<p>Both programs use the same hospitals for rotations (in fact, rotations often include students from both schools). Duq’s facilities are impressive, and have just been improved again. Of course, Pitt has access to all of the hospitals next to the campus and Duq only has Mercy Hospital next-door. The academic programs do vary, and Pitt’s is much tougher IMO. We’re from Western PA, so we had plenty of time to question our doctors, nurses, and parents of friends who are medical practioners about the training that each school provides to nurses. D’s other parent was going through hospitalizations and nursing home admission when D was applying, so we collected a lot of opinions. Pitt’s nursing program is obviously highly regarded and tougher to get into but Duq’s program was also complimented by all of our interviewees. With scholarship $, the cost was the same so it was all about fit for D when weighing the two schools.</p>