The Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health Programs is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Vitko, PhD, RN, as its new Director.

Vitko brings a distinguished career in nursing education, academic leadership, and clinical practice to Conemaugh. Most recently, she served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Acute and Tertiary Care at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, where she also held key leadership roles as Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Program Coordinator and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program Coordinator.

During her tenure at Pitt, Vitko was actively engaged in university and school-wide governance and academic advancement. Her committee service included the Senate Athletics and Recreation Committee, Professional Development and Education Committee, and the School-Wide Curriculum Committee. She also served as Chair of the MSN Council and contributed to the MSN Comprehensive Exam Committee, the Committee on Implementation of the AACN Essentials, and the Nursing Research Advisory Committee at UPMC. In addition, she served as a faculty advisor for Delta Tau Delta, reflecting her strong commitment to student mentorship and professional development.

Prior to her work at Pitt, Vitko spent more than a decade as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Saint Francis University, where she held multiple coordinator roles overseeing clinical site rotations, the skills laboratory, and the simulation laboratory. She was a consistent advocate for student success, securing grants and funding to expand experiential and clinical learning opportunities for nursing students.

Vitko is also deeply involved in national nursing leadership. She serves on the Commission on Nurse Certification Board of Commissioners, where she was Vice Chair from 2023 to 2024, currently serves on the Marketing and Finance Committee for the 2024–2025 term, and will serve as Chair of the Nominating Committee in 2025. She is also a member of the Clinical Nurse Leader Association and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Vitko brings extensive hands-on clinical experience. She has practiced as a staff nurse in a variety of care settings, including the intensive care unit (ICU), coronary care unit (CCU), emergency department (ED), and palliative care. She began her nursing career at Windber Hospital in the palliative care unit and later advanced into leadership roles as a nursing supervisor and case manager.

“I am honored to join the Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health Programs and to build upon its strong tradition of excellence,” Vitko said. “Preparing the next generation of nurses requires a commitment to innovation, mentorship, and real-world clinical experience. I look forward to working alongside faculty and students to continue advancing high-quality nursing education for our community.

Christine Stryker, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer at Conemaugh Health System, welcomed Vitko to the organization, highlighting the depth of her experience. “Heather’s extensive background in nursing education, clinical practice, and national leadership makes her an exceptional choice to lead the School of Nursing and Allied Health Programs,” Stryker said. “Her passion for developing future nurses and her dedication to academic and clinical excellence align seamlessly with our mission to deliver outstanding patient care and strengthen the healthcare workforce in our region.”

As Director, Vitko will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health Programs, advancing academic excellence, supporting faculty and student development, and strengthening pathways to prepare highly skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals to serve the region.