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The University of Pittsburgh RN Options curriculum is designed for registered nurses, who obtained their initial nursing education through either a diploma or an associate degree program, to complete their nursing education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and offers an opportunity to obtain an early admission to graduate nursing education (MSN). The curriculum is approved and accredited through the School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland. However, all courses are available on the Pitt-Johnstown campus. Full and part-time study is available based on your needs. The RN Options curriculum builds upon the individual professional nurse's strengths and experiences to expand professional knowledge and practice skills. Graduates of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing possess critical appraisal/thinking skills, sophisticated clinical practice knowledge, and the ability to integrate the latest research findings to provide quality, safe and effective patient care.

RN Options Curriculum 

The RN Options curriculum accommodates the needs of the working Registered Nurse (RN) by providing degree options that considers the goals and professional uniqueness of the RN adult learner. The program of study provides the "returning-to-school" registered nurse with a quality learning experience leading to a bachelor's degree or a combined bachelor's and master's degree.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and students may begin coursework in any term (fall/spring/summer). Upon finishing 84 credits in the RN Options track, students must select to complete their remaining requirements in the Early Admission to the MSN or the BSN curriculum. Following successful completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), students desiring the early admission to the MSN option complete the remaining 36 credits, of which 24 will be at the graduate level. BSN track students must complete 40 undergraduate credits as approved by their academic advisor.

Your specific requirements are best identified by requesting an individualized student course plan.  You may do this by providing transcripts of all college courses previously taken to Pam Bosic in 141 Blackington Hall.  You may contact her at (814) 269-2995 for further details. 

School Nurse Certificate 

The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing offers coursework that allows students to obtain a level-one school nurse certificate through the PA Department of Education.  The School of Nursing is approved by the Department of Education to offer the school nurse certification program.

This program can be completed while meeting the requirements for the BSN degree or by RNs who already have an earned BSN degree. Admission requirements include current RN license, CPR, First Aid, Act 34 and 151 clearances, health evaluation with a TB test, and the prerequisite courses required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). They are: English writing, English literature and 6 credits of math. Courses required for the program are Educational Psychology, Special Needs, School Nurse Role and School Nurse Practicum. The PDE issues the School Nurse Certificate.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)

The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) area of concentration prepares nurse practitioners to function as generalist principal providers of care for adults with common episodic or chronic health problems. In addition, ACNP preparation includes clinical emphasis in cardiopulmonary care, critical care, oncology, trauma and emergency preparedness, or directed study. The ACNP is prepared to assume responsibility for promoting, maintaining, and restoring health to adults who are acutely or critically ill. The ACNP role includes identification of health risks, promotion of wellness, and diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illness. ACNPs also participate in research and provide leadership in mobilizing health services. Graduates of this concentration are eligible to sit for certification examinations offered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (Adult Acute Care) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is prepared as a generalist, principal provider of primary health care nursing. In this clinician role, the FNP assumes responsibility for promoting, maintaining, and restoring health to individuals across the life span. This includes the identification of health risks, the promotion of wellness, and the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illness. FNPs also conduct research and provide leadership in mobilizing community and managed care services. They are prepared to work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.Applicants to the FNP concentration who wish to study full time should have one year of nursing experience. Graduates of this concentration are eligible to sit for the certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Course Descriptions

Click on the Registrar’s Office above and scroll down to course descriptions then click to view descriptions of all Pitt-Johnstown courses.

The New Pitt-Johnstown Nursing Alumni Student Award
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the RN-BSN program at Pitt-Johnstown, we have established the new Nursing Alumni Student Award. Thanks to those who have made it possible to give the first Award at Honors Convocation in March 2007. [more]

Faculty:
Janet L. Grady, DrPH, RN 
Diana Schroeder , RN, MSN

Part-time
Connie Mercik , RN, MSN, CSN

Staff
Pam Bosic, Secretary


RN REFRESHER COURSE (Fast Track Back)  
Fast Track Back: Re-Entry to Practice for Registered Nurses

Are you an RN, with a current PA license who is looking for a refresher course that will help you gain knowledge, skill, and confidence to return to hospital nursing practice?  Pitt’s refresher course may be just what you need to get started.  Nurses who have completed the course say it helped them prepare to return to a career in nursing. 

This 6-week course, offered by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, provides both classroom and clinical experience.  It consists of 30 hours of classroom theory and human simulation learning (9a to 2:30p each Wednesday) and 75 hours of med-surg hospital-based practice working with an experienced RN preceptor.  The course is supported by Courseweb Online Blackboard System.       

Classes are held in Pittsburgh with transmission to Pitt-Johnstown, depending on enrollment numbers. Class dates for spring are April 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 13, 20, 2009.  Class dates for fall are October 7, 14, 21, 28 and Nov. 4, 11, 2009.   

Clinical practice may be done at Conemaugh’s Memorial Medical Center (MMC) in Johnstown.  Other Johnstown facilities will be considered if a contract is negotiated.  Clinical practice begins the 3rd week for 6 hrs., 4th week for 16 hrs., 5th week for 16 hrs., and 6th week for 16 hrs, and 21 hrs self scheduled.   

Weekly Modules are:   
     1.  Introduction to the course, trends in nursing practice, Courseweb training.   
     2.  Pharmacology and skills lab.    
     3.  Pharmacology and human simulation at WISER Center in Pittsburgh.    
     4.  Med-surg updates and human simulation at WISER Center in Pittsburgh.    
     5.  Issues and trends in nursing practice and med-surg updates.    
     6.  Forty hours of clinical practice working with the preceptor.  

Fees:  The $1,300 fee includes program, book, computer access, lunch, parking, and $12 liability insurance fee.  Some employers have reimbursed program fees once the RN is hired. 

CNE and Certificate:  After completion of class and clinical components, participants will receive 105 CNE contact hours from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and a certificate of completion. 

Students must meet the following requirements prior to starting the program:  Completed registration form, paid tuition and liability insurance, current PA RN license, current CPR, physical exam within 1 year with TB test, proof of own health care insurance, e-mail address, and basic computer skills. 

Students doing clinical at MMC also must have Felony and Child Abuse clearances within 1 year, drug screen done at MMC, MMC photo ID, and MMC computerized charting training.  Pitt adjunct faculty member, Dr. Nancy Grove, will assign clinical placement and meet with participants at clinical sites to assess progress. 

For additional information or to register, visit nursing.pitt.edu/academics/ce/fasttrack.jsp

 



Last Reviewed: March 20,2009
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The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown