External Transfer Applicant Information

This information is for undergraduate students transferring from a college or university other than the University of Pittsburgh. The curriculum for the undergraduate program in the School of Nursing leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and eligibility to take the state-licensing exam to become a registered nurse (RN). The program requires 124 credits for graduation. Most nursing courses are offered in the Fall and Spring terms only.

Admission

Admission to the School of Nursing is very competitive. Applications are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters on a rolling basis based upon available seats. If a transfer student has less than twenty-four (24) college credits at the time of application, admission will be based in part on the college academic record and on the high school academic record. If a transfer student has more than twenty-four (24) college credits at the time of application, admission will be based on the college record. All applications will be reviewed and decisions will be made based on the student’s academic success and consideration of the number of seats available in the class. Applicants must have at least a competitive QPA in order for their application to be considered. If you wish to apply to the School of Nursing, call (412) 624-PITT to request an external transfer application. Once the application has been completed, please mail it to the Director of Admissions, Alumni Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

Reduced Credit Load

External transfer students are initially accepted as freshmen or first year students. It will usually take four (4) additional years to complete the nursing program once admitted into the School of Nursing, unless admission to the sophomore year is granted (see below). You can begin to fulfill the liberal arts and the elective requirements while at another institution thereby reducing the credit load for some terms. General Writing, Psychology, Sociology, Culture (Anthropology, History, etc.), Public Speaking, Statistics, or a course to fulfill the Creative Expression requirement are recommended courses. Courses need to be of a 0100 level or greater and a “C” grade or better needs to be obtained for course credit to transfer.

Chemistry Course

All transfer applicants must have successfully completed a 4 credit general chemistry course with a lab at either the high school or college level.

Sophomore Admission

Admission to the School of Nursing for all transfer students is to the freshman class. However, a limited number of spaces are available at the sophomore level and admission for these seats are very competitive. Admission decisions for these spaces are made separately, subsequent to admission to the freshman class. Once you have been admitted to the freshman class, your records will be reviewed for your eligibility to be considered for a sophomore space. Students interested in sophomore spaces must have completed at least 24 credits prior to enrollment. The following courses must be included in these credits:

Attached is a list of acceptable courses offered by local or regional institutions. Course descriptions for courses not on the list can be submitted for review to Nursing Student Services, University of Pittsburgh, 239 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261. Fax number: (412) 624-2409.

*In addition, students accepted for Sophomore status must complete the course, Introduction to Professional Nursing (NUR 0051 Spring term only) or Introduction to Nursing Science (NUR 1070 a three (3) credit course taught through external studies) at the University of Pittsburgh during the summer prior to the Sophomore year. NUR 1070 meets only 3 Saturdays in the summer, beginning in May. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with the Associate Director of Student Services, Undergraduate Programs to make these class arrangements early since class begins in early May.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit may be given for certain transfer courses, i.e., sciences, liberal arts, and electives.

The following points govern the advanced credits allowed.

• After admission to the School of Nursing, an official transcript of courses taken in other accredited universities or colleges must be submitted to the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Student Services, Room 239 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.
• When requested, course descriptions or course outlines must be submitted to Student Services to determine course equivalency at the University of Pittsburgh.
• The credit transferred for any course can be no greater than the credit given at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Only courses with letter grades of "C" or better may be transferred.
• Science courses must have been taken within the last eight years unless there have been unusual circumstances.

Interested students should meet with Coordinator of Recruitment in the Student Services Office at the School of Nursing to obtain guidance during this application process. Please call 412-624-4586 to schedule an appointment.