UNDERGRADUATE
Bulletin

School of Nursing

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 have a positive impact on 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 a variety of settings to promote the health and well-being of people. 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 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 health care 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 Center (NLLC)

The NLLC is an on-campus residency /learning community for nursing students. NLLC 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. Situated in Lothrop Hall, the NLLC is adjacent to the Victoria Building, which houses the School of Nursing. The resident assistant is an upper class nursing student who works closely with the faculty and staff in the School of Nursing. First-year students are scheduled as a group to study basic sciences together in the classrooms. The NLLC schedules and facilitates study group sessions, nursing presentations, and social gatherings for the nursing residents.

Admission is by application only and is limited to incoming freshman in the traditional undergraduate baccalaureate program. Applications will also be considered from sophomores, juniors and transfer students, according to University guidelines and space availability.

Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
Student Services Office
239 Victoria Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-4586 or 1-888-747-0794
sao50@pitt.edu
www.nursing.pitt.edu

Admission Requirements

The School of Nursing admits applicants to the traditional undergraduate baccalaureate program who are one of the following:

• 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 any field of study (Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program)

All students desiring to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must apply and be accepted into the School of Nursing. Admission to other University schools or to regional campuses does not guarantee admission to the School of Nursing.

Registered nurses interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree or early admission to the master's degree in nursing should apply directly to the School of Nursing for admission into RN Options. For details, see RN Options Applicants at https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=up-nurs.

Interested prospective students for Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN must apply directly to the School of Nursing at http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/academics/docs/acc_application0707.pdf.

Individual State Boards of Nursing may prohibit a person convicted of any felonious act from licensure as a registered nurse (RN) Prospective students in that situation should contact the Board of Nursing in the state where they plan to practice.

High School Graduates

Applicants may obtain application forms and materials at the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid's Web site: http://www.pitt.edu/~oafa/freshadm.html.

Specific information regarding the School of Nursing can be accessed via the school's Web site: http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/students/prospective/index.jsp.

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:

*A unit is equivalent to one year of successful completion of acceptable coursework.

**Two units of foreign language as an elective are highly recommended.

Each high school applicant is required to submit results of the SAT or ACT. The Admissions Office may request additional information, examinations, or measures for determining eligibility.

Students Transferring from within the University

Students who desire to transfer from schools within the University (College of Arts and Sciences, College of General Studies, and regional campuses) to the undergraduate program in the School of Nursing must consult with their academic advisor to officially initiate the transfer process. All records must be received in the School of Nursing in order for students to be considered for admission. Admissions are 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: http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/students/undergraduate/transfer.jsp.

Students Transferring from Other Universities or Colleges

Applicants who have completed at least 12 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 on-line Transfer Application and submit all necessary supporting materials to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Refer to http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/students/undergraduate/transfer.jsp

Admission to the School of Nursing is contingent upon vacancies in the freshman class. It is suggested that transfer applicants have a competitive GPA and B- grades or better in sciences classes; however, exceptions may be considered based upon the qualifications of the applicant. Applicants who have completed fewer than 24 college credits will be evaluated on their academic performance in both high school and a college or university. Applicants who have completed 24 or more college credits will be evaluated primarily on their academic performance in 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 must 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 courses with letter grades of C- or better are transferable.
• Credit for service, correspondence, or extension courses is not transferable.
• Courses must have been completed within the past ten years. The Associate Dean for Clinical Education (or designee) must approve any exception to the ten-year guideline.

Readmission

A student who has not been in attendance in the school for more than one year will be required to seek readmission through the School of Nursing. A student who has 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. Readmission will be contingent upon a vacancy in the class to which the student is to be readmitted. The program of studies will be based on courses completed, current curriculum, and placement considerations.

Admission of Students from Other Countries

International applicants for the traditional undergraduate BSN should obtain the International Student Undergraduate Application from the Office of International Services (For more information go to the International Student Admissions Web site: http://www.ois.pitt.edu/intladmissions.html#undergrad.

RN Options and Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN International applicants should apply directly to the School of Nursing: http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/students/prospective/docs/nursing_graduate_information_2091.pdf

Applicants are required to submit official, original academic credentials in certified English translation. The application process should be started nine to twelve 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) and submit official test results. Applicants must have a level of English proficiency reflected by a score of at least 213 or greater (computer-based test), or 550 or greater (paper-based test), or 80 or greater (Internet-based test). Applicants seeking fall term admission must take the TOEFL no later than the preceding March. See the International Student Admissions section of this bulletin for more information on the TOEFL. Subject-specific international academic credential evaluation of official college transcript is required. For more information refer to: http://www.ois.pitt.edu/pdf/UndergradInfo1007.pdf.

RN Options Applicants

The University of Pittsburgh RN Options curriculum is designed for registered nurses, who obtained their initial nursing education through either a diploma or an associate degree program, to complete their nursing education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and offers an opportunity to obtain an early admission to graduate nursing education (MSN). RN Options is a rigorous academic track. Courses are taught by nursing leaders who are experts in their field. Faculty serve as educators, role models and mentors for their students. The RN Options curriculum builds upon the individual professional nurse's strengths and experiences to expand professional knowledge and practice skills. Graduates of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing possess critical appraisal/thinking skills, sophisticated clinical practice knowledge, and the ability to integrate the latest research findings to provide quality, safe and effective patient care. Applicants should apply directly to the School of Nursing: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=up-nurs

Admission Guidelines

• Graduate of an associate degree program or diploma school of nursing
• A competitive GPA for previous academic work
• Possess current PA RN license
• Complete RN Option application
• Brief, typed essay stating: 1) personal philosophy of nursing, 2) personal expectations from the RN-Options (BSN/MSN), and 3) personal future career goals
• Current resume
• Three letters of professional recommendation
• Official transcripts from all schools attended
• Formal interview

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 Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) in three consecutive full-time terms. Alternative schedules may be considered on an individual basis. The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN requires 122 credits: 31 credits from a previous degree, 36 prerequisite credits, and 55 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 sit for 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.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Competitive GPA from Bachelor/Graduate Degrees
• Competitive GRE score
• Successful completion of all pre-requisite courses
• Submission of required official documentation
• Participation in an interview process

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 8 years.

+Should have achieved a grade of “B-” or better.

Early application submission is recommended. Although new classes begin in the fall term, Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN applicants are reviewed and admission decisions made on a rolling basis. Application materials are located on the web at http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/academics/accelerated.jsp.

Application items include:

1. Completed application (form available online)
2. Official transcripts of all course work taken at any university or college
3. Official copy of GRE score
4. Two (2) letters of professional recommendation (via on-line application or mailed in signed, sealed envelopes)
5. Resume
6. Personal essay explaining how this program will help achieve professional goals
7. Application fee (non-refundable and does not apply to payment of tuition)
8. 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 or IELTS score - exempt if native language is English or graduate of a degree program at an accredited institution in the United States
   NOTE: All official documentation must be submitted in sealed envelopes from the originating institutions to the School of Nursing (3500 Victoria Street, 239 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15260).

Qualified applicants will be interviewed by the Admissions Committee. Provisional admission may be granted after completion of 6 credits of pre-requisites 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.

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 web site's Student Services web page (http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/department/sso/policies.jsp) for current policies.

Advising

The advising process for undergraduate students is initiated at the summer advising sessions where they meet with their academic advisor and individualized plans of study are developed. Regularly scheduled advising sessions are conducted throughout the academic year for all students.

Preclinical Requisites

Before beginning each school year, it is mandatory that students meet the following annual requirements for clinical experience:

• American Heart Association Healthcare provider certification
• Personal health insurance coverage
• ACT 33/34 clearances (child abuse/criminal record check)
• Initial health or an updated health form to be submitted to Student Health each year.

Degree Requirements

To earn the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the student must demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement in required course work prescribed by the curriculum with an overall academic achievement of a minimum GPA of 2.00. All pre-licensure undergraduate students will be required to successfully complete and pass standardized tests throughout the curriculum in order to progress in and graduate from the program. The degree requires a minimum of 124 credits. (Refer to curriculum design at www.nursing.pitt.edu for specific degree requirements.)

Upon completion of the undergraduate program, nursing students receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which is considered the first professional degree and are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become Register Nurses (RN).

Special Academic Opportunities/Programs

Students in the nursing program begin clinical experience during the first semester of the sophomore year and continue to have complex, rigorous, and unique experiences throughout the junior and senior years. During the senior year students identify an area of clinical interest and complete an extensive internship under the direction of a nurse preceptor.

Many opportunities are available for nursing students including independent study with advanced practice nurses and/or nurse researchers, summer internships in various parts of the country, research projects, and volunteer activities. All students are members of the Nursing Student Association (NSA) and are encouraged to participate in local, state, and national activities. Tutoring and special instruction sessions for chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology are available for all nursing students. Students interested in Independent study or other academic opportunities should consult their academic advisor.

Curriculum Plans

Traditional Baccalaureate Program Curriculum
(April 2008 - subject to change)

+Must be taken prior to NUR 1060
++ Must be taken prior to NUR 1054
*Placement varies in the junior year
**Placement varies in the senior year
§Successful completion of the Baccalaureate Comprehensive Exam is required during senior year

RN Options Curriculum

The RN Options curriculum accommodates the needs of the working Registered Nurse (RN) by providing degree options that considers the goals and professional uniqueness of the RN adult learner. The program of study provides the "returning-to-school" registered nurse with a quality learning experience leading to a bachelor's degree or a combined bachelor's and master's degree.

Information

• Course offerings are flexible; students may begin coursework in any term (fall/spring/summer)
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
• Upon finishing 84 credits in the RN Options track, students must select to complete their remaining requirements in the Early Admission to the MSN or the BSN curriculum.
  • Early Admission to the MSN track students must: 1) take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), 2) provide necessarydocumentation for desired major, and 3) complete the remaining 36 credits of which 24 will be at the graduate level
  • BSN track students must complete 40 undergraduate credits as approved by their academic advisor.
• Full and part time schedules are available

RN Options Curriculum

(subject to change without notice)

* May be challenged by exam

+Credits may be transferred from other University/College institutions for credit if approved by University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

Note: All previous coursework corresponding to this curriculum must have been completed within 10 years of admission to the University of Pittsburgh.

Early Admission to the MSN - Graduate Level Courses

Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program Curriculum

*Clinical nursing courses
§Successful completion of the Baccalaureate Comprehensive Exam is required during 3rd term of program

School of Nursing Course Offerings

The following courses are offered by the School of Nursing:

School of Nursing Undergraduate Faculty

SUSAN ALBRECHT, Associate Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

SHEILA ALEXANDER, Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

CHRISTA BARTOS, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

MICHAEL BEACH, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, University of Pittsburgh

CATHERINE BENDER, Associate Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

LISA BERNARDO, Associate Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, New York University

ALICE BLAZECK, Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, DNSc, University of Pennsylvania

BETTY BRAXTER, Assistant Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

LORA BURKE, Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

HELEN BURNS, Associate Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

DONNA CARUTHERS, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

CHRISTINE CASSESSE, Instructor, Health & Community Systems, MSN, University of Pittsburgh

BRENDA CASSIDY, Instructor, Health Promotion & Development, MSN, University of Pittsburgh

DENISE CHARRON-PROCHOWNIK, Associate Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of Michigan

EILEEN CHASENS, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, DSN, University of Alabama at Birmingham

SUSAN COHEN, Associate Professor, Health Promotion & Development, DSN, University of Alabama at Birmingham

YVETTE CONLEY, Associate Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

ROSE CONSTANTINO, Associate Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

KAREN COURTNEY, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Missouri– Columbia

MARGARET CRIGHTON, Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Pennsylvania

MARILYN DAVIES, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

JASON DECHANT, Instructor, Health Promotion & Development, MA, University of Pittsburgh

ANNETTE DEVITO-DABBS, Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

TERRI DEVEREAUX, Instructor, Health Promotion & Development, MSN, University of Pittsburgh

HEIDI DONOVAN, Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison

JANICE DORMAN, Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

WILLA DOSWELL, Associate Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, New York University

JACQUELINE DUNBAR-JACOB, Professor, Dean, PhD, Stanford University

GILAN EL SAADAWI, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, Ain Shams University

SANDRA ENGBERG, Associate Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

JUDITH ERLEN, Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, Texas Woman's University

BECKY FAETT, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, Waynesburg College

MARIE FIORAVANTI, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, Duquesne University

LISA FOERTSCH, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, Indiana University

SANDRA FOUNDS, Assistant Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of Massachusetts

LINDA GARAND, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, The University of Iowa

JANET GRADY, Associate Professor, Health & Community Systems, DrPH, University of Pittsburgh

ALICE HAINES, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, University of Pittsburgh

REBEKAH HAMILTON, Assistant Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison

MARGARET HANNAN, Assistant Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

MARY BETH HAPP, Associate Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Pennsylvania

ALLYSON HAVILL, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, Duquesne University

DOROTHY HAWTHORNE-BURDINE, Assistant Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of Florida

RICHARD HENKER, Associate Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Washington

LESLIE HOFFMAN, Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

ROSEMARY HOFFMANN, Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

MARILYN HRAVNAK, Associate Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

IRENE KANE, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

JULIUS KITUTU, Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

ELIZABETH LARUE, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

HEEYOUNG LEE, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Washington

JENNIFER LINGLER, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

KATHY MAGDIC, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, University of Pittsburgh

JUDITH MATTHEWS, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

THOMAS MILLER, Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Pennsylvania

ANN MITCHELL, Associate Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

DONNA NATIVIO, Associate Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

MICHAEL NEFT, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, University of Texas

JOHN O'DONNELL, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, University of Pittsburgh

LAURA PALMER, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MNEd, University of Pittsburgh

KATHRYN PUSKAR, Professor, Health & Community Systems, DrPH, University of Pittsburgh

DIANXU REN, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

MARGARET ROSENZWEIG, Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

ELIZABETH SCHLENK, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Michigan

SUSAN SEREIKA, Associate Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Michigan

PAULA SHERWOOD, Assistant Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, PhD, Michigan State University

LUCILLE SOWKO, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MEd, Pennsylvania State University

LESLIE SPIERLING, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, Carlow University

KRISTINE STEBLER, Clinical Instructor, Health Promotion & Development, MSW, University of Pittsburgh

JANET STEWART, Assistant Professor, Health Promotion & Development, PhD, University of North Carolina

CAROL STILLEY, Research Associate Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

MINDI STYN, Research Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

LAUREN TERHORST, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, University of Pittsburgh

PATRICIA TUITE, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, University of Pittsburgh

SCOTT WEBER, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, EdD, Boston University

GAIL WOLF, Professor, Acute & Tertiary Care, DNS, Indiana University

KYEONGRA YANG, Assistant Professor, Health & Community Systems, PhD, The University of Texas at Austin

GRETCHEN ZEWE, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MNEd, University of Pittsburgh

MARILYN ZRUST, Instructor, Acute & Tertiary Care, MSN, University of Pittsburgh