University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
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Nursing

RN to BSN 25th Anniversary
The RN to BSN program of study enables a registered nurse to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. 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 UPJ campus, many during evening hours. Full and part-time study is available based on your needs.  The purpose of the program is to further develop the skills of professional nursing practitioners through the use of the nursing process. The program will assist individuals, families, and groups in varied settings to achieve and maintain optimal health. The program also provides the foundation for graduate education.
To earn the 120 credit BSN degree, one needs 50 prerequisite credits, 40 advanced standing credits and 30 nursing credits. 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 Biddle Hall. You may contact her at 269-2995 for further details.
Course Descriptions
Click on the Registrar’s Office above and scroll down to course descriptions then click to view descriptions of all UPJ courses.

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

Are you an RN thinking about returning to hospital nursing but lack the confidence to take the first step?  This may be the course for you if you have a valid PA nursing license.  Nurses who have taken this course say it has given them the knowledge, skills, and confidence to return to a nursing career.

This program is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing.  It provides both classroom and clinical experience.  The 6-week program will meet in Pittsburgh for classes with transmission to UPJ (depending on enrollment numbers).  Spring class dates are Wednesday April 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 14 with clinical practice finishing by May 25, 2008.  Fall dates are Wednesday October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 with clinical practice finishing by November 9, 2008.

The 6 week program consists of 25 hours of classroom theory (9a-2:30p each Wednesday).  Ten of these hours are human simulation learning at WISER CENTER in the Oakland Section of Pittsburgh.  The 80 hours of med-surg hospital-based practice can be done with a preceptor in Johnstown or Pittsburgh.  Clinical practice begins the 3rd week for 8 hrs, 4th week for 16 hrs, 5th week for 16 hrs, 6th week for 40 hrs.  The program is supported by Courseweb Online Blackboard System.  For additional information, click on the “Fast Track” link or “School of Nursing” link under see also.


Group Advising Sessions

Nursing & Pre-Nursing Students
Express Registration Sessions for Fall 2008

Will be held.....

Wed., March 5 1:00pm in Biddle 100 for students currently in NUR 1070 
 4:45pm in Biddle 201 for students currently in NUR 1610 
 
Thu., Mar. 6 3:00pm in Biddle 248 for students currently in NUR 0067
 5:00pm in Krebs 140 for students currently in NUR 1072
 

Before coming to a session,

  • Pick-up your Fall registration form after February 28th in your campus mailbox.  
  • Fall schedule of classes are available on-line. Please consult that resource prior to coming to your registration session. 
  • Verify that your RN license, CPR certification, and any required clearances are current. 
  • Review your personal Student Course Plan.

"Express" sessions are not designed for comprehensive advising.  Students requiring comprehensive advising should call their advisor and schedule an advising appointment.


School Nurse Certificate Program   MSN
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.   MSN courses are taught at UPJ via distance education. Clinical practice can be completed in our geographic area. MSN programs available at UPJ are Family NP and Acute Care NP. Core courses for other MSN programs may also be taken at UPJ. Information fliers are available in 141 Biddle Hall. For additional MSN information, click above on the School of Nursing site or call toll free, 1.888.747.0794.
The New UPJ Nursing Alumni Student Award
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the RN-BSN program at UPJ, we have established the new UPJ 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:
Full-time 
Janet L. Grady, DrPH, RN
Becky Sease , RN, MSN

Part-time
Barbara Duryea , RN,MSN, CPHQ
Connie Mercik , RN, MSN, CSN

Staff
Pam Bosic, Secretary

Last Reviewed: March 12, 2008