Nursing, RN to DNP

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University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing offers the RN Options Program with options of obtaining either a BSN or BSN with Early Admission to MSN/DNP to give professional nurses an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and career prospects at a school of nursing with an international reputation for excellence. The curriculum is designed to build upon the professional nurse’s experience and skill sets resulting in the completion of a BSN degree or complete the BSN and continue on and earn an advanced degree (either the Master’s or the Doctor of Nursing Practice).

The RN Options program is offered in an online format for the RN-BSN and RN-MSN programs (exception Neonatal Nurse Practitioner AOC is onsite) allowing more flexibility for the practicing nurse wishing to advance their education.  The School accepts up to 68 transfer credits (restrictions apply and are explained here) and if pursuing an advanced degree, 24 credits of the RN Options curriculum are bridge credits - they also count towards the first-year’s core courses for the graduate degree. So, you earn both the BSN and a graduate degree from an internationally-renown university while saving a YEAR of coursework. 

RN Options students may complete the RN-BSN and RN-MSN curriculums on a part-time or full-time basis. All RN-DNP curriculums, except Nurse Anesthesia, may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The Nurse Anesthesia DNP curriculum is offered as full-time only. Students may begin coursework in any term (fall/spring/summer).

Courses are taught by the same faculty as the traditional four-year BSN program, nursing leaders who are experts in their field. Students also have many opportunities for hands-on learning in UPMC and its nationally-recognized healthcare facilities. 

The RN Options track and curriculum are designed for:

• Registered nurses with either an ACEN (NLN), ACICS, or CCNE accredited diploma or associate degree
• Registered nurses without a BSN who want to enter the Master’s program via the RN Options track, and gain early admission to MSN or DNP programs.