Application Process

The School of Nursing admits applicants to the pre-licensure baccalaureate program who are:

• High School Graduates
• Internal Transfer Applicants – Students transferring from the regional campuses (excluding those admitted into nursing program) and other schools of the University.
• External Transfer Applicants – Students who have been enrolled in other colleges and universities

Application Deadlines

All students wishing to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree must apply and be accepted into the School of Nursing. Admission to other schools of the University or to the regional campuses does not guarantee admission to the School of Nursing. Qualified applicants are admitted without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era.

Prospective students convicted of any felonious act may be prohibited from licensure as a Registered Nurse by the Board of Nursing in various states. Applicants who plan to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (as well as most other states) should be advised that upon application for the Registered Nurse Licensure Examination, the Board of Nursing will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, felonious act, or crime of moral turpitude, an illegal act associated with alcohol, or an illegal act associated with substance abuse(s).

Sample section from Pennsylvania State Board Application, Section 6, fees:

Qualifications for Licensure. No application for licensure as a registered nurse shall be considered unless accompanied by a fee determined by the Board by regulation. Every applicant, to be eligible for examination for licensure as a registered nurse, shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the Board that he or she is of good moral character, has completed work equal to a standard high school course as evaluated by the Board and has satisfactorily completed an approved program of professional nursing. Approved programs shall include baccalaureate degree, associate degree and diploma nursing programs.

Act 53 of 2020 Best Practices Guide

Information for Individuals With Criminal Convictions Who Are Considering an Occupation or Profession That Requires Licensure, and an Overview of the License Application Process

ACT 53 of 2020 Best Practices Guide (PDF)

On July 1, 2020, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law Act 53 of 2020, which made sweeping changes to the occupational licensing rules that govern the use of criminal history information in determining whether to grant, deny, suspend, or revoke a professional license. With regard to the consideration of criminal convictions, Act 53:

• Prohibits BPOA’s licensing boards and commissions from denying licensure based on considerations of “good moral character,” “crimes of moral turpitude,” or “ethical or honest practice.”
• Requires each board and commission to develop and publish a schedule of criminal offenses that may constitute grounds to deny, suspend or revoke a license. The list must also identify which crimes are likely to pose a barrier to licensure because they are considered to be offenses “directly related” to the occupation/profession.
• Provides for an “individualized assessment” of each license applicant using objective, detailed criteria that includes rehabilitation and public safety.
• Provides a process for individuals who have criminal convictions to request a “preliminary determination” as to whether a particular conviction will be a bar to licensure. This new tool will enable people with criminal convictions to find out if their convictions would prevent them from getting a license − before enrolling in a training or educational program, before investing significant time and resources, and before formally applying for licensure.

Preliminary Determinations (Section 3115 of Act 53)

• If you have a criminal conviction in your past and are concerned about whether it could prevent you from getting a license, certificate, registration or permit for a particular occupation or profession, your first step should be to review this Best Practices Guide closely, including the Appendices.
• If, after reviewing this Guide, you are still unsure whether your conviction is likely to prevent you from getting a license, you may submit an application to the appropriate board or commission requesting what is known as a preliminary determination.
• The preliminary determination will inform you whether your specific conviction falls within the set of crimes that the board has determined to be “directly related” to the occupation or profession you are considering.
• A “directly related” crime is significant. It means that in the board’s view, the nature of the criminal conduct has a direct bearing on a person’s fitness or ability to perform the tasks, duties or responsibilities necessarily related to a particular profession or occupation.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN YOU WILL BE DENIED A LICENSE.

• For the most part, with a few notable exceptions, the fact that your criminal conviction has been identified as being “directly related” to the profession does not mean that you will automatically be denied a license.
• The board could still grant a license notwithstanding the conviction. For example, the board may have the option to grant a license on probation, or may place certain restrictions on the license.
• If you subsequently do decide to formally apply for a license, you would have the opportunity to present any evidence in your favor as part of the application process.
• Read the instructions that explain how to request a Preliminary Determination. There is a $45 fee for each request (this fee may be waivable where in forma pauperis status is established).
• The board/commission is required to issue a preliminary determination within 45 days of your request.
• Asking for a preliminary determination is an optional step. There is no requirement that you request one.
• If you ultimately decide to formally apply for a license, you should review the next section of this Best Practices Guide, which explains “Consideration of Criminal Convictions.”
• The Assessment Factors discussed below are particularly important: they outline the criteria the board will use to consider your conviction in making the overall determination whether or not to grant you a license. You should be prepared to provide the board with as much information as possible.

Consideration of Criminal Convictions (Section 3113 of Act 53)

• After December 27, 2020, in determining whether or not an individual’s criminal conviction constitutes grounds for denying that person a license, the boards and commissions may only use the criteria, processes and procedures set forth in Act 53.
• In evaluating what impact a past criminal conviction may have on an individual’s fitness for licensure, boards will generally conduct a two-stage analysis.
• Read more details here

Internal Transfer Applicants

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 a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree and eligibility to take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for professional licensure as a registered nurse. The full-time curriculum includes a minimum of 125 credits. It will usually take 8 additional terms to complete the nursing program unless placement to the second year is granted (see below).

Students may begin to fulfill liberal arts and elective requirements while enrolled in a college or university other than the University of Pittsburgh.

Liberal Arts Requirements: Anthropology/Culture, Art/Music/Creative Expression/Literature, English Composition, Psychology, Sociology, Speech, Statistics.

Admission

Applications for transfer consideration are accepted for admission in Fall and Spring Terms. Applications will be reviewed and decisions made based on the student’s college and high school performance and consideration of the number of seats available in the class. The evaluation will consider grade trends, cumulative GPA, number of credits completed, level of challenge of curriculum, transferability of credits and coursework relevant to the major.

Competitive applicants will have:

• Completion of 24 college-level credits (including science courses with B or higher grade)
• 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA
• Minimum SAT score of 1280 or minimum ACT composite score of 27

Application

• Applications are evaluated by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA)

  • OAFA Online Application

• OAFA will notify applicant of its admission decision via the U.S. Postal Service

• Spring Term Admission to First Year Class

  • Deadline: November 1

    Fall Term grades must be evaluated for final determination

• Fall Term Admission to First Year Class*

  • Deadline: April 1

    Spring Term grades must be evaluated for final determination

    *After admission to first year class, eligibility for placement in second year class will be determined by review of academic records and availability of class seats

Second Year Placement

Admission to the School of Nursing for all transfer students is to the first year class. However, a limited number of seats are available at the second year level. Admission decisions for these seats are made separately after admission to first year class.

Students interested in second year placement must have completed the following courses:

Transfer Credit

The following criteria govern the transfer of advanced credits:

• After submission of the online application, official transcripts (from all universities or colleges attended), must be submitted to
  University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions & Financial Aid
  4227 Fifth Avenue, Alumni Hall
  Pittsburgh, PA 15260-6601
• Liberal arts courses: (C or higher grade required)
• Science courses: (B or higher grade required) completed within past 8 years (unless extenuating circumstances)
• When requested, course descriptions or syllabi must be submitted to determine equivalency to University of Pittsburgh courses.
• Credit transferred for a course may be no greater than the credit given by University of Pittsburgh

Additional Information

University of Pittsburgh
Office of Admissions & Financial Aid
4227 Fifth Avenue, Alumni Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260-6601
412-624-PITT (7488)
www.oafa.pitt.edu

Recruitment Coordinator, School of Nursing – (412) 624-4587 or 1-888-747-0794

Are you looking for a career change to Nursing?

Graduates of a baccalaureate (non-nursing) degree may earn a BSN in only 3 consecutive terms! Current baccalaureate (non-nursing) students can plan to complete the prerequisites during their first degree, then consider the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN as a 5th year option.

Early submission of an application is recommended. New classes begin in the Fall, and Spring term. Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN applications are reviewed, and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Application deadlines are provided on the school’s website. Prospective students must apply online to the School of Nursing.

Application Instructions

Applicants need to submit the following:

1. Completed application

2. Official transcripts of all course work taken at any university or college

3. Two (2) letters of professional recommendation

4. Resume

5. Personal essay explaining how the program will help achieve professional goals

6. International Applicants (in addition to above items):

• Official graduation certificate verifying degree obtained (English translation)

• Subject-specific international academic credential evaluation of official college transcript

• 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

Provisional admission may be granted after completion of 6 credits of science prerequisites 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.

All admitted students will be required to place a $250 as non-refundable deposit upon acceptance of admission, which will be counted towards tuition in the first term of study.

Additional Information

• Advanced Placement (AP) / International Baccalaureate (IB) / A Levels Credit 

• AP/IB Credit Guide (PDF)

• Clearance Information

• Tuition and Fees

• Sample section from Pennsylvania State Board Application: Section 6. fees

Applications to the Master's Program in nursing are reviewed by the SON Admissions Committee. Applicants must meet the criteria listed below.

Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era.

Applicants must have:

• Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work
  • ​A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program.
  • International applicants must provide evidence of a degree comparable to an American baccalaureate degree.
• Current RN license in U.S. State/Territory or location where student will complete clinical requirements
• GPA of 3.0 or higher from previous nursing degree
• Pre-admission interview (if the applicant resides at a great distance, a virtual interview may be conducted)
• Pre-requisite statistics course with a grade of B- or better
• Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's capacity and potential for master's study from each of the following (to be uploaded into NursingCAS):
  • the director or a faculty member from the most recent academic program attended (if applicant has been a nursing student in the last 5 years);
  • a recent employer; and
  • a person who can speak to the applicant's professional work.
• Personal essay (limit to 2-3 pages, single-spaced) addressing the elements evaluated by the MSN holistic admissions essay writing rubric
• Completed applicant survey
• Current CV or resume
• Non-refundable application fee

Application Instructions

All applications for the DNP Program need to be submitted via NursingCAS.

Applicants need to submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Non-refundable application fee
• Complete official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate education
• Admission test scores, if applicable
• Three letters of professional recommendation indicating the reviewer’s support of the student’s ability to successfully complete a demanding graduate level academic and clinical program. At least one recommendation should come from a current or recent direct supervisor. These letters will be submitted by the reviewer through NursingCAS.
• Personal essay addressing the questions:

1. Share life experiences that have influenced your interest in progressing your nursing career.
2. Describe a time when you advocated for an individual from a disadvantaged group in a healthcare setting.
3. Describe how your personal strengths, experiences, & abilities will contribute to your success in nursing school and your career in nursing (community service, leadership experience, healthcare experience).
4. Explain the academic challenges, successes, or obstacles in your life that have affected your ability to achieve your goals. How did you respond to the situation?
5. Why did you choose your area of concentration?
6. What are your expectations for the program?
7. What are your expectations of your DNP project?

• Completion of the Experience Survey
• Current CV or resume

All completed applications are to be submitted to the SON Admissions Office, which will forward them to the SON Admissions Committee or the Nurse Anesthesia Admission Committee for review and appropriate action.

The SON Admissions Committee or the Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee completes the decision assignment in the online system and submits it to the SON Admissions Office, which will notify applicants of the admission decision. Applicants who do not qualify for admission to full graduate status may be considered for provisional status except for international applicants.

Please Note: The University of Pittsburgh and School of Nursing welcomes applications from talented students worldwide. However, current federal travel bans may prevent admitted students from certain countries from obtaining a visa to study in the United States. We recommend that students from these countries who do not have a valid U.S. visa and/or are currently living outside of the United States delay their application until there is a clear pathway to obtain a student visa. Prospective international students can review the current information about U.S. entry on the Office of International Services website.

Review the specific admission criteria and documentation requirements for international applicants to our degree programs.

For Applicants to the BSN program:

Individuals applying to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program MUST apply through the University’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA), in collaboration with the University’s Office of International Services (OIS). In addition, OIS facilitates required documentation for visa applications to those offered admission.

For Applicants to the following programs:

• Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN

• MSN

• DNP

• PhD

In addition to completing and submitting the appropriate application and required additional application materials for the School of Nursing, international graduate student applicants must provide the following documentation listed below. Applications will be reviewed after all required documentation is received.

Upon admission:

Once students are admitted to a degree program and have accepted the offer of admission, they will be contacted by the Office of International Services (OIS) at the University of Pittsburgh to acquire the appropriate visa documentation.

Students must submit evidence of financial resources, sufficient to cover the total cost of the student’s full-time program, to OIS. (International Graduate Student Financial Information ) Students may not register until non-academic clearance has been issued by OIS.

The School of Nursing reserves the right to require, at the student’s expense if necessary, individual curriculum adjustments whenever particular deficiencies or needs are found even after arrival and enrollment. This could include enrollment in courses prerequisite to the regular course of study or additional course work in English as a second language.

For more information or assistance:

• Pitt Nursing’s Center for Student Success

• Pitt Nursing's Global Experiences

• The University’s Office of International Services

• The University’s Graduate Bulletin

Complete applications must be submitted on NursingCAS by December 1st to be considered for funding.

The PhD Program admits BSN graduates to the BSN to PhD track and MSN graduates to the MSN to PhD track.

Each application to the program is reviewed in its entirety and appraised for evidence of intellectual inquisitiveness and rigor, and commitment and motivation for scholarship and the development of nursing science.

If you are considering an application for the Fall 2026 cohort and have questions, please email the PhD Program Director, Dr. Heidi Donovan at donovanh@pitt.edu.

Open Office Hours for PhD Applicants

The PhD Program invites you to join our open office hours to learn more about the program and the admissions process. Bring your questions!

Date: First and third Thursdays of the month (September 18, October 2, October 16, November 6, and November 20)
Time: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Zoom: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/96751097544
Meeting ID: 967 5109 7544
Passcode: 794687

Application Instructions

Admission Criteria

Applicants to the MSN to PhD track must have an appropriate master's degree. Some advanced nursing preparation is required. Additional coursework may be required when the degree is in a field other than nursing. When the master's degree is in nursing, the student must have earned it from an ACEN (NLN), or CCNE-accredited program in nursing.

Applicants to the BSN to PhD track must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN (NLN), or CCNE-accredited program of nursing. These applicants may have modifications to the criteria listed below and will be evaluated individually by PhD Council.

All applicants must have:

• A baccalaureate or a master’s degree in nursing is preferred. Applicants who do not have a baccalaureate degree in nursing or a master’s degree in nursing as the first professional degree will be considered individually.
• Evidence of competence in scholarly research and the ability to communicate in writing as assessed by accomplishments, recommendations, and the personal statement of the applicant addressing the reasons for selecting the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing; one’s long-term professional goals and how the PhD program will facilitate goal achievement; one’s area of research interest; faculty who might be an appropriate match and why; and any professional experiences that have helped prepare the applicant for doctoral study.
• Evidence of capacity and professional motivation for doctoral study as assessed by the personal statement, recommendations, and interviews with appropriate faculty
• Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant's capacity and potential for doctoral study. A minimum of two references should be from academic sources.
• Evidence of a license to practice professional nursing if the student plans to be a TA/TF in a clinical course or if their planned area of research is based in a clinical area.
• For applicants whose native language is not English, successful achievement on the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo (see Policy 365, Verification of English Language Proficiency for Students Classified as Foreign Students).
• For admission to Full Graduate Status, in addition to meeting the above criteria, an applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.

For individuals who do not fully meet the admission criteria, Provisional Graduate status may be recommended.

Admission of International Students

Readmission