Early Admission to MSN or DNP
The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing RN Options (Early Admission to MSN or DNP) curriculum is designed for registered nurses, who obtained their nursing education through either a CCNE, NLN, or ACEN accredited diploma or associate degree program to pursue undergraduate education with early admission to a graduate nursing program. Courses are taught by nursing leaders who are experts in their field. Faculty serves as educators, role models and mentors for their students.
The University of Pittsburgh RN Options track is for professional nurses who are enthusiastically committed to their role as patient care advocates ensuring best possible healthcare outcomes. The RN Options curriculum builds upon the professional nurse’s strengths and experiences to expand professional knowledge and practice skills which will provide potential career changing opportunities.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing recognizes its obligation to prepare professional nurses to be competent healthcare professionals. 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 thorough, safe and effective patient care.
RN Options provides professional nurses an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills at a school of nursing with an international reputation for excellence. U.S. News and World Report recognizes the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing among the top 10 graduate schools of nursing in the United States. The School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top 5 schools of nursing for research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Many healthcare organizations are recognizing the advantage of having more bachelors, masters and DNP prepared professional nurses. Research clearly indicates patients cared for by professional nurses with advanced degrees have a higher incidence of positive healthcare outcomes.
Application Guidelines
- Graduate from a CCNE, NLN or ACEN accredited associate degree program or diploma school of nursing
- A competitive (GPA) of 3.0 or above in previous academic work
- Valid registered nurse license (All students must obtain a Pennsylvania license)
- Complete RN Option online application
Additional Information
- Students may begin coursework at the Pitt-Johnstown campus, and complete the graduate portion of the program either online or at the Oakland campus (depending on the selected track).
- Course offerings are flexible, students may begin coursework in any term (fall/spring/summer).
- Deadlines for admission are August 1 (Fall Term), December 1 (Spring Term), and April 1 (Summer Term).
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Upon finishing 84 credits in the RN Options track, students must select an option to complete their remaining requirements in the Early Admission to the MSN or DNP selected program or complete the BSN curriculum.
- Students who pursue the Early Admission to the MSN or DNP track must: 1) take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); 2) apply to the specific program of selection; 3) provide necessary documentation for desired major; and, 4) complete the remaining 36 credits of which 24 bridge credits will be at the graduate level, to attain a BSN as well as achieve credits toward their MSN or DNP degree. Students who are offered conditional admission to an online MSN may complete the bridge credits online or onsite.
- Full and part time schedules are available.
Note:
* online courses
For those Students Interested in the “Early Admission to MSN”
Masters of Science (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) concentrations are available.
For additional information, please contact Pitt-Johnstown Nursing Department:
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