Education & Leadership

nurse practitioner A key goal of the Pennsylvania Action Coalition is to advance the educational preparation of the nursing workforce. Nursing education should encourage continued lifelong learning and include opportunities for seamless transitions to higher-degree programs. Increased educational opportunities allow nurses to further develop their skills in providing high-quality care, effectively communicate goals, and contribute to research and programming to advance healthcare safety. 

Key Initiatives

  • Expand the BSN-prepared workforce: The Pennsylvania Action Coalition supports this effort through the work of the Pennsylvania Academic Progression in Nursing (PAPiN), a workgroup committed to promoting nursing education to advance academic progression and increase the supply of BSN-prepared nurses. 
  • Increase the number of doctorally prepared nurses: The Pennsylvania Action Coalition support nurses pursuing higher levels of education and training through an improved education system. Data from Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, PhD, RN, FAAN from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing shows the proportion of DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy Nursing) graduates who transition into academic careers.   

Proportion of Graduates Who Transition into Academic Careers (Faculty Positions) 

Year DNP PhD
2014 - 15 20 / 237 (8%) 20 / 41 (49%)
2015 - 16 13 / 184 (7%) 16 / 27 (59%)
2016 - 17 22 / 236 (9%) 30 / 45 (66%)
2017 - 18 21 / 235 (9%) 23 / 41 (56%)
Total 76 / 892 (8.5%) 89 / 154 (58%)
*3 (<1%) DNP graduates and 6 (3%) PhD graduates entered post-doctoral positions between 2015 and 2018 

Report by Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, PhD, RN, FAAN

Distinguished Service Professor and Dean, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

Data Champion, PA Action Coalition

Pennsylvania Academic Progression in Nursing (PAPiN)

This workgroup is committed to promoting nursing education and closing the gap between the Commonwealth's nursing needs and the supply of BSN-prepared nurses. With representatives from all entry-level nursing programs (PA Higher Education Nursing Schools, PA Consortium of Associate Degree Nursing Program, Council of Health Professions Education, PA Association of Practical Nursing Administrators) and the practice arena, the workgroup advances seamless academic progression to increase the proportion of BSN-prepared nurses in Pennsylvania. 

If you have any questions regarding PAPiN, please contact Amy Ricords at 

Click here to read the Academic Progression in Nursing Whitepaper

Click here to view PAPiN's Executive Summary! 

View "The Value of the BSN" brochure to learn about the importance of transforming nursing education!

View "Academic Progression in Nursing: A Pathway to the BSN Vision" brochure 

 Click here to learn about all our initiatives 
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The Pennsylvania Nursing Workforce Coalition's mission is to advance a nursing workforce that will lead healthcare transformation by cultivating strategic partnerships with diverse populations and organizations.

Partnerships with stakeholders and volunteers allow us to implement initiatives that strengthen the nursing workforce. Your involvement and support allows us to advance nursing to help transform health and health care.