feel like my difference is appreciated. I believe that by attempting to ignore the fact that I am different, that Pitt erroneously thinks that they are being supportive and accepting of differences. However, being a minority student here has not been a great struggle, it has elucidated the grave conservatism and reactionary mindset of this great institution. Though Pitt’s prestige and networking is excellent, I would NOT recommend this institution to a loved one. For me, my program’s lack of support, diversity, open-mindedness, and acknowledgement or interest to change it’s very antiquate ways was not conducive to true growth. To survive, I have found myself needing to keep my head down and mouth shut about injustices because there is no true forum to address these concerns. To attempt to do so, you’ll be thrown underneath a bus, figuratively. That has been my experience. I, unfortunately, continue to witness prejudice, bias, and cultural incompetence and Insensitivity. There is no liaison, student advocate, or forum/space to address or discuss these taboo issues. There are a few minority faculty members who will provide a wonderful moral support for minority students. However, it is my understanding and observation that these issues of prejudice and cultural insensitivity permeates faculty to faculty relationships, not just faculty to student relationships. My advice for other minority students is to simply take heed. You will face many unnecessary challenges and struggle at this predominantly white institution, due to a lack of diversity in faculty, students, and thinking. These issues are not solely ingrained in some faculty, but they are condoned and supported by an overall restrictive and conservative institution."

"Today there are Nurse Anesthetist Schools developing all over the country making it much easier to be accepted into a CRNA school. However, the rapid growth of these schools does not allow them to maintain a higher quality of education. The University of Pittsburgh has held their standards high in their education of student Nurse Anesthetists, all while providing a lower cost education."