Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN (ABSN) | School of Nursing

The world needs nurses, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing wants you.

Nursing is a profession of immense importance, offering many personal and professional rewards. For those considering a career change or going back to school, becoming a nurse is a valuable investment in your future and a way to contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals and communities.

The Accelerated Second-Degree BSN program gives students who have already earned a baccalaureate degree or higher the opportunity to earn their BSN in one year. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the need for nurses will only grow, making it an ideal time for individuals to pursue a nursing education and positively impact the world.

A guaranteed total scholarship of $8,333.00, split into three terms (Term 1 - $3000; Term 2 - $2333; and Term 3 - $3000) is available upon your admission and subsequent commitment to begin your studies.

While there are prerequisite courses for this program, Pitt Nursing is open to assessing the courses you have previously completed to determine their suitability as substitutes or collaborate with you to develop a customized plan to meet these requirements. We encourage you to email our academic advisors at absn@pitt.edu who can assist you with your course planning.

About our Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN

Build on what you learned from your previous degree)s) program or career path to become a Registered Nurse. The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN track is designed for those who have earned a baccalaureate or higher degree in a non-nursing field and are lookingt for new challenges.

Foundations for Graduate Study

The 2nd Degree program provides a solid foundation for graduate study, which is essential for those who wish to pursue careers in advanced practice positions (such as nurse anesthesia or nurse practitioner), research, and health care management. It is estimated that growth for nurses with graduate degrees will top 50%: many of Pitt’s 2nd Degree students go onto to pursue graduate studies.

Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Application/Admission

Early submission of an application is recommended. Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN applications are reviewed as per the following deadlines. Applicants should apply online, directly to the School of Nursing. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer a mandatory component of the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of our frequently asked questions about the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN.

Facts about 2nd Degree Students

The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN program has attracted students from all over the country.

Curriculum

Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Curriculum - (Cohorts admitted prior to Spring 2019)
Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Curriculum (Effective Spring 2019 Admits)

Additional Information

Academic Integrity Policy for Students (PDF)
Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Information Sessions

Professional Licensure Notification

Graduation from our accredited program is your initial step toward obtaining a professional RN license and practicing as a registered nurse. The U.S. and its territories usually require a professional license to be employed. If you plan on being employed after you graduate, please visit Nursing Licensure.org by clicking on this link https://www.nursinglicensure.org/ for state specific requirements.

See the list of states students graduating from University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing have taken the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN):

California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia