The School of Nursing, as an integral part of the University of Pittsburgh, subscribes to the University’s commitment to teaching, research, and service. Through these major functions, the school strives to positively impact the quality of health care for all people.
The school offers baccalaureate (BSN), master’s (MSN), and doctoral programs in philosophy (PhD) or nursing practice (DNP) that anticipate and reflect healthcare needs locally, nationally, and internationally. It prepares graduates to function effectively in multifaceted roles in various settings to promote people’s health and well-being. It strives to instill a spirit of inquiry, encourage academic excellence, and foster lifelong learning in all students. The school seeks to enroll highly qualified students who represent racial, cultural, and geographic diversity and to prepare students for employment in a multicultural society. In keeping with the University’s emphasis on excellence in undergraduate education, the school is committed to providing an undergraduate program with a strong clinical focus that builds upon a background in the liberal arts and sciences and provides the foundation for its graduates to become outstanding clinicians.
The knowledge, skill, teaching effectiveness, and diversity of the faculty are important factors in the success of our graduates. The school is committed to fostering excellence in teaching through the faculty’s clinical expertise and practice, instructional competency, and the development of state-of-the-art knowledge through research. State-of-the-art technology is used to enhance student access and learning. The school supports an environment conducive to research, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and seeks to make research an integral part of the learning environment. The success of the school’s research agenda continues to determine its national recognition and realm of influence.
The school believes that faculty and students should engage in public, professional, and community services as a way for them to share their knowledge, positively influence patient care delivery, and enhance their own and their peers’ professional growth. Such involvement provides leadership for societal change, helps develop effective healthcare policies, and enhances healthcare for all people. Service is reflected in leadership and volunteer responsibilities related to the political process, professional organizations, and community service agencies.
Nursing Living Learning Community (LLC)
The Nursing Living Learning Community is an on-campus residency/learning community for nursing students. LLC expresses the School of Nursing’s commitment to giving a small campus experience at a large institution. Students are provided with a well-rounded approach to their studies as well as University life, while allowing students to be housed together on one floor, in a group setting. Situated in Lothrop Hall, the LLC is adjacent to the Victoria Building, which houses the School of Nursing. This proximity to the Nursing School provides and added element of convenience for the student. The resident assistant for the LLC is a third or fourth year nursing student who works closely with the faculty and staff in the School of Nursing. One of the goals for the LLC is to provide students with educational experiences that are not normally afforded to incoming first-year students. Students participating in the LLC are given an early opportunity to develop their leadership skills by attending the prestigious Emerging Leaders Program. The LLC also schedules and facilitates study group sessions, nursing presentations, and social gatherings for nursing residents.
Admission to the LLC is by application only and limited to traditional undergraduate baccalaureate program students.
Contact Information
University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
Student Affairs Office
240 Victoria Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-4587 or 1-888-747-0794
Email: sao50@pitt.edu
www.nursing.pitt.edu
Admission Information
The School of Nursing will accept applications for the Undergraduate Baccalaureate Program from prospective students who have had the following educational preparation:
- High school graduates
- Students transferring from the regional campuses and other schools of the University of Pittsburgh
- Students transferring from other colleges and universities
- Graduates from a baccalaureate program in any field of study (Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program)
All students who wish to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must apply and be accepted into the School of Nursing. Admission to other schools within the university, or to regional campuses does not guarantee admission to the School of Nursing. In general, the student’s educational background will determine the most appropriate curriculum plan and program track in which to earn a BSN.
Individual State Boards of Nursing may prohibit a person convicted of any felonious act from licensure as a registered nurse (RN) Prospective student in that situation should contact the Board of Nursing in the state where they plan to practice following graduation.
High School Graduates
Applicants may obtain application information from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid’s website: https://admissions.pitt.edu/apply/.
Additional information regarding the application process and eligibility criteria is available on the School of Nursing website: https://www.nursing.pitt.edu/programs/undergraduate-bsn.
All high school applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the University of Pittsburgh as well as those specifically for the School of Nursing. High school courses required of all applicants are:
| Course |
Units* |
| English |
4 |
| Mathematics (higher level courses recommended) |
4 |
| Social Studies |
3 |
| Science with a related laboratory or the equivalent (one unit must be in chemistry) |
3 |
| Academic Electives** |
5 |
| Total |
19 |
*A unit is equivalent to one year of successful completion of acceptable coursework.
**Two units of second language as an elective are highly recommended.
University of Pittsburgh Announces Test-Optional Program Extension Through Fall 2023
The University of Pittsburgh’s decision to go test-optional through Fall 2025 is to ensure that no student is denied the opportunity to be considered for admission, particularly in light of ongoing challenges with access to SAT and ACT test centers.
All applicants to the University of Pittsburgh receive a comprehensive individual review; admission.
For more information, please refer to https://admissions.pitt.edu/test-optional/
Students Applying for Transfer from within the University (Internal Transfer)
Students who wish to transfer from schools within the University to the undergraduate program in the School of Nursing must submit an application for review of requirements. Consult with their respective academic advisor to officially initiate the transfer process. All records must be received by the School of Nursing in order for students to be considered for admission. Admission is offered for the Fall and Spring terms. The School of Nursing makes transfer decisions through a competitive process based upon academic eligibility and seating availability. For more information, refer to the Internal Transfer Applicants page.
Students Applying for Transfer from Other Universities or Colleges (External Transfer)
Applicants who have completed at least 18 credits or one full-time term of study at any institution of higher education other than the University of Pittsburgh will be considered for transfer into the School of Nursing on a competitive basis. Prospective transfer students are required to complete an online Transfer Application and submit all necessary supporting materials to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. For more information, refer to the External Transfer Applicants page.
Admission to the School of Nursing as a transfer student is contingent upon vacancies in the first year class. Competitive transfer applicants typically have a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) after completion of 18 credits at a college level and B grades or better in science classes and SAT score of 1280 or higher (or an ACT composite score of 27 or higher). However, exceptions may be considered based upon the qualifications of the applicant. Applicants will be evaluated on their academic performance in both high school and a college or university. The following points govern the allowable advanced-standing credits:
- Official transcripts of courses taken at other universities or colleges must be submitted.
- Course descriptions for each course may be submitted to be considered for advanced-standing credits.
- Course content must be comparable to that offered at the University of Pittsburgh.
- The credit transferred for any course can be no greater than the credit given at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Only science and NUR equivalent courses with letter grades of B or better are transferable.
- Credit for service, correspondence, or extension courses is not transferable.
- Science courses must have been completed within the past eight years (few acceptions approved).
Readmission
Unless there are special circumstances on record in the school, a student who has been inactive and/or attended a different university/college while not attending the University of Pittsburgh is required to reapply through the University Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA). Readmission will be contingent upon a vacancy in the class to which the student is to be readmitted. The start of the program of studies will be based on courses completed, current curriculum, and placement considerations.
Admission of International Students
International applicants for the four-year undergraduate BSN should apply using the International Student Undergraduate Application. For more information, go to the International Student Admissions website.
RN Options and Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN International applicants should apply directly to the School of Nursing at https://www.nursing.pitt.edu/apply-now.
Applicants are required to submit official, original academic credentials in certified English translation. The application process should be started 9 to 12 months in advance of the intended enrollment date.
An applicant whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET) and submit official test results. Applicants must have a level of English proficiency reflected by a score 100 or greater (Internet-based test). The school will accept official scores from International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) for a minimum test band score of 6.5 taking the academic writing and reading modules of the test, and DET score of 130 or higher. Applicants seeking fall term admission must take the TOEFL/IELTS or Duolingo no later than the preceding March. The Institutional code for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927 and the School of Nursing Code is 43. See the International Student Admissions section of this bulletin for more information on the TOEFL/IETS/or Duolingo. Subject-specific international academic credential evaluation of official college transcript is required.
Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program Applicants
The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN is designed to enable individuals with a Baccalaureate Degree in another discipline the ability to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) in three consecutive full-time terms. The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN requires 122 credits: 31 credits from a previous degree, 36 to 38 prerequisite credits, and 54 curriculum credits. The curriculum is fast-paced and designed to build upon the individual’s previous education while providing additional science and nursing content. At the completion, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become Registered Nurses (RN).
Admission to the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN is competitive and is based upon proven academic achievement and grades earned in prerequisite courses. The school admits two cohorts, Fall and Spring.
The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN requires an applicant to complete 36 prerequisite credits. These courses may be taken at any college or university. Courses from other institutions must be evaluated as equivalent to University of Pittsburgh courses. (Coursework taken at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing prior to admission may be taken as a non-degree seeking student.)
Required prerequisites include:
| Course |
Credits |
| General Chemistry*+ (includes a lab) |
4 |
| English Composition (scientific/technical) |
3 |
| General Elective Credits |
6 |
| Psychology |
3 |
| Statistics (descriptive, probability, & inferential) |
3 |
| Human Anatomy & Physiology *+ (includes a lab) |
6-8 |
| Human Genetics *+ |
3 |
| Microbiology *+ (includes a lab) |
4 |
| Pathophysiology*+ |
4 |
*Should have been completed within the past ten years
+Should have achieved a grade of “B-” or better
Early submission of an application is recommended. New classes begin in the Fall, and Spring term. Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN applications are reviewed, and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Preferred application deadlines are Fall Term-March 1; Spring Term-July 1. Application information and other materials are located on the Accelerated 2nd Degree Admissions page. Prospective students must apply online to the School of Nursing at https://www.nursing.pitt.edu/apply-now.
Application items include:
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts of all course work taken at any university or college
- Two (2) letters of professional recommendation (via online applicatiom)
- Resume
- Personal essay explaining how this program will help achieve professional goals
- Application fee (non-refundable and does not apply to payment of tuition)
- International Applicants: (in addition to above items)
- Official graduation certificate verifying degree obtained (English translation)
- Subject-specific international academic credential evaluation of official college transcript
- Official TOEFL/IELTS or Duolingo score - exempt if native language is English or graduate of a degree program at an accredited institution in the United States
NOTE: Official documentation not submitted through the online application system must be mailed in sealed envelopes from the originating institutions to the School of Nursing (3500 Victoria Street, 240 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261).
Provisional admission may be granted after completion of 6 credits of science prerequisites if all other admission requirements are met. Undergraduate applicants who are within 12-18 credits of graduation will be considered for provisional admission. All prerequisite courses must be completed and official transcripts received by the start of the first term. All admitted students will be required to place a $250 as non-refundable deposit upon acceptance of admission, which will be counted towards tuition in the first term of study.
Academic Standards
Students have the obligation to exhibit honesty and to respect the ethical standards of the nursing profession in carrying out their academic assignments. The academic standards of the school are:
- A student may be placed on probation or dismissed for illegal, unsafe, or unethical professional conduct.
- Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better throughout the program.
- Students must fulfill the requirements for the baccalaureate degree within a period of eight years.
Students should view the School of Nursing Policies page for current policies.
Academic Advising
For students in the traditional BSN undergraduate track, the academic advisement process begins after successful completion of the University of Pittsburgh Pitt online Orientation.
Students schedule a meeting with their designated advisor. Students maintain the same advisor throughout the program of study, and continue to meet on a regular basis. This continuity permits advisors to promote academic achievements by guiding students through each level in the program, assisting in career planning and preparation, and by serving as primary educational resource, facilitator and student advocate.
Preclinical Requisites
Clinicals begin in the 2nd year of the program. Before beginning each school year, it is mandatory that students meet the following requirements for clinical experience (the frequency of these requirements vary by clinical site):
- HIPAA module completed by students enrolled in clinical
- The American Heart Association (AHA)—BLS- Healthcare Provider Course Certification
- Health evaluation and personal insurance coverage documentation
- ACT 33 Clearances (child abuse)
- ACT 34 Clearances (criminal record check)
- ACT 73 FBI fingerprinting background check
- ACT 168 Pennsylvania Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release (for fourth year students)
- Upload all requirements to Clinical Compliance Documentation system.
School of Nursing Faculty
School of Nursing Faculty
Program and Course Offerings
Major
- •
Nursing, BSN Curriculum, Class of 2021
- •
Nursing, BSN Curriculum, Class of 2022 and 2023
- •
Nursing, BSN Curriculum, Class of 2024
- •
Nursing, BSN Curriculum, Class of 2025 and 2026
- •
Nursing, BSN Curriculum, Class of 2027
- •
Nursing, BSN Curriculum, Class of 2028
Track
Department of Acute and Tertiary Care
