UPMC Group Start Cohort Webinar
Discover how WGU’s flexible RN-BSN and RN-MSN programs let you earn your degree on your schedule, with cohort-start opportunities in early 2026.
Join Us for Our Upcoming Webinar!
Date: December 4, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM EST
Duration: 45 minutes
Register for Our Next Webinar!
All participants who complete the webinar form for the Group Start Cohort
will be enteredĚýto win a WGU-branded RTICĚýcooler and blanket.
About the Webinar
UPMC has partnered with WGU to support nurses in advancing their education through flexible,Ěýaffordable degree pathways designed for working professionals. RN-BSN and RN-MSN GroupĚýStart Cohorts begin February 1, 2026, and we invite all interested UPMC nurses to join thisĚýinformational webinar.
During the session, you’ll learn how WGU’s accredited nursing programs fit your schedule, how theĚýGroup Start Cohort works, and how to take your next step with confidence. You’ll also hear directlyĚýfrom WGU representatives—and a UPMC nursing leader who completed her degree with WGU.
Why Now? Why WGU?
Working nurses face mounting demands—higher expectations, faster changes in healthcare, andĚýleadership roles opening up. With early 2026 cohort starts for RN-BSN and RN-MSN programs,ĚýWGU is offering timely pathways designed for your advancing career.
In this session you will learn how to:
• Navigate WGU’s competency-based model: study at your pace, accelerate where you can.
• Understand the RN-BSN and RN-MSN program structures, admission steps, and timelineĚýfor early 2026 cohort enrollment.
• Explore tuition, financing options, employer tuition assistance, and scholarships.
• Identify post-degree career pathways: clinical leadership, advanced practice prep.
• Participate in a live Q&A with nursing enrollment experts.
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Who Should Attend
This webinar is ideal for:
• Licensed RNs ready to earn their BSN or MSN.
• Healthcare professionals seeking education that aligns with work schedules.
Meet Your Speakers
Nick Schroth
Senior Partner Success Manager, WGU
Nick supports healthcare workforce initiatives and collaborates with UPMC to help employeesĚýsuccessfully navigate their education options.
Pietro Aguiluz
Senior Partner Success Manager, WGU
Pietro specializes in building education partnerships that empower nurses to grow their careers through flexible learning pathways.
Sam Fragle
Enrollment Counselor, WGU
Sam helps prospective nursing students understand the enrollment process and prepare for aĚýsuccessful start in the RN-BSN or RN-MSN program.
Sandra Simmons
Lead Academic Program Mentor, WGU
Sandra guides RN-BSN students through their academic journey, offering personalized mentorshipĚýand academic support.
Kelly McDonald, MSN, RN, CMSRN, NE-BC
Director of Nursing Operations, UPMC Hanover
A WGU alum, Kelly shares her experience moving from student to leadership, and how WGUĚýsupported her growth.
Program Highlights
RN-BSN Program Highlights:
- Start early 2026 cohort—get ahead now.
- Flat-rate tuition model and no hidden fees.
- Competency-based: progress as you master material.
- Dedicated faculty mentors to guide your journey.
- Curriculum built to reflect current nursing trends and standards.
BSN-MSN Program Highlights:
- Seamless transition from BSN to MSN—one institution, one trusted pathway.
- Early 2026 cohort opportunities allow you to plan ahead.
- Choose leadership or advanced practice-track concentrations (depending on state/eligibility).
- Same flexible, self-paced format with mentor support throughout.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2024ĚýHarris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
94%Ěýof employers said WGU graduates meet or exceed expectations*
95% of employers rated the "soft skills" of WGU grads as equal to or better than graduates from other institutions*
Explore Our Degrees
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
Educational Studies – B.A.Ěý(Does Not Lead to a Teaching License)
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MASTER'S DEGREES
English Language Learning (ESL/ELL)
Educational Leadership – M.S.
Curriculum and Instruction – M.S.
Education Technology & Instructional Design – M.Ed.
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ENDORSEMENTS
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
Cloud and Network Engineering – B.S.
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
Information Technology – B.S.
Health Information ManagementĚý– B.S.Ěý(from the Leavitt School of Health)
Information Technology ManagementĚý– B.S. Business AdministrationĚý(from the School of Business)
User Experience Design – B.S.Ěý(from the School of Business)
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MASTER'S DEGREES
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
Information Technology Management – M.S.
MBA Information Technology ManagementĚý(from the School of Business)
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CERTIFICATES
ServiceNow Application Developer
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ACCELERATED
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
Healthcare Administration – B.S.
Human Resource Management – B.S.
Information Technology Management – B.S.
Supply Chain and Operations Management – B.S.
User Experience Design – B.S.
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's DegreeĚý(from the School of Technology)
Health Information ManagementĚý– B.S.Ěý(from the Leavitt School of Health)
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MASTER'S DEGREES
Human Resource Management – M.S.
Management and Leadership – M.S.
Master of Business Administration
MBA Information Technology Management
MBA HealthcareĚýAdministration
Master of Healthcare AdministrationĚý(from the Leavitt School of Health)
Data AnalyticsĚý– M.S.Ěý(from the School of Technology)
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CERTIFICATES
Digital Marketing Fundamentals
BACHELOR'S DEGREES
NursingĚý(RN to BSN online) – B.S.
Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S. (Available in select states)
Health Information Management – B.S.
Health and Human Services – B.S.
Healthcare Administration – B.S.Ěý(from the School of Business)
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MASTER'S DEGREES
Nursing – EducationĚý(BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Leadership and Management (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN) – M.S.
Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN) – M.S.Ěý(Available in select states)
Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN) – M.S.Ěý(Available in select states)
Nursing – Education (RN to MSN Option) – M.S.
Nursing – Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option) – M.S.
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN Option) – M.S.
Master of Healthcare Administration
MBA Healthcare AdministrationĚý(from the School of Business)
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CERTIFICATES
Nursing – Education, Post-Master's Certificate
Nursing – Leadership and Management, Post-Master's Certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner— Post-Master's Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner— Post-Master's Certificate
