Changing and Saving Lives

Our Story

Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot

It’s no secret that workforce development is the most critical need in health care.

As one of the fastest growing hospitals in Pennsylvania, UPMC Hamot has witnessed unprecedented demand for well-trained employees of all types. National trends have yielded an especially high demand for nurses.

The question facing UPMC Hamot became obvious in recent years. How could we hire an additional 50, 75, or even 100 nurses per year — all while ensuring exceptional training and job performance? Our leadership decided the only answer was to develop our own pipeline of nursing graduates.

In 2021, through swift decision making and strong local support, a partnership was formed to launch the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot, a rigorous, RN diploma program featuring an incredible 900 hours of clinical learning.

In December 2022, 48 diverse graduates celebrated the culmination of their studies to become registered nurses. This first class of nurses represented the most diverse group of nursing students in the UPMC system. These students ranged in age from 18 to 56 years old and come from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic circumstances. They each held a desire to help people, to become nurses.

While their personal stories are incredible, one common theme emerges in the success of these students, and all those who will follow — critical support from scholarships.

Help Us Make a Difference That Lasts

Hamot Health Foundation is proud to offer a variety of exclusive dedication opportunities to supporters of the scholarship endowment for the Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot. Donors can name scholarships and dedicate spaces in the new facility to honor or memorialize loved ones. Custom signage will provide an opportunity to share the story of those recognized. A variety of giving options are available, ranging from one-time payments to multiyear pledges.

School of Nursing Fast Facts

• RN program; estimated starting salary of $30/hour with guaranteed job placement.
• Nearly 100 students anticipated in each cohort; persons of color comprised 30% of inaugural class.
  
• Classroom instruction is held at the former Wayne School, where a $12 million renovation created a hub for health care and job training.
• Every student completes 900 hours of clinical training at UPMC Hamot.
• Supplemental courses are taught at Gannon University.
• First class pass rate of NCLEX (nursing boards) was highest in UPMC system at 88% on first attempt.

For more information, contact Nick Cianci (ciancin@upmc.edu; 814-877-2464) or Mark Louis (louismb@upmc.edu; 814-877-3962).