Nursing Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Nursing Program located?

The Nursing Program is located in Reading Hospital's School of Health Sciences. The school is adjacent to Reading Hospital in West Reading, PA. West Reading is approximately one hour from Philadelphia, Allentown, and Harrisburg.

Is the Program accredited?

Yes. The diploma nursing program at Reading Hospital at the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences located in Reading, PA is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the diploma nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) welcomes comments from interested individuals from the nursing community, students, and graduates, as well as the public-at-large. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) provides information on the program type and accreditation of nursing programs at www.acenursing.org

The diploma nursing program is approved by the: Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
PO Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105
Phone: 1-833-367-2762; Fax: 717-783-0822

Email: ST-NURSE@pa.gov

www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing

What is the program's NCLEX-RN Success Rate?

All graduates of the Class of 2023 had 100% success on the RN licensure exam.

What type of program do you offer?

The School of Health Sciences is a hospital-based registered nurse diploma program. Our graduates will be able to take advantage of our affiliation with Alvernia University for the RN to BSN Completion Program. The RN to BSN Completion Program duration will be dependent on the pace of study and whether the student enrolls full-time or part-time. Nursing Program students will earn college credits for completing general education courses, 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. Requests for Clinical Entry: When transferring in courses, please be aware that entry into 2nd or 3rd year of nursing cannot be guaranteed. Applicants are encouraged to speak to admissions on any admissions related matter; however, we may only have general information on clinical waitlist procedures at the time of inquiry. Our transfer credits policy [PDF] supersedes college vendor decisions.

In alignment with our collegiate vendor, Alvernia University, Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences does not grant credit for online courses in laboratory science for major science courses, including Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, and Physics. This policy prohibits transfer of biology/science credits for all courses (didactic and laboratory) that are not delivered face to face in a classroom with a teaching professor present. Online courses may be labeled by a college in a variety of terms including, but not limited to, "online", "distance education", asynchronous", "synchronous", or "hybrid", formats, all which are nontransferable.

How long is the program?

The program is a three-year program.

Will I have clinical and simulation experiences?

With hospital-based learning programs, you are provided with hands-on simulation and 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 [PDF].

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. Applicants will be ranked by total points accumulated based upon the following criteria: personal composition, essay, recommendations, past and current progress in high school and post-secondary level coursework, GPA, and standardized test scores. Acceptance is contingent upon submitting post-acceptance documents and fee in accordance with established deadlines.

Do you require pre-admission testing?

Yes. All qualified applicants must complete the latest version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS), a preadmission examination. It is a web-based exam that assesses an individual’s skills in Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English Language usage. There is a fee required at the time of registration. Preadmission testing will begin in the fall and conclude when the cohort is filled.

What are the post-acceptance requirements?

Upon acceptance, applicants will need to submit a non-refundable confirmation fee of $300 within two weeks of the acceptance date. Additionally, accepted students must maintain the minimum GPA requirement of 2.5, complete all background checks, and provide all health information through documentation, screenings, tests, and immunizations. A valid two-year American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider CPR certification is required for clinical experiences.

Do you require an interview?

No. A formal interview is not required at this time.

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 online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please contact the Financial Aid Office at 484-628-0106 or 484-628-0105. To see the current program costs, go to tuition and fees.

How do I get started?

For more information, call 484-628-0100Interested students can attend our Program Discovery events or set up a personal meeting with an admissions representative. When you're ready, you may apply online.

What are the technology requirements of the Nursing Program and what do they cost?

Although the nursing program uses web-based technology & applications to support student learning outcomes, students are not required to purchase specific technologic devices. Students can access all web-based learning applications from campus by using the computer lab located on the ground floor of the building as well as the computers located in the Reading Hospital library. Students are also invited to load the applications to their personal devices, but it is not required.

Students have access to no-cost technologic support both on and off campus. While on campus, technology support is available through the School’s technology support person and the Information Technology (IT) Help Desk through the Reading Hospital. Students also have access to Reading Hospital’s IT support when off campus.

For more information about the technology and the current applications used by the Nursing Program, please click here.