Message from the Dean
Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, PhD, RN, FAAN Dean, School of Nursing Professor, Nursing, Psychology, Epidemiology and Occupational Therapy
Welcome to the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. This is an exciting and interesting time to be in nursing. The critical shortage of both practitioners and educators is leading to multiple options for those interested in the profession. Jobs are available nationwide in a wide range of settings, typically at excellent salaries, with opportunities for growth. At the University of Pittsburgh, we are preparing students who will become leaders in the profession, contributing to the advancement of health care and the profession itself.
The University of Pittsburgh prepares nurses at a variety of levels. We offer a traditional program, which admits persons with a high school degree; a program for registered nurses who have received entry-level education in community colleges or hospital programs; and a second-degree program for individuals who have already received a baccalaureate degree in another field. Our students receive excellent clinical preparation within a superior health care system and throughout the greater Pittsburgh community.
Our master of science and doctor of nursing practice programs are designed to prepare expert nurse practitioners, nurse clinicians, and nurse anesthetists, as well as to prepare knowledgeable practitioners in nursing education, nursing administration, informatics, or research management. We also have a generalist master program in nursing, the CNL. Students have the opportunity for excellent mentored experiences to develop their knowledge and skills. U.S. News and World Report ranks our graduate program 7th “Among America’s Best Graduate Schools.”
Our PhD program is also well respected. It prepares nurses for academic roles and for positions as clinical investigators and/or leaders in the profession. Opportunities exist for interdisciplinary study with an emphasis on the development of expertise within a focused area. Students receive mentored research experiences throughout the program. The doctoral program accepts students with either a BS in nursing or with an MS degree. The doctoral program sits within our sixth-ranked School of Nursing with regard to research funding from the National Institutes of Health [NIH] and within an excellent, well-ranked University environment.
In addition to our degree granting programs, the School of Nursing offers post-baccalaureate as well as post-master certificate programs in a variety of areas. We also offer continuing education for advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, and nurses returning to work. We are proud of our students, our alumni, and our educational programs at the University of Pittsburgh.
To have someone contact you about our programs, please use our online contact form.