School of Nursing
Dean's Message
Welcome to the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. This is an exciting and interesting time to be in nursing. The critical shortage of both practitioners and educators is leading to multiple options for those interested in the profession. Jobs are available nationwide in a wide range of settings, typically at excellent salaries, with opportunities for growth. At the University of Pittsburgh, we are preparing students who will become leaders in the profession, contributing to the advancement of health care and the profession itself.
The University of Pittsburgh prepares nurses at a variety of levels. We offer a traditional baccalaureate (BSN) program, which admits persons with a high school degree. RN options is a track to the BSN for registered nurses who have received entry-level education in community colleges or hospital programs; and an accelerated second-degree track is offered for individuals who have already received a baccalaureate degree in another field. Our students receive excellent clinical preparation within a superior health care system and throughout the greater Pittsburgh community.
Our masters of science (MSN) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs are designed to prepare expert nurse practitioners, nurse clinicians, and nurse anesthetists, as well as to prepare knowledgeable practitioners in nursing education, nursing administration, informatics, or research management. Our masters program includes four majors with thirteen areas of concentration, including the clinical nurse leader (CNL), a generalist masters program in nursing. Students in all of our programs have the opportunity for excellent mentored experiences to develop their knowledge and skills. U.S. News and World Report ranks our graduate program 7th “Among America’s Best Graduate Schools.”
Our PhD program is also well respected. It prepares nurses for academic roles and for positions as clinical investigators and/or leaders in the profession. Opportunities exist for interdisciplinary study, with an emphasis on the development of expertise within a focused area. Students receive mentored research experiences throughout the program. The doctoral program accepts students with either a BSN or MSN degree. Ranked third in number of research grants awarded from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) the school of nursing offers an excellent, well-ranked University environment.
In addition to our degree granting programs, the School of Nursing offers post-baccalaureate as well as post-master certificate programs in a variety of areas. We also offer continuing education for advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, and nurses returning to work. We are proud of our students, our alumni, and our educational programs at the University of Pittsburgh.
Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, PhD, RN, FAAN Dean, School of Nursing
Professor, Nursing, Psychology, Epidemiology and Occupational Therapy
Overview
Founded in 1939, the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is one of the oldest programs in baccalaureate and doctoral education in nursing in the United States. As one of the nation’s distinguished schools of nursing, the resources of the school constitute an invaluable asset for the intellectual, scientific, and economic enrichment of health care in Pennsylvania, the nation, and throughout the world. The school continues in its mission to provide high-quality undergraduate education, maintain and develop superior graduate programs that respond to the needs of health care in general, engage in research and other scholarly activities that advance learning through the extension of the frontiers of knowledge, and make available to local communities and public agencies the expertise of the School of Nursing in ways that are consistent with the primary teaching and research functions.
Over the past seven decades, the school’s history has been characterized by phenomenal growth and dramatic change. Currently ranked #7 among the nation’s nursing schools in NIH funding, the School of Nursing recognizes the significance of a continued emphasis on preparing the next generation of nurse scientists. Tomorrow’s nursing professional must have the capability to evaluate and synthesize information, the capability to adapt to an ever-changing environment, and the willingness to continue education as knowledge becomes available and the delivery systems progress. While today is an exciting time for nursing, we believe tomorrow holds opportunities beyond all expectation. The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is proud to be a leader in shaping health care’s future.
Contact Us
Janice Devine
Director of Development
School of Nursing
218 Victoria Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-624-7541
Fax: 412-624-1215
jad154@pitt.edu
Janice Devine joined the School of Nursing in 2008. Prior to this, she was the director of annual giving and special events at the West Penn Allegheny Health System. Janice's extensive background in health care and nursing is essential in her role as the School of Nursing's Director of Development.