Increasing evidence shows that early childhood education significantly impacts a child’s performance in school and beyond. The teaching shortage in…
Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a women’s health gender related nurse practitioner will allow you to promote women’s health issues while also advancing your nursing career.
National workforce data indicates that many women’s health gender related nurse practitioners are nearing retirement age. Carlow University is responding to this critical need by offering the only WHNP graduate program in Western Pennsylvania. This MSN program is leading the way with many regional providers of women’s health care by providing qualified, compassionate and dedicated women’s health gender related nurse practitioners specifically trained to provide obstetrical and gynecological care.
Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients as part of a health care team. They may order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. Women’s health gender related nurse practitioners provide preventive care for women in private practice settings. They may also provide adolescent health care, pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, prenatal visits, after-pregnancy care and menopausal care.
Carlow’s MSN program is a foundation for doctoral studies and lifelong learning. Upon completion, you will be prepared to take leadership positions in nursing and will contribute to the discipline of nursing through evidence-based practice efforts.
49 credits
$918/credit
As few as 28 months
On-campus (hybrid/twice monthly classes) & online
The program curriculum meets the requirements for national board certification and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure in all U.S. states and territories. Graduates are eligible to sit for board certification as a women’s health gender related nurse practitioner through the National Credentialing Center (NCC). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
If you have already earned an MSN and are looking to add an additional credential we offer post-master’s certificates in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon certificate completion, you are eligible to sit for board certification.
Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
Also, you must have:
anytime
Fall
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required.
Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.
This Boyer Model Application-like project combined efforts of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students to improve awareness on common comorbidities that afflict native Jamaican individuals, specifically Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Student education and patient testing related to these comorbidities may improve quality of living as well as equip them to monitor their current health status via use of donated medical equipment. Subsequent follow-up is planned for Spring of 2025 when another interdisciplinary, international student experience is anticipated to commence.
A multidisciplinary team (consisting of faculty from the Colleges of Health and Wellness and Arts and Science, together with students enrolled in the Family and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduate programs provide education and medical evaluation/treatment to the children of Bright Kids Uganda Children’s home and the communities of Oukut, Opucet and Kanyanga in Uganda each summer. This work seeks to improve medical outcomes for all children by preventable disease screening, creating inclusive learning environments, reducing disability and disease through improving access to clean water has context menu.
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Make a difference in the lives of individual patients, entire families and communities as a whole and advance your career with Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner degree.
This program will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice nursing in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, private offices and practices, clinics, private homes and schools.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible for board certification and licensure, and prepared to assume a leadership position in nursing. The Master of Science in Nursing: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner serves as the basis for doctoral studies and lifelong learning.
For your convenience, this program is offered at all four of our campuses (Oakland, Greensburg*, Cranberry* & Online). (*available based on enrollment)
49 credits
$918/credit
As few as 28 months
On-campus (hybrid/twice monthly classes) & online
Our high-tech, learner-centered curriculum focuses on your development towards advanced nursing practice. You will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to manage acute chronic conditions, promote health, prevent disease, educate, and provide counseling services to individuals and families across the lifespan.
At the core of the curriculum is teamwork and collaboration, providing you with the opportunity to develop a peer network – a valuable career resource.
Hybrid classes are offered one evening every other week. For all students, clinical practica require clinical hours (600 hours) over the course of the program in a mix of urban and rural healthcare agencies.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for board certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
100% ANCC pass rate
95% AANP pass rate
The curriculum for the MSN Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner program meets the requirements for national board certification and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
If you have already earned an MSN and are looking to add a credential, we offer post-master’s certificates in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon certificate completion, you are eligible to sit for board certification.
Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth will occur primarily because of an increased emphasis on preventive care and demand for health care services from an aging population.
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
Also, you must have:
anytime
Fall (hybrid and online) & Spring (online program only)
An undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required.
The program director will schedule an interview with qualified applicants.
Tuition reimbursement or discounts may be available through your current employer, contact your employer to learn more.
Theresa MacBlane ’21 said Carlow’s Greensburg campus has been key to furthering her education. “I receive quality instruction from doctoral professors still active in the field without driving to Oakland. The intimate classes allow for more one-on-one instruction and student work groups. Greensburg campus is perfect for working professionals.”
Our full-time faculty are doctorally prepared and board certified. Each practice as nurse practitioners in their specialty, within the community of Pittsburgh and conduct research in both clinical and academic settings.
This Boyer Model Application-like project combined efforts of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students to improve awareness on common comorbidities that afflict native Jamaican individuals, specifically Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Student education and patient testing related to these comorbidities may improve quality of living as well as equip them to monitor their current health status via use of donated medical equipment. Subsequent follow-up is planned for Spring of 2025 when another interdisciplinary, international student experience is anticipated to commence.
A multidisciplinary team (consisting of faculty from the Colleges of Health and Wellness and Arts and Science, together with students enrolled in the Family and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduate programs provide education and medical evaluation/treatment to the children of Bright Kids Uganda Children’s home and the communities of Oukut, Opucet and Kanyanga in Uganda each summer. This work seeks to improve medical outcomes for all children by preventable disease screening, creating inclusive learning environments, reducing disability and disease through improving access to clean water has context menu.
Carlow University was approved for a 2.6-million-dollar HRSA Grant with disbursement of funds over the next 4 years ending in 2027. This grant focuses on placing FNP students into medically underserved areas to complete their primary care rotations and a specialty rotation with a focus on women’s and behavioral health. The goal of the grant is to make a BIG IMPACT on students, preceptors, and the underserved population through “Impacting Diversity and Education of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for Healthy Communities” . Current full time FNP students are eligible to apply for up to $23,000 in tuition reimbursement.
HRSA Grant Faculty
Shannon Robertson, MSN, MBA, CRNP, FNP-C, CMC, Project Coordinator
Linda Burkett, DNP, RN, Clinical Coordinator
Monte Stone, Administrative Assistant
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Make an impact with a nursing degree from the School of Nursing at Carlow University. Learn what you need to know to help others, whether you’re a pre-licensure student, seeking a second degree BSN or on the path to a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree. Carlow is central to Pittsburgh’s vibrant and varied health care community. You can also take classes at suburban Greensburg and Cranberry campuses. Many courses are available online as well.
The Carlow University School of Nursing will be hosting an on-site evaluation of the baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate program with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)from April 3 to 5, 2024. The purpose of this visit is to achieve re-accreditation of its nursing programs.
In accordance with CCNE’s procedures, the Commission provides the opportunity for program constituents and other interested parties to submit, in writing, third-party comments concerning a program’s qualifications for accreditation. These qualifacitions can be found in the CCNE Standards for Accreditation (2018).
Written third-party comments regarding the Carlow University nursing programs must be received by CCNE 21 days before the scheduled evaluation or no later than March 13, 2024. Only signed comments are accepted by CCNE. All third-party comments submitted to CCNE must be written in English, consistent with CCNE’s policy on Conduct of Business in English. CCNE shares third-party comments with members of the evaluation team prior to the visit, but at no time during the review process are these comments shared with the program. Please submit comments to thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org.
Or, if you prefer, mail comments to:
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Attn: Third-Party Comments
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
Carlow University’s healthcare degree programs will help you learn how to become a good leader and teach you the skills needed to provide the best in patient care. You’ll master skills highly sought after by employers.
If you want to work with young children outside of a traditional elementary classroom, Carlow’s Early Development and Learning degree will give you the skills you need. This unique major prepares you for educator roles in out-of-school learning environments, community based centers, childcare centers, museums, or nonprofit organizations. In your senior year, you’ll complete a personalized internship individually tailored for your career interests.
Carlow University accepts state-sponsored scholarship opportunities, including TEACH, Rising Stars and PASSHE.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers. You will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School. You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices. Carlow’s early childhood development degree program includes a unique apprenticeship model option for full-time child care providers working in licensed childcare centers.. You can will learn about children experiencing homelessness through a service-learning course in collaboration with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and participate in educational experiences at our on-campus Early Learning Center and Campus Laboratory School. You will take coursework in children’s literature, grant writing, building school partnerships, and early literacy and STEAM based practices.
You will use the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) three core considerations when planning learning environments for young children: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness, and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and Power to the Profession.
Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. … Every student in the Education Department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”
— Bailey Pallus ’20
With a degree in early childhood development, you can work as a lead teacher in a child care program, Head Start teacher, home care coordinator, education consultant, grant writer, juvenile corrections worker, museum educator, quality coach, early learning engagement specialist or public policy advocate, or work in a hospital, family support center, community outreach, homeless programming, social work, early learning resource center support or intervention services, workforce development, or research.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 2% from 2019 to 2029; employment of preschool and child care center directors is projected to grow 1% from 2019 to 2029.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Increasing evidence shows that early childhood education significantly impacts a child’s performance in school and beyond. The teaching shortage in…
Whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree in education or going for your M.Ed. after a degree in something else,…
What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Jeremy Rhine, Early Development and Learning graduate
“I selected Carlow because coming from a bigger high school experience, I knew I wanted to be more than a number and be somewhere I would be given unique opportunities. Here at Carlow, this is true, and there is still history to make.
“I absolutely love how early you dive into the classroom experiences. The professors are always willing to help you out in any way that they can. You not only get experience within traditional classroom settings, but also in nontraditional settings as well! I loved all of the different times I got to connect, present and share ideas with professionals from all around the Pittsburgh region in early and higher ed.”
Bailey Pallus, Early Development and Learning Program graduate
“I selected Carlow for their small class sizes and amazing education program. There are so many pathways for success and the programs are really tailored to your specific needs. I knew I would be getting a high quality education by attending Carlow.
“Every staff member in the Education Department really cares about you, your education and your long-term goals. I feel so comfortable around all my teachers and really view them all as strong mentors in my education career. I also love the Carlow friendships I have made throughout the years. Every student in the education department is there for you when you need them, we really have been through it all!”
The major leads to certification in early childhood with special education. Students complete all certification requirements for both programs in this unquely designed major. Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.
In the special education program, you will learrn to address all aspects of special education from PreK-12th grade. You will experience a range of field and practicum placements working with children with special intellectual, physical, behavioral, learning, and social/emotional needs.
You may elect to add an autism endorsement or STEM endorsement.
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
You will learn inclusive practices, differentiated instruction, instructional and assistive technologies, universal design theory, positive behavioral interventions and culturally responsive education practices for young children with special needs. Explicit multisensory-based structured literacy practices and recent neuroscience inform special education practices targeting reading and dyslexia.
Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboratory School and Early Learning Center. Steps away from the dormitories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three. Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robust summer school program. By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as substitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.
Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students with a variety of disabilities at the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels. Graduates can also work in private schools, child care services and other community organizations.
Special educators remain in high demand. Special education is considered a high need area and the post-graduation placement rate for special educators is currently 100%.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math.
Certification requirements: Carlow’s Early Childhood Education with Special Education Certification program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher and special education certification in Pennsylvania. You must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. You must complete a degree program; score a 4 or higher on both Pennsylvania Department of Education 430 evaluation forms; and pass the PECT Pre-K-4 exam.
Increasing evidence shows that early childhood education significantly impacts a child’s performance in school and beyond. The teaching shortage in…
Whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree in education or going for your M.Ed. after a degree in something else,…
What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
In Carlow’s Early Childhood Education degree program, you will focus on learning to nurture the dignity, worth and uniqueness of young children from birth to fourth grade. You will learn to create welcoming classroom environments where children can thrive and develop a love of learning. You will build close relationships with other students and our dedicated and caring faculty.
The program is guided by child development pedagogy and early learning standards, and advocates for best 21st-century learning practices. Students utilize the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s three core considerations when planning learning environments: child development and learning theory, individual appropriateness and cultural importance. The program is guided by the NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, Power to the Profession and the Pennsylvania Department of Education‛s Teacher Certification Competencies. As part of the certification program, students will earn a STEM endorsement.
Carlow is one of the few private schools that accepts the following state-sponsored scholarship opportunities: TEACH Scholarship, Rising Stars and PASSHE
Bachelor of Arts
On campus, some online
Oakland
Up to 90 credits
You’ll take courses in advanced child development, children’s literature, structured literracy, math and science methods, and community and family partnerships. Field experiences begin your freshman year. We believe the community is part of our classroom. Experience visits to the museums, nature centers, makerspaces, and local community organizations as part of your Carlow education.
Fifty percent of field and practicum experiences take place in The Campus Laboraotry School and Early Learning Center. Steps away from the dorminotories at Carlow, and nestled in the heart of main campus, is a living education laboratory, a school for PreK-8th graders and a childcare center for children ages birth to three. Right from the start, Carlow Education students can be employed in the after-school program as educators, in the early learning center as assistant teachers, and as summer camp counselors or teachers in the robosut summer school program. By junior or senior year, Carlow students can tutor in the Dyslexia Center and work as subsitute teachers in The Campus Lab School.
Accelerated
Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
With an Early Childhood Education degree, you can teach students basic academic, social and other formative skills in public or private schools at the childcare, PreK, and elementary level. According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry, employment of child care, kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 6%.
anytime
Fall, Spring & Summer
Note for all certification students: At the end of your sophomore year, you must officially apply to the education department through the coordinator of undergraduate programs. You must have 48 credits, have at least a 3.0 GPA, pass SKW 101, SKQ 101, a math course and a literature course, and pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or the CORE ETS Fundamental Skills Tests in reading, writing and math or meet equivalent course, ACT or SAT requirements.
Certification requirements: Carlow’s early childhood education program provides the necessary coursework required for Pre-K-4 teacher certification in Pennsylvania. Students must meet additional requirements and apply for certification after graduation. Students may elect to take and pass the 5th and 6th grade add-on certification exams.
Increasing evidence shows that early childhood education significantly impacts a child’s performance in school and beyond. The teaching shortage in…
Whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree in education or going for your M.Ed. after a degree in something else,…
What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Four of Carlow’s programs can be fully or in part earned at one of the University’s satellite locations in Westmoreland or Cranberry. They include Family Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (select classes), Early Childhood Education, and Early Development and Learning.
The overwhelming majority of students who study at these satellite locations are completing a degree.
With small class sizes and a supportive learning environment, the satellite sites are a great way to earn a degree in a convenient location. Contact an advisor for specifics on each program.
Westmoreland County Community College
145 Pavillion Lane
Youngwood, PA 15697
Regional Learning Alliance (RLA)
850 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry, PA 16066