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University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in the
country. Pitt Nursing was recently tied for the number seven program in the country
with Yale University, Oregon Health and Sciences University
and Duke University in the
most recent rankings by U.S. News and World Report. University of Pittsburgh School of
Nursing was established on April 6, 1939. The first master's degree program was added
in 1944 and the first doctoral degree was added in 1954. With an outstanding reputation
and history of nursing excellence, Pitt Nursing continues to be a leader in nursing
education.
Why choose Pitt Nursing?
Pitt Nursing has a rich legacy of excellence in nursing education. Since the school's
inception, it has awarded over 9,052 Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degrees,
3,515 masters degrees and 214 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees and 17 Doctor of
Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. Pitt Nursing also established the first oncology nursing
specialist program in the country in 1968. Since Pitt Nursing was established, over
12,000 students have become nurses, creating a large network of alumni nurses. This
large alumni group represents nurses who now practice across the country in a wide
range of specialties. Pitt Nursing has its own publication "Pitt Nurse", a magazine
that focuses on current nursing issues, exceptional students and alumni and other
school news. Pitt Nursing utilizes the latest technology to help its students succeed.
There are three computer labs, a human simulation lab, a clinical lab and videotaping
and viewing area. It is important to attend an accredited nursing school. Pitt Nursing
is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Admissions
Admission to Pitt Nursing is very competitive. High school students are permitted
to apply to the nursing program upon matriculation as a freshman to University of
Pittsburgh. Existing students may apply to transfer to the nursing school, but must
have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to do so. Students transferring into the nursing
program from another degree focus should plan on attending school for another four years
to complete the nursing degree requirements. Pitt Nursing offers an accelerated BSN
program designed for applicants with a prior non-nursing baccalaureate degree or for
senior baccalaureate students. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA, 31 credits
earned from a prior degree and 36 prerequisite credits. Masters and doctoral degree
applicants must have earned a BSN degree from an accredited nursing school, hold an
active nursing license, and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants must also
complete a pre-admission interview, write an essay and submit three letters of recommendation.
For applicants to the masters or doctoral degree programs with a GPA of less than 3.5,
GRE test scores must be submitted.
Degrees and Specializations
Pitt Nursing has a variety of nursing degree and specialization options. The school
offers a traditional BSN degree for new nursing students. For students with a prior
non-nursing degree or with senior standing in a non-nursing degree program, the accelerated
BSN program allows completion of the nursing degree in a shorter time period. Currently
practicing RNs with a diploma or associate's degree can apply to the RN to BSN program
with an early admission option to the graduate degree program at Pitt Nursing. Master's
degrees in nursing include nursing administration, clinical nurse leader, nursing
informatics, nurse anesthesia and psychiatric primary care nurse practitioner. The
clinical nurse leader and nursing informatics degrees are available online through
the distance education program. Pitt Nursing awards both DNP and PhD degrees. DNP
specialization options include the following nurse practitioner foci: acute care,
adult-gerontology primary care, family, neonatal, and pediatric primary care. DNP
students can also choose to focus in the adult/medical surgical or psychiatric mental
health clinical nurse specialties. Portions of the DNP programs are available online.
The PhD program prepares nursing scholars for nursing research.
Tuition and Financial Aid
University of Pittsburgh was a private university until 1966, when it became part of
the Commonwealth System of Higher Education and was reclassified as a public university.
Pitt Nursing charges higher tuition rates for non-residents. Undergraduate tuition is
$9,901 per semester for 12 to 18 credits for residents and $16,154 for non-residents.
Graduate tuition is $11,336 per semester for 9 to 15 credits for residents and $13,074
for non-residents. The BSN program requires 8 semesters, carrying a tuition cost of
$79,208 for residents and $129,232 for non-residents. Graduate degree programs range
from five to eight semesters in length for a tuition cost of $56,680 for residents
and $104,632. Tuition costs do not include fees, supplies, books or room and board.
Students at Penn University School of Nursing are eligible for several forms of financial
aid. Resources can include scholarships, loans and grants. The University of Pittsburgh
has scholarships available to all enrolled students. Nursing students are also eligible
for additional scholarship offerings through the school of nursing. Students are also
encouraged to apply for scholarships through outside agencies such as alumni groups and
nursing organizations.
Graduate students have additional financial aid options. Pitt Nursing has endowed funds
to support graduate students with various qualification criteria including academic
excellence, diversity and financial need. Traineeships are available to nurse anesthesia
students. Doctoral students are eligible for teaching assistant positions that provide
stipends and tuition benefits on competitive basis.
Pitt Nursing is a top nursing school choice for any student interested in a nursing career.
Students at Pitt Nursing are taught by top nursing faculty and have access to the latest
technological teaching aids. A student services department supports both undergraduate
and graduate students, ensuring their academic success. Financial aid available through
the university and nursing school helps to make education more affordable at Pitt Nursing.
With so much to offer, Pitt Nursing is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to begin
or advance a nursing career.
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