The RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs at Chatham University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, (202)887-6791.
Chatham's online RN-BSN degree is based on a strong liberal arts and science foundation preparing nursing students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to perform creatively, ethically, and effectively. This nursing program is focused on developing leadership and management skills and increasing the career mobility of the registered nurse. It also provides students a gateway for furthering their educations.
RN-BSN Program Structure (120 Credits)
The RN-BSN program is taught in an online distance learning format. To successfully complete the RN-BSN program, students are required to complete 120 credit hours in college level courses. Students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 or better to be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
We are pleased to announce RN-BSN program curricular enhancements which will take effect in the Spring 2013 session. NOTE: The total credit hours will remain the same. The programs introductory course (NUR 402 - Health Policy and Ethics in Nursing) is being restructured to include an introduction of basic research skills. Students will be taught how to develop and apply skills in searching, locating, evaluating, and synthesizing information from a variety of sources. This enhancement will allow students to find success in identifying a balance between research and the information that can be gained through the clinical experience.
Note: The changes listed above and the credit structure listed below pertains to students who enter the RN-BSN program on or after Spring 2013. Those students currently enrolled will follow the previous credit structure. Students entering the RN-BSN program prior to Spring 2013 are not required to take the enhanced "basic research skills" and will receive 5 credits for NUR 499.
Clinical Requirements
To enable nursing students to complete the necessary clinical experiences, Chatham requires students to complete a self-directed clinical placement process. Detailed steps in this process can be found here: RN-BSN Clinicals.
Liberal Arts Electives
Nursing students will need to complete a group of college-level general education courses prior to the core courses. A growing selection of liberal arts online courses will be available each term to satisfy this requirement.
Admissions Requirements
Applicant must:
- Provide RN license number and a copy of current license
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Complete online application without fee at apply.chatham.edu/ccps
Admissions Materials may be submitted to:
Chatham University
Berry Hall/CCPS Admission
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Fax: (412) 365-1609
Email:dvey@chatham.edu
Additional Information
Transfer Credits
Students may transfer up to 75 credit hours of college level courses into the program. All requests for transfer credit must be made prior to enrollment. A minimum of 45 credits, including the 26 credits of core requirements, must be completed at Chatham University.
Accelerated BSN Completion Option
Graduates of UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing, and Conemaugh School of Nursing qualify for an accelerated completion option.
Scholarship Information
A limited number of nursing scholarships may be available. A FAFSA form must be completed and on file to be considered for the scholarship. To fill out the FAFSA, please visit www.fafsa.ed.gov (school code: 003244).
RN-BSN Core Courses
Total 26 CreditsThis course is designed to explore the role of health policy and ethics as they related to the practice of nursing. Students will compare and contrast ethical principles and legal issues that impact the delivery of nursing services. Topics covered will include patient rights, end of life issues, financing health care, federal and state regulatory issues, informed consent, and organ transplantation.
This course will develop the student's ability learn and apply skills in locating, evaluating and synthesizing information from a variety of sources. Topics covered include defining a question, identifying needed information and searching, source evaluation and plagiarism.
Typical Program Schedule
NOTE: THE SCHEDULE LISTED BELOW BEGINS FALL 2012
Students can enroll in a full time or part time track.
*Clinical Courses
*Clinical Courses
*Clinical Courses
*Clinical Courses
Source: Chatham
