Admission: Requirements for Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Applicants

POLICY:

Applications to the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program apply through NursingCAS. Applicants must meet all established criteria for admission to the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN program.

The University of Pittsburgh, as an educational institution and as an employer, values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and racial/ethnic and cultural diversity. Accordingly, the University prohibits and will not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability, or status as a veteran. The University also prohibits retaliation against any person who makes a claim of discrimination or harassment or provides information in such an investigation. Further, the University will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance these values consistent with the University's mission. Read additional information on this Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy. 

Applicants are advised that once admitted, Act 33/34 (Criminal Record Check/Child Abuse History) Clearances, FBI Fingerprinting (Act 73), drug screening, an Initial Health Form, and UPMC modules are required. This documentation must be submitted into the School of Nursing's education management platform before beginning the term. Additional requirements may be necessary. See Policy 369 for required student documents.

Applicants who plan to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (as well as most other states) are advised that upon application for the Graduate Registered Nurse Licensure Examination, the Board of Nursing will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, felonious act, an illegal act associated with alcohol, or an illegal act associated with substance abuse(s).

PROCEDURE:

The following criteria are required for admission:

1. A baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
2. Two letters of recommendation
3. Resume
4. Verification of English Language Proficiency for students classified as Foreign Students (see Policy 365)
5. A personal essay based on the NursingCAS prompt
6. Completion of all pre-requisite courses with qualifying grades prior to the first day of class for semester of admission:
   1. Human Anatomy & Physiology* (includes labs) 6-8 credits
   2. General Chemistry* (includes a lab) 4 credits
   3. English Composition 3 credits
   4. Human Genetics* 3 credits
   5. Microbiology* (includes lab) 4 credits
   6. Pathophysiology Across the Life Span (undergrad or grad course) 4 credits
   7. Psychology 3 credits
   8. General Elective  6 credits
   9. Statistics (descriptive, probability, & inferential) 3 credits

*Applicants must have completed pre-requisite courses within the past 10 years with a grade of “B-” or better. Courses from other colleges or universities must be evaluated as equivalent to University of Pittsburgh courses.

7. Applicant materials are assembled and filed in the Center for Student Success and must include:
   1. Completed application for admission to the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program
   2. Application fee (non-refundable and does not apply to the payment of tuition)
   3. Official transcripts of all course work taken at any university or college

Online Application

8. When the application is complete, the admission panel will review the material and make a decision based on the admission criteria and the number of spaces available.
9. The Center for Student Success notifies applicants in writing of their admission status. Students may be accepted provisionally if they are completing prerequisite classes.
10. Admission must be granted before registration is permitted.
11. Provisional admission may be granted after completion of 6 credits of prerequisites if all other admission requirements are met. Undergraduate applicants who are within 12-18 credits of graduation will also be considered for provisional admission.
12. Admitted students complete the program in three consecutive full-time terms, alternative schedules may be considered on an individual basis.
13. Once admitted, Act 33/34/168 (Criminal Record Check/Child Abuse History/Sexual Misconduct) Clearances and FBI fingerprinting will be required for clinical courses.