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Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN

The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program is designed to enable students with a previous baccalaureate degree to earn a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree. This program is fast-paced and is designed to build upon the student’s previous education while providing the science and nursing content. Admission to this program is highly competitive and is based upon proven academic achievement and grades earned in pre-requisite courses. Two of the program courses, (NUR 2000 & NUR 2007), as well as one of the pre-requisite courses, (NUR 2004), are Master's level courses.



A graduate of the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program has earned eight (8) credits toward a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing.



Eligibiliy and Prerequisite Guidelines
Academic Regulations and Student Responsibilities
Curriculum Design
Application (pdf)

Eligibility and Prerequisite Guidlines

Eligibility

Applicants to the Accelerated 2<sup>nd</sup> Degree BSN Program are expected to have successfully completed a Bachelor’s Degree with a competitive GPA from an accredited university or college, as well as a competitive SAT, ACT, or GRE score. SAT scores prior to April, 1995 will be re-centered prior to consideration. Qualifying grades must be earned in all of the prerequisite courses. Completed applications must be received by June 1 for August admission.

Items Evaluated for Addmission Consideration

  • Completed application (online application is recommended, although a paper application is acceptable)
  • Official college transcripts (from all universities attended) If currently taking classes, submit transcript as evidence of enrollment.
  • Official high school transcript (which includes SAT or ACT score)
  • Official GRE score (if taken)
  • Two letters of professional recommendation in sealed envelopes
  • Resume
  • Essay (explaining how this program will help you to achieve your personal/professional goals)
  • Completion of all pre-requisite courses with qualifying grades (may complete during the summer term)
  • Interview

International Applicants

In addition to above items.
  • Official graduation certificate verifying degree obtained (must be translated into English)
  • Subject-specific international academic credential evaluation of official college transcripts
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS score - exempt if citizen of country with English as official language OR graduate of a degree program at an accredited institution in the United States
  • University of Pittsburgh Office of International Services Evaluation Report of academic credentials and non-immigrant forms

NOTE: All official documentation must be received in sealed envelopes from the originating institutions.

Prerequisite Guidlines

It is recommended that at least 28 of the 36 prerequisite credits be completed before submitting the application. All prerequisite courses must be completed and official grade reports received by the start of the term in which the student is scheduled to begin. The prerequisite courses, except for Pathophysiology Across the Life Span (NUR 2004), may be taken at any accredited college or university. The required prerequisites include:

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology* (includes labs) 6-8 cr.
  • General and Biological Chemistry* (includes a lab) 4 cr.
  • English Composition (scientific/technical) 3 cr
  • Human Genetics* 3 cr.
  • Human Growth & Development (birth through death) 3 cr.
  • Microbiology* (includes a lab) 4 cr.
  • Pathophysiology Across Life Span* (NUR 2004)
    (must to be taken at the University of Pittsburgh) 4 cr.
  • Psychology 3 cr.
  • Sociology 3 cr.
  • Statistics (descriptive, probability, & inferential) 3 cr.

*Must have been completed within past 8 years with a grade of “B” or better Special emphasis on equivalence to University of Pittsburgh courses

NOTE: Credits listed are term credits. Courses taken as quarter classes will be individually evaluated.

Academic Regulations and Student Responsibilities

Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN students follow the academic regulations for the undergraduate program. A grade of C or better should be earned in all of the program courses.

Curriculum Design

The BSN degree requires 122 earned credits:
Credits from previous degree 31 cr.
Prerequisites previously listed 36 cr.
Nursing classes in 3 terms 55 cr.
Total 122 cr.

Curriculum for Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program

(subject to change)

Term 1

  • Foundations of Professional Practice (NUR 1281)* 4 cr.
  • ursing Management of the Adult with Acute/Chronic Health Care Problems (NUR 1282)* 6 cr.
  • Research for Evidence Based Practice I (NUR 2000) 2 cr.
  • Nutrition for Clinical Practice (NUR 0066) 3 cr.
  • Pharmacology and Therapeutics (NUR 1110) 3 cr. TOTAL 18 cr.

Term 2

  • Advanced Nursing Management of the Adult with Complex Health Care Problems (NUR 1220)* 5 cr.
  • Nursing Care of Clients with Psychiatric-Mental Health Problems (NUR 1260)* 4 cr.
  • Nursing Care of Mothers & Newborns (NUR 1250)* 3 cr.
  • Nursing Care of Children and their Families (NUR 1252)* 4 cr.
  • Nursing Care of Older Adults (NUR 1254) 2 cr. TOTAL 18 cr.

Term 3

  • Advanced Clinical Problem Solving ( NUR 1221)* 4 cr.
  • Advanced Clinical Problem Solving/ Transition into Professional Nursing Practice (NUR 1233)* 5 cr.
  • Community Health Nursing Theory (NUR 1227)* 3 cr.
  • Ethics in Nursing & Health Care (NUR 1085) 3 cr.
  • Nursing Informatics ( NUR 1056) 2 cr.
  • Research for Evidence Based Practice II ( NUR 2007) 2 cr.
  • §Baccalaureate Comprehensive Exam 0 cr. TOTAL 19 cr.

§Successful completion of the Baccalaureate Comprehensive Exam is required during 3rd term of program.
*Clinical nursing courses.