School is now in session for the largest incoming class in the history of the Allegheny Health Network’s Schools of Nursing.

The schools — the West Penn School of Nursing in Bloomfield and Citizens School of Nursing in Tarentum — are experiencing record-breaking enrollments for the 2025-2026 academic year, AHN announced in a Monday press release.

That comes as welcome news as hospitals across the state continue to grapple with a persistent shortage of nurses, straining health care systems and patient care.

Pennsylvania’s shortage is among the most severe nationwide, with some estimates pointing to a dearth of 20,000 nurses by next year.

AHN’s nursing schools welcomed a combined 355 students to class Aug. 18, with another 50 anticipated to begin in January. This represents a 44% increa

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