School Nurse Certificate

Program Purpose

The purpose of the School Nurse Certification Program is to prepare RNs to meet the health needs of children of all ages in diverse school settings. Health promotion and teaching are emphasized.

Program Description

The Pennsylvania Department of Education School Nurse Certification program is offered jointly through the School of Education and the School of Nursing. This program can be completed as part of the BSN, RN-BSN, RN-MSN, or MSN programs. It can also be completed by itself as a post-baccalaureate or post-master's program.

Program Objectives

In addition to meeting the objectives of the BSN or MSN programs, the graduate of the School Nurse Certification Program will:

• Apply the knowledge and skills achieved in the undergraduate or graduate program in diverse elementary and secondary school settings.
• Be eligible to apply for the School Nurse Certificate (Education Specialist I) issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

PA Department of Education Requirements

• 6 credits in Educational Psychology & Foundations of Special Education*
• 6 credits in Math & 6 Credits in English*
• NUR 1078 -- School Nurse Practicum - 100 hours, 3 credits, offered in the Spring term
• NUR 1077 -- School Nurse Seminar, 3 credits, offered in the Spring Term

*Not Required to be completed at the University of Pittsburgh. If taken elsewhere, course descriptions may be required to determine if equivalent.

• BSN or MSN*
• 3.0 QPA
• Current CPR & First Aid Certification
• Act 33 & 34 Clearances
• Complete Health Evaluation (form in acceptance packet)

* Can also be done in the RN-BSN/MSN Program, and in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program & Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program.

How To Apply

• For application questions, please call Student Services or email: sao50@pitt.edu
• For requirement questions, please call Dr. Lisa Bernardo at 412-624-7637 or email: lbe100@pitt.edu