PITTSBURGH — Carlow University celebrated a significant milestone last Friday night as it hosted the inaugural pinning ceremony for its first cohort of Practical Nursing (PN) students. The event, held on December 13 at the Rosemary Heyl Theater on Carlow’s campus, honored the achievements of these pioneering students as they prepare to launch their nursing careers.
The pinning ceremony, a longstanding tradition in the nursing profession, symbolizes the transition from student to practitioner and highlights a commitment to compassionate care. During the event each graduate received a Carlow University nursing pin, presented by mentor faculty.
“This is a proud moment for Carlow University and for these remarkable students,” said Dr. Angela Simmons, Chair of the Nursing Department. “This program is vital to addressing the healthcare workforce shortages in our region, and we are excited to see how these graduates will make a difference.”
Carlow launched its Practical Nursing program in 2023 to meet the growing demand for skilled nurses in Pittsburgh and beyond. Designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in nursing care, the program benefits from Carlow’s signature hands-on clinical approach, giving graduates experience in diverse healthcare settings.
“One of the program’s objectives is to place graduates in well-paying, high-demand jobs as soon as possible,” said Sylvia Fields, president of Eden Hall Foundation, the program’s primary donor. “This program provides a threefold benefit to the region: the students receive an exemplary education; more LPNs and RNs will fill the healthcare worker shortage, and the region will receive better health outcomes.”
Carlow University extends heartfelt thanks to the organizations and individuals whose generous support makes the Practical Nursing program possible, including Allegheny Health Network, Eden Hall, PNC Charitable Trust, the Caroline Fredricka Holdship Fund, Herb and Barbara Shear, The Will Allen Foundation, and PA Senator Jay Costa.
The LPN program continues the service work that is Carlow’s calling, said University President Dr. Kathy Humphrey: “When the Sisters of Mercy came to the United States, they did so with a mission to address the most pressing needs of the time—a legacy we proudly continue today. This program was created to meet a critical need: the growing demand for LPNs, particularly in hospitals. Our mission is to remain an institution that responds proactively and effectively to the workforce needs of both our community and the nation.”
For more information about the Practical Nursing program, visit carlow.edu.
