School of Nursing—Master's Degree Program

The master's program leads to the Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, and consists of four majors: Nurse Specialty Role (currently not accepting applications to Nurse Education and Nurse Research, Clinical Nurse Specialist (currently not accepting applications), Nurse Anesthesia, and Nurse Practitioner (currently only accepting applications to the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner area of concentration). The major can be completed in full or part-time study. The curriculum design includes core courses, advanced practice specialty courses, and role development courses. Students in any of the majors may also elect to earn a minor in nursing administration, nursing education, nursing informatics, nursing research, or health care genetics.

Nurse Anesthesia Major

The Nurse Anesthesia MSN Degree Program prepares registered nurses for entry into anesthesia practice. Through an integrated program of classroom and clinical instruction, students develop the didactic knowledge base and clinical skills necessary for safe and effective practice. Graduates are prepared to administer a full range of anesthetics to a wide variety of patients across the life span.

Students rotate through numerous clinical sites in Pittsburgh, the surrounding region and now more distant sites to enhance clinical experiences. Specialty rotations in cardiothoracic, neurosurgical, dental, organ transplantation, pediatrics, obstetrics, and electroconvulsive therapy enrich the program. The clinical program also incorporates rotations to community hospitals to more broadly prepare the graduate for practice in diverse settings. This is a time-intensive course of study and prospective students should consult the department for further details.

Nurse Anesthesia Applicant Requirements

Nurse Anesthesia applicants to the program must be BSN prepared registered nurses from a CCNE, NLN or ACEN accredited program of nursing with a minimum of one year of full-time critical care nursing experience. There is an RN to MSN option for applicants without a BSN. Other requirements for admission include an application, transcripts, professional references, a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score, an essay, a resume/curriculum vitae (CV), a statistics course, and a copy of a current nursing license. All students will be required to obtain a Pennsylvania Nursing License. Interviews are conducted in late fall and early spring.

Nurse Anesthesia Curriculum

This major is offered in a full-time format over 28 months, and classes begin each August and January. Part-time study is also available. The curriculum design integrates classroom and clinical courses and consists of 20 nursing core credits and 32 anesthesia specialty credits. Clinical practice begins at two days a week in the first term and increases in both intensity and frequency throughout the course of study. Clinical practice in the last term is five days per week and is interspersed with clinical conferences and preparation sessions for the Certification Examination.

Nurse Anesthesia Sample Full Time Curriculum Plan for Students Beginning in the Fall Term:

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

All anesthesia courses (NURSAN) must be taken sequentially.

Nurse Anesthesia Sample Full Time Curriculum Plan for Students Beginning in the Spring Term:

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

All anesthesia courses (NURSAN) must be taken sequentially.

Nurse Practitioner Major

Area of Concentration:Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) is prepared as a generalist, principal provider of care to adults with acute, critical and complex chronic health conditions. The AG-ACNP concentration includes sub-specialties in selected clinical emphases: cardiopulmonary, critical care, oncology, trauma & emergency preparedness, or directed study. The directed study clinical emphasis allows the student to design a clinical around a particular area of interest (i.e., internal medicine, general surgery). The AG-ACNP is prepared to assume responsibility for promoting, maintaining and restoring health to adults who are acutely, critically and complex chronically ill. AG-ACNP's also participate in research and provide leadership in mobilizing health services. The AG-ACNP graduate is eligible for state certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) by the State Board of Nurse Examiners of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This requires successful completion of the national certification exam in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

As of June 2, 2011 the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is no longer accepting applications to the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration in the master’s program. We will only be accepting applications to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for this area of concentration.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) Curriculum

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

Area of Concentration: Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner (FNP) (Former Name: Family Nurse Practitioner)

The Family( Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is prepared as a generalist, principal provider of primary health care nursing across the lifespan. In this clinician role, the FNP assumes responsibility for promoting, maintaining, and restoring health to individuals across the life span. This includes the identification of health risks, the promotion of wellness, and the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illness. FNPs participate in research and in mobilizing community resources. They are prepared to work in collaboration with other health care professionals in a variety of settings.

The FNP area of concentration offers both full-time and part-time study on the main campus in Pittsburgh. Selected courses may be transmitted to distance students (additional fees may apply).  Graduates are eligible for certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and legal certification as a CRNP and prescriptive authority  through the State Board of Nursing of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

As of June 2, 2011 the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is no longer accepting applications to the Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner concentration in the master’s program.  We will only be accepting applications to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for this area of concentration.

Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) NP Sample Full-Time Curriculum Plan:

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438 (http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

*Students must take a total of 3 Role Practicum credits.

Area of Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

The Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care PNP) is prepared as a generalist principal provider of primary health care to children, birth through adolescence.  In this clinician role the Primary Care PNP  assumes responsibility for promoting, maintaining and restoring health in children with emphasis on developmental and health assessment, and the diagnosis and  management of well, acutely ill, and chronically ill children and adolescents in primary care and subspecialty settings.  PNP’s participate in research and provide leadership in educating families and communities about child health and in mobilizing community resources for the health and safety of children. PNP’s work in collaboration with other health care professionals.

The Primary Care PNP area of concentration offers both full-time and part-time study on the main campus in Pittsburgh.  Selected core courses may be transmitted to distance students (additional fees apply). Graduates are eligible for certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and for legal certification as a CRNP and prescriptive authority through the State Board of Nursing of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

As of June 2, 2011 the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is no longer accepting applications to the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration in the master’s concentration. We will only be accepting applications to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for this area of concentration.

Primary Care PNP Full Time Sample Curriculum Plan:

 * These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

Area of Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)

The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) is prepared to manage the health care of high-risk infants within families and children up to 2 years of age. This expanded clinician role is performed in collaboration with neonatologists and other pediatric clinicians. Graduates assume leadership roles in a variety of clinical settings including intensive care nurseries of various levels, newborn nurseries and high-risk follow-up clinics.  Course work and clinical experiences focus on the care and management of critically ill and convalescent premature and full-term infants. Graduates select and perform diagnostic and therapeutic invasive procedures on newborns in the intensive care setting.  Students are also prepared to participate in research.

The NNP area of concentration offers both full and part time study on the main campus in Pittsburgh. A post masters option is also available. Selected core courses may be transmitted to distance students (additional fees apply). Graduates are eligible to take the NNP certification examination offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC)  and for legal certification as a CRNP and prescriptive privileges through the State Board of Nursing of the Commonwealth of PA.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Applicant Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE, NLN, ACICS or ACEN accredited program in nursing   An RN-Option, Early Admission to MSN is available. Other requirements for admission include an application, transcripts, professional references, an essay, a resume/CV, a prerequisite undergraduate statistics course of at least three credits, with a minimum of a C grade, and a copy of a current license to practice nursing in a stare or territory of the United States. All students must obtain a Pennsylvania license prior to beginning clinical courses. . Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).The GRE may be waived if the BSN GPA IS 3.5 or higher.

NNP Full-Time Sample Curriculum Plan:

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

Area of Concentration: Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)

The psychiatric primary care nurse practitioner (PPCNP) concentration prepares principal providers of primary health care who treat adult psychiatric clients in a variety of settings on both an episodic and continuous basis. PPCNP students begin their plan of study in core courses that include content on physical diagnosis, health promotion, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and management of acute, episodic, and chronic health problems. Psychiatric primary care content directly builds on these core concepts to provide students with the advanced practice skills to effectively manage both the common medical and complex psychobiological problems of persons with psychiatric disorders.

Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Applicant Requirements

As of September 1, 2012 the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is no longer accepting applications to the Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration in the master’s concentration. We will only be accepting applications to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for this area of concentration.

PPCNP  Sample Full Time Curriculum Plan:

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

*Student must take 2 of the 3 Therapy modalities

Nurse Practitioner Certificates

Post-MSN/DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

This non-degree certificate curriculum is designed for nurses with a previous Master of Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree who are seeking to expand their roles via nurse practitioner certification in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. This certificate requires 23 credits.

Post-MSN/DNP Certificate: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

This non-degree certificate is designed for nurses with previous Masters or DNP preparation as a family or pediatric nurse practitioner who are seeking to expand their role to practice as neonatal nurse practitioners. This certificate requires a minimum of 25 credits.

Post-MSN/DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health

This certificate provides the theory content and skill development for a Nurse Practitioner role with a focus on individuals psychiatric illnesses and their management across the lifespan. This certificate requires a minimum of 34 credits.

Gerontology for Nurse Practitioners

This certificate is intended for nurse practitioners who are seeking to increase their knowledge about the care of older adults.  Content on the diagnosis and management of health problems in older adults is offered through a combination of didactic and clinical learning experiences.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Major

Area of Concentration: Adult-Gerontology

The Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) concentration prepares nurses as expert providers of care to patients/families in acute and ambulatory care settings. In addition, the CNS functions as a developer and manager of programs of care for populations of patients; as a leader, consultant, mentor, and change agent in advancing nurse practice; as a clinical outcomes manager who produces quality, cost-effective outcomes; as a leader of multidisciplinary groups in implementing innovative projects; and as a developer of research projects that test innovative practices. This concentration includes choice of a clinical emphasis in cardiopulmonary, critical care, oncology, trauma and emergency preparedness (TEP) or a directed (self-designed) emphasis. The directed emphasis allows the student to design a clinical emphasis in a particular area of interest, e.g., internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics. Full and part-time study is available. A minimum of 540 clinical hours is included. Graduates are eligible for national certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (if critical care emphasis is selected), or the Oncology Nursing Society (if oncology emphasis is selected).

As of June 2, 2011 the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is no longer accepting applications to the Adult-Gerontology (CNS) concentration in the master’s program. We will only be accepting applications to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for this area of concentration.

Adult-Gerontology CNS Sample Full Time Curriculum (formerly Medical -Surgical CNS)

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

*Either NURNP 2100/2401* or NURNP 2104 may be selected

# TEP courses: NURNP 2104/2414*, NUR 2865/2465*, NURSP 2195

** an additional 4 credits of differential diagnosis is recommended for anyone interested in prescriptive authority

Nurse Specialty Role Major

Area of Concentration: Nursing Administration

This area of concentration is designed for experienced nurses who are interested in learning the art and science of leading a clinical discipline and in using those skills to contribute to the future development of the profession. Graduates will be prepared to assume leadership roles at a department or director level. This concentration is unique in that the faculty has extensive experience in this area, and is able to apply theoretical concepts and principles to meet the demands of a challenging environment that is rapidly changing and continually evolving.

The Nursing Administration MSN is also available online.  Additional information regarding the online option can be found at http:/www.online.pitt.edu.

Nursing Administration Applicant Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE, NLN, ACICS, or ACEN accredited program of nursing, or a graduate level first professional degree in nursing is preferred.  An RN-Option, Early Admission to MSN is available.  Other requirements for admission include an application, transcripts, professional references, an essay, a resume/CV, a statistics course, and a copy of a current license to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the state or U.S. territory where the clinical practice requirements will be completed. A GRE score may be required.

The Nursing Administration concentration can be completed on a full time or part time basis. Core courses provide a foundation in evidence based practice and research, nursing outcomes, use of technology, and organizational theory. Cognate courses expand that knowledge to include finance, health policy, management of human resources, and leadership development. Students develop critical thinking skills through case studies and group discussion, and gain practical experience in a clinical residency with an experienced mentor. Each uniquely designed residency includes access to a wide range of clinical sites, including one of the premier health care systems in the country.

Nursing Administration Sample Full Time Curriculum Plan:

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

*There is also an online option.   See www.online.pitt.edu for additional information related to the online Nurse Administration program.

Area of Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

This area of concentration is designed for nurses in a variety of practice settings who want to assume a leadership role while remaining at the point of care. The Clinical Nurse Leader assumes responsibility for patient care outcomes by coordinating, delegating, and supervising the care provided by the health care team.

Clinical Nurse Leader Applicant Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLN, CCNE, ACICS, or ACEN accredited program of nursing. An RN-Option, Early Admission to MSN is available.  Other requirements for admission include an application, transcripts, professional references, an essay, a resume/CV, a statistics course, and a copy of a current license to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the state or U.S. territory where the clinical practice requirements will be completed. A GRE score may be required.  Applicants should have 1 year of clinical experience prior to beginning clinical courses.

The clinical nurse leader curriculum may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, health promotion and patient/family education deepen the student's understanding of wellness, illness and treatment modalities.

Courses in organizational theory, leadership development, informatics, health care outcomes and a role seminar prepare the student to be a leader in the clinical area.

Courses in research and statistics teach the student how to strengthen evidence-based practice. The CNL Clinical Practicum enables the student to transfer theoretical knowledge into practical application.

Upon graduation, candidates are eligible to sit for certification through The Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC) which is the autonomous arm of AACN responsible for all certification functions. The CNL certification is based upon a national standard of requisite knowledge and experiences, thereby assisting employers, the public and members of the health professions in the assessment of a CNL. (AACN web site).

Clinical Nurse Leader Sample Full Time Curriculum Plan:

 * These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

** Clinical Practicum

*There is also an online option. All courses can be completed online except the 420 clinical practicum hours, which can be completed at a health care facility near your home.  See www.online.pitt.edu for additional information related to the online CNL program.

Area of Concentration: Nursing Informatics

The nursing informatics area of concentration prepares nurses to focus on the structure and process of nursing information as it supports the practice of nursing. Nursing informatics is a combination of cognitive science, computer science, information science, and nursing science. It includes the development, analysis, and evaluation information of systems, augmented by technology that support, enhance, and manage patient care.

Nursing Informatics Applicant Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLN, CCNE, ACCIS or ACEN accredited program in nursing. An RN-Option, Early Admission to MSN is available.  Other requirements for admission include an application, official transcripts, professional references, an essay, a resume/CV, a statistics course, and a copy of a current license to practice nursing in the state or U.S. territory where the clinical practice requirements will be completed.

The nursing informatics area of concentration may be completed online on a full- or part-time basis. The nursing informatics core serves as a basis for increasing the students' knowledge of nursing theory and research, health care outcomes, and nursing informatics. The nursing informatics core includes course work in introduction to informatics, clinical information systems, database management, evaluation of informatics projects, and consumer health informatics. Practica are designed to enhance the students' active participation in a selected informatics role. Completion of this program fulfills the requirements for eligibility for the American Nurses Credentialing Center Nursing Informatics certification exam.

Nursing Informatics Sample Full Time Curriculum:

0 Credit courses to be taken any term

NUR 2008 – Ethics for Advanced Practice Nursing

NUR 2009 – Health Policy /Finance Module

Certificates

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Genetics

This curriculum is designed for Bachelor's Degree prepared individuals who are seeking focused, graduate-level education in the specialty of genetics. Knowledge gained through coursework will enable health care workers to better care for and educate their patients. The curriculum consists of two courses(6 credits) taught through the School of Nursing (Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Therapeutics and Advanced Topics in Human Genetics) and 9 credits taught through other departments in the Schools of the Health Sciences (selected to meet the student's career goals or interests) A total of 15 credits are required for this certificate..

In addition to the courses, learning experiences may be enriched through the availability of Clinical Genetics Case Conferences, Human Genetics Research Seminar, Human Genetics Journal Club, Genetics Grand Rounds, and a Research Practicum in a molecular genetics laboratory.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificateand Post-Master/DNP in Nursing Research

This curriculum provides a multidisciplinary non-degree certificate for Bachelor's prepared nurses who are seeking focused education in the field of research. Non-BSN prepared registered nurses with a Bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field are eligible to apply for the certificate, but will be evaluated individually for admission. Current graduate students and those who have completed a graduate degree are also eligible. This certificate can be completed on a part-time basis. A total of 17 credits are required for this certificate.

Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Case Management for Primary Health Care

This proposed Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Case Management for Primary Health Care is intended for students who seek a foundation in the knowledge, skill, and judgment required to coordinate care and interact safely, efficiently, and effectively with the diverse array of stakeholders (e.g., patients, family members, clinicians and other health care staff, and vendors) and systems (e.g., clinical and financial information systems, personal health records, community resources, and third party payers) encountered in the primary health care setting.

Post-Master's Certificate in Health Care Genetics

This curriculum offers the course work necessary to fulfill the educational requirement for credentialing as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Genetics, which is offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The certificate can be completed on a part-time basis. A total of 15 credits are required for this certificate.

Post-MSN/DNP Nursing Education

This curriculum is a combination of didactic, preceptorship, and web-supported learning, offering flexibility for individualized learning. Part-time study is possible. A total of 15 credits are required for this certificate.

Post-MSN/DNP Nursing Informatics

This online curriculum offers flexibility in individualized learning. A total of 15 credits are required for the certificate and can be completed in four academic terms.

Minors

Health Care Genetics

Genetic based medicine is routinely becoming a part of daily health care, having major impacts on patient diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Nurses need to understand how genetics impacts these facets of their patient care. This minor program will prepare them for the medical advances that are occurring in the field of genetics. The minor involves the completion of a minimum of 12 credits of coursework.

Nursing Administration

Courses in the Nursing Administration minor focus on management in complex social and operational systems for healthcare delivery. Attention is given to applying role-related knowledge and skills in diverse settings and populations, including acute care, long term care, psychiatric, and community. The minor in Nursing Administration requires 12 credits, including a 3-credit practicum.

Nursing Education

The Nursing Education Minor is available to students majoring in a clinical practice area or advanced specialty role e.g., informatics, and will provide a foundation of knowledge and skills related to teaching and learning. This minor will enable students to apply instructional theory and research in the following types of educational settings and roles: schools of nursing, health care agency staff development, continuing education departments, advanced practice nursing and patient and community education agencies. The minor involves the completion of a minimum of 12 credits of identified coursework.

Nursing Informatics

The online Nursing Informatics Minor is available to other graduate (MSN, DNP and PhD) students and will appear on the transcripts of graduates, giving evidence of the fact that they had a concentration of courses in the area of Nursing Informatics. Students who complete the program will have specialized Nursing Informatics training that will increase their marketability. The minor requires the completion of a minimum of 10.5 credits of coursework.

Nursing Research

The Minor in Nursing Research is available to students pursuing education in advanced clinical specialty roles who want the opportunity to also obtain training pertinent to the coordination and conduct of clinical research. The minor requires the completion of a minimum of 12 credits of coursework focusing on research methodology and statistics.

Gerontology Minor for Nurse Practitioners

A 9-credit Gerontology Minor for Nurse Practitioners (NP) can be obtained by MSN or DNP students who are enrolled in the Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or the Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP) programs. The NP functions in an expanded role that includes the diagnoses and management of health care needs of a specific population and this gerontology minor will prepare the NP to develop expertise in the care of older adults