Nursing Program FAQ

Where is The Nursing Program located?
The Nursing Program is located in Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences. The School is adjacent to Reading Hospital in West Reading, Pennsylvania. West Reading is approximately one hour from Philadelphia, Allentown, and Harrisburg.

Is the Program accredited?
Yes. Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

What is the Program’s NCLEX-RN Success Rate? Graduates from 10-01-2011 to 09-30-2012: 92%.

What type of Program do you offer?
The School of Health Sciences is a Hospital-based Registered Nurse diploma program presented in two- and three-year educational plans. Our graduates will be able to take advantage of our cooperative relationship with Alvernia University for the RN to BSN Completion Program. The RN-BSN Completion Program duration will be dependent on the pace of study and whether students enroll full-time or part-time.

How many college credits will I earn?
Nursing Program students will earn 27 college credits for completing the biological sciences, physical sciences, behavioral sciences, and English Composition I which are included in the curriculum.

Can I transfer coursework?
Yes. The School will evaluate post-secondary transcripts and course outlines to see if credit can be awarded. Our transfer credits policy supersedes college vendor decisions.

How long is the Program?
Our Registered Nursing diploma Program offers both Day and Evening/Weekend Tracks.

• Day Track :
  • 24 months
  • Classes and clinical experience Monday-Friday (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Evening clinical preparation
• Evening/Weekend Track:
  • 36 months
  • Classes 3-4 evenings per week (5p.m.to 9p.m.)
  • Clinical experience every other Saturday and Sunday (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Special class, clinical, and conference experiences may occur during the day (Monday through Friday) for both tracks.

Will I have clinical and simulation experiences?
With Hospital-based learning programs you are provided with immediate hands-on clinical experience. By graduation, students will have acquired all the necessary experiences needed to be prepared for application for licensure in the state of her/his choice and complete the National Council Licensure Examination to officially receive the title of Registered Nurse.

The nursing simulation lab is the heart of nursing education. The rooms have been designed to look identical to an actual nursing unit. Simulation works by having students face, and act upon, real life situations while in a safe environment where no harm -just learning- can take place in a constructive manner. You will be able to use state-of-the-art technology and simulation equipment when you practice your skills in preparation for clinical experiences in the Hospital.

What are the admissions requirements?
We evaluate both minimum requirements and preferred criteria in admission decisions. We strongly encourage our applicants to review the current selective admissions policy.

What is the “selective admissions” process?
Admission to the Nursing Program is highly competitive. Applicants need to be aware that meeting the minimum requirements does not assure admission to the Program. We utilize an applicant point system to rank our applicants. Points awarded are based on personal composition, recommendations, past and current progress in high and post-secondary level coursework, GPA, and standardized test scores. Ideally, applicants will enter with college level coursework to support their application or present a fairly strong academic standing as a high school senior.

Do you require pre-admission testing?
Yes. All qualified applicants must complete the latest version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS V), a pre-admission examination. Pre-admission testing will begin in the fall and conclude when the cohorts are filled.

Do you have a waitlist?
At the discretion of the Program, qualified applicants may be wait-listed when the Program’s clinical and facility capacities have reached maximum levels. Wait-listed applicants will be notified if space becomes available.

Do you provide financial resources?
Yes. Our financial resources include Title IV Financial Aid, outside scholarships, experienced financial aid advisors, and student financial payment options. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the on-line Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

How do I get started?
For more information, call 484-628-0100. Interested students can attend our Program Discovery Day event or set up a personal meeting with our Student Recruiter. When you're ready, you may apply online.

Nursing is an exciting and rewarding career! We hope that your journey begins here with us at  Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Nursing Program. Don’t lose sight of your educational goal. Be informed, be prepared, and be ready for a challenge!