Accelerated 2^nd Degree BSN

Curriculum Design | Eligibility and Prerequisites Guideline | Application| Instructions to On-Line Application

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 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 the science and nursing content.  At the completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become Registered Nurses (RN). 

Curriculum Design 

Eligibility and Prerequisites Guidelines

Admission to the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN is highly 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 (Nursing) 0610 - Institution Code 2927)
• Successful completion of all prerequisite 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 will be evaluated for equivalency 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:

• General & Biological Chemistry *+ (includes a lab)— 4 cr.
• English Composition — 3 cr.
• Human Growth & Development+ (birth to death) — 3 cr.
• Psychology — 3 cr.
• Sociology — 3 cr.  
• Statistics (descriptive, probability & inferential) — 3 cr.
• Human Anatomy & Physiology*+ (includes a lab) — 6-8 cr.
• Human Genetics *+ — 3 cr.
• Microbiology*+ (includes a lab) — 4 cr.
• Pathophysiology Across the Life Span (graduate level)*+ — 4 cr.
  (preferred to be taken at the University of Pittsburgh – graduate level equivalents will be considered)

*Should have been completed within past 8 years.
+ Should have achieved a grade of “B-” or better.

NOTE: Credits listed are term credits. Courses taken as quarter classes will be individually evaluated.

Application

Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis. New classes begin in fall and spring terms.   All required documentation must be received by March 1 for August (fall) admission and June 1 for January (spring) admission. 

Application items include:

1. Completed application (available online)
2. Official transcripts of all course work taken at any university or college
3. Official copy of GRE score (Department code (Nursing) 0610 - Institution code 2927)
4. Two (2) letters of professional recommendation (via on-line application or mailed in signed, sealed envelopes)
5. Resume(uploaded into the online application)
6. Personal essay explaining how the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN will help achieve professional goals
7. Application fee $50.00 (non-refundable and does not apply to payment of tuition) which is paid online using credit or debit card.
8. INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: (in addition to above items)
   1. Official graduation certificate verifying degree obtained (English translation)
   2. Subject-specific international academic credential evaluation of official college transcript
   3. 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:

• University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
• 239 Victoria Building
• 3500 Victoria Street
• Pittsburgh, PA  15260

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