Citizens School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
This hospital-based program is operated today as Citizens School of Nursing within Allegheny Health Network (campus in Tarentum, near Natrona Heights). It offers RN diploma and LPN-RN pathways—not a four-year BSN—with clinical experiences tied to AHN hospitals.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
You train inside a major health network: Citizens School of Nursing partners closely with AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital and other AHN sites, so clinical rotations and simulation are built around real hospital workflows rather than a traditional college campus experience.
Overview & Why Students Choose Alle-Kiski Medical Center School of Nursing
The catalog name Alle-Kiski Medical Center School of Nursing reflects this program’s long history in the Alle-Kiski Valley; today, admissions, branding, and consumer disclosures use Citizens School of Nursing on the Allegheny Health Network site. Instruction happens at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills in Tarentum, with AHN emphasizing small cohorts, simulation labs, and hospital-based clinical education leading to RN licensure through NCLEX-RN.
Unlike a university BSN, you complete a diploma in nursing that PA approves for RN licensure. AHN also promotes Portage Learning for college-level academics online if you intend to complete an RN-to-BSN later—confirm transfer policies with the school and your target bachelor program.
Pennsylvania’s 2024–2025 RN NCLEX spreadsheet lists Citizens School of Nursing DPL at 87.50% first-time (49 of 56) for Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025 (leftmost column). AHN’s outcomes page separately cites 97.6% (40 of 41) for 2024–2025, 100% (35 of 35) for 2023–2024, and 84.6% (22 of 26) for 2022–2023—definitions can differ, so confirm both sources.
Reasons students choose this program
AHN clinical pipeline
Marketing materials highlight rotations across Allegheny Health Network hospitals and a direct connection to hiring pathways many graduates value after licensure.
Flexible pacing
Choose a 22-month full-time schedule or a 32-month nights-and-weekends track if you need to keep working while you study.
LPN-RN advanced standing
Licensed practical nurses can apply to advanced-standing cohorts with additional testing requirements defined in AHN’s admissions policy.
Transparent outcomes page
AHN publishes multi-year NCLEX tables plus employment-within-one-year figures for recent May graduating classes—useful when you compare hospital-based diploma programs.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following pathways are described on AHN’s Citizens School of Nursing pages for 2026 entry. All lead to a diploma in nursing and eligibility to sit for NCLEX-RN after Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing approval requirements are met.
Pre-licensure (RN diploma)
Full-time RN diploma (22 months)
Daytime progression with classes beginning August 2026 per the published application timeline; prepares entry-level RNs with integrated simulation and clinical rotations.
Part-time RN diploma (32 months)
Nights-and-weekends format for students who need extended scheduling; January 2027 start for cohorts tied to the September 1, 2026 application deadline.
LPN-RN advanced standing
Full-time LPN-RN
Designed for active LPNs; AHN lists a September 1, 2026 application deadline with a January 4, 2027 class start. Applicants must complete the ATI Nursing Fundamentals proctored exam at Level 2 or higher.
Part-time LPN-RN
AHN lists a May 1, 2026 application deadline with an August 31, 2026 class start for the part-time LPN-RN track—confirm details on the Citizens School landing page before applying.
Citizens School awards a hospital diploma, not a BSN, MSN, or DNP. If you need a bachelor’s degree for employer requirements, plan for RN-to-BSN completion separately and confirm transfer agreements early.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Pennsylvania’s 2024–2025 RN NCLEX spreadsheet shows Citizens School of Nursing DPL at 87.50% first-time (49/56) for Oct 1, 2024–Sep 30, 2025. AHN’s outcomes page still lists 97.6% for 2024–2025 (40/41), 100% for 2023–2024 (35/35), and 84.6% for 2022–2023 (22/26)—use the Board PDF when you need the Commonwealth’s consolidated program row.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (PA DOS, Oct 2024–Sep 2025) | 87.50% (49 / 56, Citizens School of Nursing DPL row) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2024–2025, AHN table) | 97.6% (40/41 testers; school-reported) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2023–2024) | Reported 100% (35/35; school-reported on AHN outcomes) |
| Source | AHN Citizens School of Nursing outcomes; verify cohort detail with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing and the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Alle-Kiski Medical Center School of Nursing and the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- Pennsylvania Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Alle-Kiski Medical Center School of Nursing’s international office and the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
AHN Schools of Nursing use holistic review. Expect to submit transcripts, SAT/ACT or ATI TEAS scores (unless you qualify for a testing exemption), essays, and references as described on the centralized admissions page. Clearinghouses, drug screens, immunizations, and background checks are required after acceptance.
Application timeline (Citizens campus)
| Program | Deadline | Class start |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time RN diploma (22 mo) | May 1, 2026 | August 17, 2026 |
| Part-time RN diploma (32 mo) | September 1, 2026 | January 4, 2027 |
| Full-time LPN-RN | September 1, 2026 | January 4, 2027 |
| Part-time LPN-RN | May 1, 2026 | August 31, 2026 |
Dates are taken from the Citizens School of Nursing landing page as of this review; the consolidated admissions page may list additional cohorts—verify before you apply.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| High school preparation | PA regulations require 16 Carnegie units (4 English, 3 social studies, 2 math with 1 algebra, 2 lab sciences with Biology/Chemistry preferred); GED accepted with official scores. |
| Standardized tests | SAT 1020+ or ACT 20+ listed for expedited consideration (scores within 5 years); alternatively ATI TEAS composite 62%+ for expedited review, 58.7–61.9% for committee review. Bachelor’s degree holders and active LPNs are exempt. |
| LPN advanced standing | ATI Nursing Fundamentals proctored exam at Level 2 or higher, per AHN. |
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Allegheny Health Network publishes a 2025–26 Tuition, Fees, and Cost of Attendance (COA) for Citizens School of Nursing. COA includes off-campus housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses in addition to tuition and fees—it is primarily used for federal financial aid packaging, not the exact check you write the school each semester.
| Metric | Value (2025–26, AHN COA) |
|---|---|
| Full-time Year 1 tuition & fees | $15,238 tuition + $3,825 fees |
| Full-time Year 2 tuition & fees | $10,800 tuition + $2,640 fees |
| Full-time total tuition + fees (2 years, summed) | $32,503 |
| Part-time program | Year 1–3 tuition/fees differ; see AHN PDFs linked on the COA page. |
| LPN advanced standing | Separate 2025–26 tuition/fees PDF on the COA page. |
| Source | Citizens School of Nursing: Tuition, Fees, and COA (effective 2025–26 academic year per AHN). |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Use the official outcomes page when you compare programs: Citizens School publishes multi-year licensure data plus employment percentages for recent May graduates.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (2024-2025) | 97.6% (40 of 41; AHN Citizens outcomes) |
| Graduates employed in RN role within 1 year (May 2024) | Reported 97% (33 of 34 graduates; AHN Citizens outcomes) |
| Source | Citizens School of Nursing outcomes. Confirm current cohort methodology with AHN and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. |
Is Alle-Kiski Medical Center School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Choose this program if you specifically want an AHN-affiliated diploma with condensed schedules; look elsewhere if you need a traditional four-year campus experience or an immediate BSN credential.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want hospital-based clinical experiences embedded in Allegheny Health Network from early semesters.
- Prefer a 22-month intensive track or a 32-month nights/weekends option while living in the Pittsburgh northeast suburbs.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require a BSN at graduation for employers that do not accept diploma RN + later completion.
- Need a large university campus with NCAA sports, on-campus housing, or broad non-nursing majors.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The Alle-Kiski Valley and northeastern Allegheny County remain part of the broader Pittsburgh healthcare labor market. Citizens students train with AHN facilities that serve acutely ill patients across specialties, then often compete for staff nurse roles in the same network or neighboring systems.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital | Featured partner hospital on AHN’s Citizens School overview; anchor site for clinical learning. |
| Allegheny Health Network | Parent system for multiple acute-care hospitals where Citizens students rotate. |
| Greater Pittsburgh region | Large referral networks and community hospitals sustain RN demand; confirm market conditions through PA workforce reports and local employers. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Classes and labs take place at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills in Tarentum, co-located with shopping and cinema access rather than a quad-style campus. AHN highlights modern simulation suites alongside clinical rotations, a student portal for schedules and handbooks, and financial aid staff dedicated to diploma students. Review the published student handbook (2025–2026) for attendance, clinical conduct, and compliance expectations before you enroll.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Tarentum, PA
- Address
- 539 Pittsburgh Mills Circle, Tarentum, PA 15084, US
- Telephone
- (412) 330-4766
- Contact email
- CSONadmissions@ahn.org
- Website
- Citizens School of Nursing (AHN)
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Citizens School of Nursing (AHN) page and download the current student handbook PDF if available.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the school catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS or schedule SAT/ACT score sends per AHN policy. Confirm on the admissions page which test and minimum scores apply for your target semester.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Complete AHN’s essay prompts and reference request exactly as described on the admissions page.
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alle-Kiski Medical Center School of Nursing the same program as Citizens School of Nursing?
Yes. Allegheny Health Network operates the hospital-based diploma under the Citizens School of Nursing brand; historical listings may still use the Alle-Kiski Medical Center name. Applications, tuition disclosures, and clinical agreements are managed through AHN.
Does Alle-Kiski / Citizens offer a BSN?
No. Graduates earn a diploma in nursing and become eligible for RN licensure after NCLEX-RN. AHN references Portage Learning for college courses if you plan RN-to-BSN later; confirm transfer credit separately.
What NCLEX-RN pass rate does Citizens School report for 2024–2025?
AHN’s outcomes page lists a 97.6% first-time pass rate for 2024–2025 (40 of 41 testers), using the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing annual reporting window. Confirm the latest figures with AHN and the Board.
What is the total tuition and fees for the full-time RN diploma?
AHN’s 2025–26 COA lists $15,238 tuition plus $3,825 fees in Year 1 and $10,800 tuition plus $2,640 fees in Year 2, totaling $32,503 in tuition and mandatory fees across both years before books or living costs.
Does Alle-Kiski Medical Center School of Nursing require the TEAS?
AHN allows SAT, ACT, or ATI TEAS for most applicants; bachelor’s degree holders and active LPNs are exempt. TEAS composite scores of 62% or higher are described as expedited-acceptance level.
When are RN program deadlines at Citizens School of Nursing?
As published for 2026 entry: full-time RN applications due May 1, 2026 (August 17, 2026 start); part-time RN applications due September 1, 2026 (January 4, 2027 start). LPN-RN deadlines differ by track—check the Citizens landing page.
What job placement rate did Citizens report for May 2024 graduates?
AHN’s outcomes table shows 97% of May 2024 graduates (33 of 34) employed in an RN role within one year. Confirm current definitions and cohorts on the outcomes page.
Who accredits the Citizens School diploma program?
AHN states continuing ACEN accreditation for the diploma program and approval by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Verify status with those agencies before enrolling.
Where is the nursing school located?
The Citizens School of Nursing building is at 539 Pittsburgh Mills Circle, Tarentum, PA 15084—adjacent to Natrona Heights in the Pittsburgh metro area.
References
- Citizens School of Nursing (program overview)ahn.org/citizens-school
- Citizens School — NCLEX and employment outcomesahn.org — outcomes
- Citizens School — tuition, fees, and COAahn.org — tuition and COA
- AHN Schools of Nursing — admissionsahn.org — admissions
- Pennsylvania Board of Nursing — pass rates / licensuredos.pa.gov — Board of Nursing
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment with AHN Citizens School pages (programs, admissions, tuition/COA, outcomes), Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing references, and clarity around diploma-vs-BSN scope.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-31 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy