Nursing - Accelerated 2nd Degree, BSN

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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 with a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA required in the first degree 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:

*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 1st; Spring Term-July 1st. Application information and other materials are located on the web at accelerated 2nd degree admissions.  Prospective students must apply online to the School of Nursing at https://www.nursing.pitt.edu/apply-now.

Application items include:

1. Completed online application
2. Official transcripts of all course work taken at any university or college
3. Two (2) letters of professional recommendation (via online application)
4. Resume
5. Personal essay explaining how this program will help achieve professional goals
6. Application fee (non-refundable and does not apply to payment of tuition)
7. 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

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.