University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
NurSiNG
www.nursing.pitt.edu
412-624-PITT • oafa@pitt.edu • www.oafa.pitt.edu
Health is a dynamic phenomenon experienced by human beings in different dimensions and degrees through-
out the life span. It is affected by illness and acquired human characteristics, and by interaction between and
among persons and environments. Individuals vary in their ability to understand and cope with the complexi-
ties of the interactions that affect their health. People have a responsibility for their own health and the right to
participate in decisions affecting it. Nursing acts in concert with other health disciplines to enhance the health
and quality of life of all individuals.
Nursing is both a discipline and a profession. It uses nursing science, related sciences, and nursing practice to
promote, restore, and maintain the health of human beings. Nursing’s holistic perspective necessitates involve-
ment in a broad range of scholarly inquiries and professional nursing actions. The nature and extent of care and
caring that nursing provides to individuals is unique and defines the central position of nursing in the health-
care system. Nursing provides leadership in developing innovative healthcare environments and allocating hu-
man and economic resources. Nursing collaborates with other disciplines in the provision of health care and by
directing health services and human care systems. The profession is a leader in anticipating the changing needs
of society and related concomitant changes in professional education and practice. Nurses use critical think-
ing and the decision-making process to support human beings in their responses to actual or potential health
problems.
The Nursing Curriculum
Education for the practice of professional nursing demands a substantial knowledge of nursing, using the behav-
ioral and biological sciences as a theoretical base. Throughout the program, nursing courses are taken concur-
rently with courses in the School of Arts and Sciences, contributing to the development of the liberally educated
practitioner.
The University of Pittsburgh’s undergraduate nursing program provides a foundation for entry into professional
nursing practice as well as for graduate education. The purpose of the baccalaureate curriculum in nursing is to
prepare professional nurses who can assist individuals, families, and groups in varied settings to achieve and
maintain optimal health. Students who successfully complete the undergraduate program are eligible to take
the national licensing examination (NCLEX) required by the State Board of Nursing of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and other states to practice as registered nurses.
The Job Market for Graduates with a BS in Nursing
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program majoring in nursing are eligible to take the state
board examinations, which, if successfully passed, provide license to practice nursing in a given state. Employ-
ment opportunities as a licensed professional nurse include beginning practice in community health service cen-
ters, public health, hospitals, clinics, health maintenance organizations, etc. Individuals with interests in military
and public health services also have career options.
Eligibility to Apply for Admission to the Nursing Program
The School of Nursing admits applicants who are 1) high school graduates, 2) students transferring from the
regional campuses and other schools of the University, 3) those who have been enrolled in other colleges and
universities, 4) graduates of diploma and associate degree programs in nursing, and 5) those who have been
awarded a bachelor’s degree or higher in another discipline. All students wishing to obtain a BSN must apply
and be accepted into the School of Nursing. Admission to other schools of the University, or to the regional
campuses, does not guarantee acceptance into the School of Nursing.
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
4227 Fifth Avenue, Alumni Hall • Pittsburgh, PA 15260
High School Preparation Needed for a Nursing Major
Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the University of Pittsburgh as well as for the School of Nursing.
High school courses required of all applicants to the School of Nursing:
Course Units*
English 4
Laboratory Science (one unit must be in chemistry) 3
Algebra I 1
Plain Geometry or Algebra II 1
Additional Math 1
Social Studies 3
Academic Electives** 5
Total 18
* A unit is allowed for the successful completion of one year of work in an accepted course.
** Two units of foreign language as an elective are highly recommended.
Each high school applicant is required to complete the College Entrance Examination Board SAT I or the ACT. The School of
Nursing reserves the right to require such additional information, examinations, or measures for determining eligibility as
may be prescribed by the faculty.
Admission to Accelerated 2nd Degree
Admission to the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN is competitive, and is based upon proven academic achievement and grades
earned in prerequisite courses. Applicants have to successfully complete the required 36 pre-requisites credits (see table
below) taken from any college or university; submit a copy of GRE scores (Nursing code -0610; Institution code- 2927);
achieved a Quality Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above from previous degree; Essay explaining how the BSN program will
help achieve professional goals, and a resume.
Course Credits
General and Biological Chemistry *+ (includes a lab) 4
English Composition (scientific/technical) 3
Human Growth & Development + (birth to death) 3
Psychology 3
Sociology 3
Statistics (descriptive, probability, & inferential) 3
Human Anatomy & Physiology *+ (includes a lab) 6-8
Human Genetics *+ 3
Microbiology *+ (includes a lab) 4
Pathophysiology Across the Life Span *+ 4
(Graduate /Undergraduate Level)
*Should have been completed within the past eight years
+Should have achieved a grade of “B-” or better
Admission Criteria for the rN Student
Admission criteria for the RN options track are: graduation from an accredited nursing school, quality point average (QPA)
of 3.0 on previous academic work, and licensure as a registered nurse.
Admission criteria for early admission to graduate education are: graduation from an accredited nursing school, QPA of 3.0
on previous academic work, completion of an approved statistics course, the GRE exam (may be waived if GPA is greater
than 3.5 from undergraduate degree), an essay, three references, and an interview with the graduate faculty of the specific
area of concentration.
Degrees Offered by the School
Undergraduate Level
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Tracks:
1. High School Admits/Transfer Students
2. Accelerated 2nd Degree
3. RN-Options
Graduate Level
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Majors
1. Nurse Practitioner (in several areas of concentration)
2. Anesthesia Nursing
3. Nurse Specialty Role (in several areas of concentration)
4. Clinical Nurse Specialist (in several areas of concentration)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
1. BSN–DNP
2. MSN–DNP
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
1. BSN–PhD program
2. MSN–PhD program
Practicums or Clinical Experiences Available to Students Through the Program
Practicum or clinical experience is required throughout the nursing curriculum for six terms, from sophomore through
senior years. Several major teaching hospitals are within walking distance of the Pitt campus, and there are more than 50 ad-
ditional healthcare facilities in the community.
For further information concerning the School
of Nursing, contact:
University of Pittsburgh
Student Services Office
239 Victoria Building, 3500 Victoria Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-4586
E-mail: sao50@pitt.edu
www.nursing.pitt.edu
Fax: 412-624-2409
For further information concerning university of Pittsburgh high school admissions, contact:
University of Pittsburgh
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-624-7488
E-mail: oafa@pitt.edu
www.oafa.pitt.edu
The information printed in this document was accurate to the best of our knowledge at time of printing and is subject to change at any time at the University’s sole discretion.
The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.
2.5K/0910