BRADFORD, Pa. — The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have announced a new educational partnership that will expand access to Pitt-Bradford’s online RN-BSN degree completion program for UPMC registered nurses who want a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Under the agreement, registered nurses in the program can earn this Pitt Online degree at no out-of-pocket cost, with grants covering any tuition not already paid by UPMC health system benefits or financial aid.

Many UPMC nurses hold diplomas from one of the system’s eight hospital-based schools of nursing or associate degrees and are seeking flexible ways to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This partnership addresses that need, helping with costs for those RNs to earn their degree while continuing to work full-time.

The idea, says Rick Esch, president of Pitt-Bradford, is to “retain top health care talent in our region and increases access to high quality health care for all. This partnership also advances Pitt-Bradford’s broader efforts to strengthen the health care workforce across northwestern Pennsylvania.”

Students who choose to start in the spring term can take advantage of two UPMC tuition benefit cycles and Pitt-UPMC grants — one before Aug. 1 and one after — potentially covering the full tuition cost of both terms.

The Pitt-Bradford RN-BSN degree completion program is online and asynchronous, allowing RNs to earn their BSN without leaving their UPMC role or having to work around specific class times.

Registered nurses who meet prerequisite and admissions criteria can finish the program in as few as two semesters, with possible part-time course loads available for those who need greater flexibility. The program is delivered by practicing nursing faculty and is rooted in evidence-based practice and leadership development.

“UPMC is committed to supporting our nurses’ professional development throughout their careers. We are excited to announce this new partnership, which will enable our nurses to build their skills and knowledge while earning a BSN in a flexible environment,” said Brandy Hershberger, chief nursing officer and vice president of academic affairs for UPMC Nursing.

“Nursing shortages are a critical challenge across Pennsylvania and the nation, and this partnership directly addresses that need — making it possible for working RNs to earn a University of Pittsburgh at Bradford degree without stepping away from the patients and communities they serve,” said Anthony Delitto, associate provost for digital education at Pitt’s Center for Excellence in Digital Education, which manages Pitt Online programs.

Applications are now being taken for Spring 2027. For more information, visit https://www.online.pitt.edu/upmc-rn-bsn-online-pitt-bradford.