Thiel College’s Nursing Gives Students a Career-Ready Experience
- Kathleen Ganster
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
There is no doubt that classroom studies and experiences are vital in a college education, but the Nursing Program at Thiel College takes it above and beyond.
“Thiel College’s Nursing Program offers clinical experiences in both local community hospitals and larger tertiary settings. We provide a well-rounded experience with lectures, clinical practice, high-fidelity simulation labs, professional development at state conferences, and medical outreach in third-world countries,” explained Dr. Nicole Olshanski, Director of the Nursing Program.
Thiel College President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., echoed Olshanski’s sentiments. “The Thiel College Nursing Program is designed with all academic instruction delivered by highly qualified Thiel faculty, utilizing creative teaching techniques in modern facilities that include cutting-edge simulation classrooms and labs. The campus-based learning is further enhanced through clinical experiences in a variety of settings. The College has agreements with multiple clinical sites, including Meadville Medical Center, St. Paul’s, UPMC Horizon, and Bon Secours Mercy Health,” she said.
In addition to the comprehensive academic experience, both Olshanski and Traverso highlighted the independent, residential liberal arts college’s commitment to offering other important student experiences, such as athletics, student organizations, and numerous free activities and events. Many nursing students are also athletes, according to Olshanski. “This balance [between education and extracurriculars] creates well-rounded, resilient professionals,” Traverso said.
Thiel College, located in Greenville, offers a variety of innovative undergraduate and graduate programs. Olshanski, a North Hills native and graduate of Seneca Valley, emphasized that Thiel’s campus location provides a beautiful setting with convenient access to numerous academic, social, cultural, and recreational opportunities.
The Nursing Program at Thiel recently underwent a revitalization following the closure of a partner organization. “During this time of transition, Thiel College went before the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing to develop and gain approval for our own Traditional BSN program. Our school received its initial accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education in April 2024,” Olshanski explained. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program also received initial approval from the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing in December 2024.
Thiel’s Nursing Program offers students a 3.5-year completion path. “One of the unique aspects of our BSN program is that students can complete their degree in just three and a half years. This allows them to enter the workforce sooner, which benefits both our students and the communities they will serve,” President Traverso said.
The accelerated program enables students to sit for state boards and begin working sooner. Given the current healthcare workforce shortage, this is a significant benefit for students and society. “The demand for skilled nurses has never been greater, and Thiel College is meeting that need head-on. Our graduates will enter the workforce ready to provide compassionate, high-quality care in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare settings across the region. Our most recent cohort of graduates is working across western Pennsylvania,” Traverso said.
To ensure students gain a wide range of experiences that prepare them for various nursing positions, Thiel College provides professional development opportunities that Olshanski finds particularly exciting. “Our students will be attending state conferences, including the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses Ohio State Conference and the LEAD workshop in Harrisburg,” she said. The LEAD workshop offers emerging leaders from Pennsylvania’s local chapters the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Olshanski’s students will also visit an Amish Birth Center and participate in a STAT MedEvac tour. Last December, Thiel students traveled abroad to the Dominican Republic for medical outreach work, with another opportunity coming this spring.
Hanna Lasher, a transfer student at Thiel, appreciates the small class sizes and one-on-one contact with professors. “The first thing that stands out about Thiel is the intimate class sizes. I am in a cohort of around 20 students, which allows me to build relationships with my classmates as we go through nursing school together,” she said. “I also feel that I am not just another face in the crowd. The professors and nursing department at Thiel genuinely care about how we are being taught, what is being taught, and ultimately preparing us to be the best nurses we can be. I also have Dr. Olshanski as my advisor, professor, and mentor throughout my entire academic career, which is uncommon in most programs,” she added.
Fellow student Kaitlyn Stamp also values the college’s small, close-knit community. “I chose Thiel because of its small, supportive environment. I play volleyball at Thiel, and the professors and coaches make it easy to balance sports and academics,” she said. “I appreciate the professor-to-student ratio, which allows me to form connections with my professors and receive more one-on-one help.”
Stamp also appreciates the well-rounded Thiel nursing experience. “It is a great choice for nursing. The students get great clinical experience and flexible schedules. Thiel’s small Nursing Program allows students to receive extra help and materials to guide them through the program,” she said.
Both Lasher and Stamp look forward to the career opportunities that a BSN from Thiel will provide. “I have always wanted to work in the medical field and chose nursing because of the endless opportunities it offers. Even after obtaining my BSN, I will never stop learning,” Lasher said.
Stamp added, “After graduation, I hope to work in critical care, specifically in an ICU. I’m drawn to the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to apply critical thinking skills. I also look forward to working closely with a healthcare team to provide the best possible care for critically ill patients.”
With so many career opportunities in nursing, Thiel aims to make BSN studies accessible to all students. “We are committed to making a high-quality nursing education accessible to as many students as possible. Thiel College offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support aspiring nurses, ensuring they can focus on their education and training without excessive financial stress. Investing in these students is an investment in the future of healthcare,” President Traverso said.
For more information about Thiel College, its Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, and other programs of study, visit www.thiel.edu or call 724-589-2345.