Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Curriculum

Overview

The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN is designed to enable individuals with a Baccalaureate Degree in another discipline the ability to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) in three consecutive full-time terms.

The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN requires 122 credits: 31 credits from a previous degree, 36 to 38 prerequisite credits, and 54 curriculum credits. The curriculum is fast-paced and designed to build upon the individual's previous education while providing additional science and nursing content.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become Registered Nurses (RN).

Required Prerequisite Courses

The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN requires an applicant to complete 36 prerequisite credits. These courses may be taken at any college or university. Courses from other institutions must be evaluated as equivalent to University of Pittsburgh courses. (Coursework taken at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing prior to admission may be taken as a non-degree seeking student.)

Required prerequisites include:

Courses
Credits
General Chemistry*+ (includes a lab)
4
English Composition (scientific/technical)
3
General Elective Credits
6
Psychology
3
Statistics (descriptive, probability, & inferential)
3
Human Anatomy & Physiology *+ (includes a lab)
6-8
Human Genetics *+
3
Microbiology *+ (includes a lab)
4
Pathophysiology*+
4

*Should have been completed within the past ten years
+Should have achieved a grade of "B-" or better

Curriculum
Nursing - Accelerated 2nd Degree, BSN