School of Nursing - Master's Program Descriptions

The master's program leads to the Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN), varies from 40 to 52 credits, and can be completed in four or five semesters of full-time study, depending on the specific area of specialization. The curriculum design includes core courses, advanced nursing practice specialty courses, role development courses, and electives. Students may select preparation for the role of nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner. Advanced nursing practice curricula include: Nurse Anesthesia, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner specialties. Students in any of these curricula may also elect to take 12 credits of specified electives in order to earn a minor in nursing education or nursing administration.

As an alternative to those advanced practice clinical master's programs listed above, students may select preparation for an advanced specialty role. Areas of concentration are available in the following: Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Nursing Informatics.

Core Courses: All Master's Programs

The following courses, from the School Core Courses, are required for all students enrolled in the Master's Program:

The following are required of all students in the Nurse Anesthesia and Nurse Practitioner programs:

Elective Courses

Each program requires six to nine elective credits which can include any courses listed under the Nursing Education or Nursing Administration minors or other School of Nursing elective courses. In addition, or as an alternative, courses offered throughout the University at a 2000 level or higher may be taken as electives.

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Major

The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program prepares nurse practitioners to function as generalist, principal providers of care for adults with common episodic/chronic health problems managed across the continuum of acute care centers. In addition, ACNP preparation includes clinical emphasis in: cardiopulmonary, critical care, oncology, or a directed clinical emphasis. 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.

In foundational core and clinical courses, students learn the decision-making skills needed to manage the episodic and chronic health problems commonly experienced by acutely ill adults. Courses in the clinical emphasis follow and build upon this knowledge base. Culminating role and clinical practica are included as synthesizing experiences in the final term of study. Clinical experience for students is provided in outpatient, acute care, and critical care settings in order to provide experience in management of acute and chronic illness across the health care continuum. Clinical experience for students who elect the critical care subspecialty is predominantly in the critical care setting.

ACNP graduates are eligible for legal certification as Nurse Practitioners by the State Board of Nurse Examiners of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and peer certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

ACNP Applicant Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission noted under Master's Program Admission Criteria, applicants should have two years of clinical experience, including one year of clinical experience in the selected area of clinical emphasis before applying to the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. Registered nurses who already have a master's degree in nursing may complete a post-master's program that earns them a second master's degree in nursing.

For further information contact the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program at (412) 624-6866 or visit the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Web site at: http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/. To receive an application for admission, contact the School of Nursing Student Services Office. (See above for Contact Information.)

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Curriculum

The curriculum consists of 18 master's core credits, 22 specialty credits, and nine elective credits (total 49 credits). Full-time study requires five terms. Part-time study is available. A sample full-time curriculum is listed below:

Fall Term (YR 1) - nine credits

Health Promotion (NUR 2003)

Pathophysiology (NUR 2004)

Physical Diagnosis Theory (NUR 2016)

Physical Diagnosis Clinical (NUR 2020)

Spring Term (YR 1) - 10 credits

Mgmt of Adult Episodic and Common Problems in Acute Care (NURATC 2100)

Pharmacology (PHARM 2002)

Summer Term (YR 1) - 10 credits

Mgmt of Complex Health Problems of Acutely and Critically Ill Adults (NURATC 2104)

Research/Theory (NUR 2001)

Elective I

Fall Term (YR 2) - 11 credits

Research Practicum (NUR 2002)

Elective II

Clinical Practicum in Clinical Emphasis

Spring Term (YR 2) - nine credits

ACNP Role Practicum (NUR 2027)

ACNP Role Seminar (NUR 2028)

Elective III

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Course Listings

Nurse Anesthesia Major

Nurse anesthesia practice is based on a continuum of care beginning with preoperative assessment and culminating with discharge from the recovery area. Nurse anesthetists interview and assess their patients and then formulate a plan of care individualized to best meet the needs of each patient. Throughout the preoperative period, nurse anesthetists serve as patient advocates, provide emotional support, and collaborate with other health care practitioners to provide the optimum anesthetic experience.

The Nurse Anesthesia Program prepares registered nurses for entry into anesthesia practice. Graduates are prepared to administer a full range of anesthetics to a wide variety of patients across the life span. Through an integrated program of classroom and clinical instruction, students develop the didactic knowledge base and clinical skills necessary for safe and effective practice.

Students rotate through numerous clinical sites in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospitals are world-renowned in the areas of surgical innovation, trauma medicine, organ transplantation, research, and biomedical technology. Specialty rotations in cardiothoracic, neurosurgical, dental, organ transplantation, pediatrics, obstetrics, and electroconvulsive therapy enrich the program. The clinical program also incorporates rotations to community hospitals to more broadly prepare the graduate for practice in diverse settings. Students work directly with nationally and internationally renowned leaders in research, practice, and education. Upon completion of the program, graduates are well prepared to safely manage simple to extremely complex patients. The Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination administered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists.

Nurse Anesthesia Applicant Requirements

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission noted under Master's Program Admission Criteria, applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia Program must be registered nurses with a minimum of one-two years of acute/critical care nursing experience. Undergraduate transcripts, professional references, a graduate admission test, and an essay must be submitted to be considered for an interview with program faculty.

For further information, call the School of Nursing Student Services Department at (412) 624-4586, 1 (888) 747-0794 or visit the Nurse Anesthesia Program Web site at http://www.pitt.edu/~nursing/progs/masters/nap/nap.html. To request an application packet online refer to the Student Services Web site area: http://www.nursing.pitt.edu /request.asp

Nurse Anesthesia Curriculum

The program is offered in a full-time format over 28 months, and classes begin each August. Part-time study is also available. The curriculum consists of 52 didactic credits and 60 equivalent credits of clinical practice (students do not pay tuition for the clinical credits). The curriculum design integrates the classroom and clinical courses and consists of 18 core credits, 28 anesthesia specialty credits, and six elective credits. Minors are available in Nursing Education and Nursing Systems (Nursing Administration minor is pending approval). Clinical practice begins at two days a week in the first term and increases in both intensity and frequency throughout the course of study. Clinical practice in the last term is five days a week and is interspersed with clinical conferences and preparation sessions for the Certification Examination.

A sample full-time curriculum for the Nurse Anesthesia program follows:

Fall Term (YR 1)

Basic Principles of Anesthesia (NURSAN 2700)

Chemistry and Physics (NURSAN 2701)

Pathophysiology (NUR 2004)

Clinical Practicum (NURSAN 2791)

Spring Term (YR 1)

Applied Physiology and Pathophysiology (NURSAN 2720)

Concepts of Pharmacology (PHARM 2002)

Elective¹

Clinical Practicum (NURSAN 2792)

Summer Term (YR 1)

Advanced Principles I (NURSAN 2730)

Applied Pharmacology (NURSAN 2731)

Elective¹

Clinical Practicum (NURSAN 2793)

Fall Term (YR 2)

Advanced Principles II (NURSAN 2740)

Physical Diagnosis Theory (NUR 2016)

Physical Diagnosis Clinical (NUR 2025)

Research/Theory (NUR 2001)

Clinical Practicum (NURSAN 2794)

Spring Term (YR 2)

Advanced Principles III (NURSAN 2750)

Research Practicum (NURS 2002)

Health Promotion (NUR 2003)

Clinical Practicum (NURSAN 2795)

Summer Term (YR 2)

CRNA Role Seminar (NURSAN 2760)

Clinical Practicum (NURSAN 2796)

Fall Term (YR 3)

Clinical Practicum (NURSAN 2797)

 

¹ Electives may be taken in any term.

All anesthesia courses (NURSAN) must be taken sequentially.

Nurse Anesthesia Course Listings

Health Promotion and Development Major

The MSN in Health Promotion and Development is offered with three areas of concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).

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 both independently and in collaboration with other health care professionals. Graduates are eligible for legal certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and peer certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

The FNP area of concentration offers both full-time and part-time study on the main campus in Pittsburgh and on the Bradford and Johnstown branch campuses.

FNP Applicant Requirements

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission noted under Master's Program Admission Criteria, applicants to the FNP program who wish to study full time should have one year of nursing experience.

For further information contact (412) 624-3827 or E-mail dgn@pitt.edu. To receive an application for admission, call the School of Nursing Student Services Office at (412) 624-4586, 1 (888) 747-0794, E-mail at nursao@pitt.edu, or visit the School of Nursing Web site at http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/.

Family Nurse Practitioner Curriculum

The 52-credit curriculum is rigorous and requires a considerable commitment of the students' time and energy. It consists of 18 master's core credits; 25 credits in the specialty of family primary health care nursing; and nine elective credits which students may choose to enhance their specialty focus. The sequence of courses is planned to provide the best opportunity for a logical building of the clinical decision-making skill necessary to function as an FNP. Specifically, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health promotion are seen as foundational, and thus are offered early. Adult management courses follow the course in adult physical diagnosis. The pediatric and geriatric courses build upon what is learned about adults and focus on the developmental, diagnostic, and physiologic differences encountered in caring for these special populations. Culminating role and clinical practica are planned in the final term of study as synthesizing experiences to prepare graduates for immediate employment as FNPs. By individualizing the program of study, students may subspecialize in pediatrics, geriatrics, women's health, or school health. A sample full-time FNP curriculum follows:

Fall Term (YR 1) - 11 credits

Health Promotion (NUR 2003)

Pathophysiology (NUR 2004)

Physical Diagnosis Theory (NUR 2016)

Physical Diagnosis Clinical (NUR 2017)

Mgmt: Women's Health I (NURHPD 2523)

Spring Term (YR 1) - 14 credits

Pharmacology (PHARM 2002)

Research/Theory (NUR 2001)

Mgmt: Adult Acute/Chronic I Theory (NURHPD 2503)

Mgmt: Adult Acute/Chronic I FNP Clinical (NURHPD 2505)

Summer Term (YR 1) - nine credits

Pediatric Phys. Diagnosis/Theory (NURHPD 2500)

Pediatric Phys. Diagnosis/Clinical (NURHPD 2501)

Mgmt: Geriatric Health (NURHPD 2526)

Elective

Fall Term (YR 2) - nine credits

Mgmt: Pediatric Health, Theory (NURHPD 2520)

Mgmt: Pediatric Health Clinical (NURHPD 2521)

Research Practicum

Elective

Spring Term (YR 2) - nine credits

FNP Role Seminar (NUR 2027)

FNP Role Practicum (NUR 2028)

Elective

Family Nurse Practitioner Course Listings

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) area of concentration prepares nurses for expanded roles as primary care providers of health care to children and adolescents. The purpose of the program is to provide students with course work and clinical experiences related to health promotion, child development, developmental and health assessment, and the management of well, acutely ill, and chronically ill children and adolescents in ambulatory settings. The PNP program also prepares students to participate in research and provide leadership in mobilizing health care resources for children in the community. Graduates from the program are eligible for professional PNP certification through the National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners/Nurses and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Graduates are also eligible for certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The PNP program offers both full-time (20 months) and part-time study (3-4 years).

PNP Applicant Requirements

In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission noted under Master's Program Admission Criteria, applicants to the PNP program should have one year of nursing experience with neonates, infants, children, or adolescents.

For further information contact (412) 624-3827, or (412) 624-9745 or E-mail vanc@pitt.edu. To receive an application for admission, call the Nursing Student Services Office at (412) 624-4586, 1 (888) 747-0794, E-mail nursao@pitt.edu, or visit the School of Nursing Web site at http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Curriculum

The 45-credit curriculum consists of 18 master's core credits, 24 specialty and cognate credits, and three elective credits. The curriculum focuses on health promotion, child development, physical diagnosis and the management of well, acutely ill, and chronically ill children and adolescents in ambulatory settings. PNP subspecialty courses are taught by PNP faculty and are specifically designed for PNP students. The main clinical site for students is Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Primary Care Center, where PNP students work closely under the supervision of practicing PNP faculty. PNP faculty members arrange additional clinical experiences in the community working with excellent PNPs and pediatricians. Clinical experiences are designed to provide students with an opportunity to care for children from the newborn period through adolescence. A culminating role seminar and practicum provide the student with the opportunity to synthesize all principles learned in the program. A sample full-time PNP curriculum follows:

Fall Term (YR 1) - 12 credits

Pediatric Physical Diagnosis Theory (NUR 2015)

Pediatric Physical Diagnosis Clinical (NUR 2019)

Pathophysiology (NUR 2004)

Pediatric Well Child Care (NURHPD 2540)

Child Development Course

Spring Term (YR 1) - 12 credits

Pharmacology in Nursing (PHARM 2000)

Mgmt: Common Pediatric Problems Theory (NURHPD 2543)

Mgmt: Common Pediatric Problems Clinical (NURHPD 2545)

Health Prom. Child Development (NUR 2003)

Summer Term (YR 1) - seven to nine credits

Research/Theory (NUR 2001)

PNP Role Practicum (NURHPD 2553)

Elective

Fall Term (YR 2) - nine credits

Mgmt: Adolescent Health I Theory (NURHPD 2546)

Mgmt: Adolescent Health I Clinical (NURHPD 2547)

Mgmt: Advanced Pediatric Clinical (NURHPD 2550)

Spring Term (YR 2) - eight to 10 credits

Mgmt: Advanced Pediatric Problems II (NURHPD 2552)

PNP Role Seminar (NUR 2027)

PNP Role Practicum (NUR 2028)

Mgmt: Adolescent Health II Clinical (NURHPD 2548)

Elective

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Course Listings

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

The Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) area of concentration prepares primary care nurse practitioners to assume responsibility for promoting, maintaining, and/or restoring the health of adults with a special emphasis on women. The WHNP also participates in research and provides leadership in mobilizing needed resources to meet the health care needs of women. Graduates are prepared to work in collaboration with physicians and are eligible for legal certification as WHNPs by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and peer certification offered by the American Nurses Association and the National Certification Corporation of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN).

The WHNP program offers both full-time and part-time study. For further information contact (412) 624-3799 or E-mail annie@pitt.edu. To receive an application for admission, call the School of Nursing Student Services Office at (412) 624-4586, 1 (888) 747-0794 or Email at nursao@pitt.edu. You may also visit the School of Nursing Web site at http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/.

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Curriculum

The 50-credit curriculum consists of 18 master's core credits, 26 specialty and cognate credits in the specialty of women's health, and six elective credits which students may choose to enhance their specialty focus. The sequence of courses is planned to provide the best opportunity for a logical building of the clinical decision-making skill necessary to function as a WHNP. Specifically, pathophysiology, pharmacology and health promotion are seen as foundational, and thus are offered early. Adult and women's health management courses follow adult physical diagnosis. Culminating role and clinical practica are planned in the final term of study as synthesizing experiences to prepare graduates for immediate employment as WHNPs. A sample full-time curriculum for WHNPs follows:

Fall Term (YR 1) - 11 credits

Physical Diagnosis Theory (NUR 2016)

Physical Diagnosis Clinical (NUR 2018)

Health Promotion (NUR 2003)

Pathophysiology (NUR 2004)

Mgmt: Women's Health I (NURHPD 2523)

Spring Term (YR 1) - 13 credits

Pharmacology (PHARM 2002)

Mgmt: Adult Acute/Chronic I Theory (NURHPD 2503)

Mgmt: Adult Acute/Chronic I WHNP Clinical (NURHPD 2585)

Human Genetics (HUGEN 2017)

Mgmt: Adult Acute/Chronic II Theory (NURHPD 2514)

Summer Term (YR 1) - eight credits

Research/Theory (NUR 2001)

Mgmt: Women's Health II (NURHPD 2580)

Mgmt: Women's Health II Clinical (NURHPD 2581)

Fall Term (YR 2) - nine credits

Mgmt: Women's Health III (NURHPD 2583)

Mgmt: Women's Health III Clin (NURHPD 2584)

Research Practicum (NUR 2002)

Elective

Spring Term (YR 2) - nine credits

WHNP Role Seminars (NUR 2027)

WHNP Role Practicum (NUR 2028)

Elective

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Course Listings

Health and Community Systems Major: Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The MSN in Health and Community Systems offers an area of concentration in Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP). The Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP) program prepares principal providers of primary health care who treat adult psychiatric clients in a variety of settings on both an episodic and continuous basis. PPCNP students begin their plan of study in core courses that include content on physical diagnosis, health promotion, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and management of acute, episodic, and chronic health problems. Psychiatric Primary Care content directly builds on these core concepts to provide students with the advanced practice skills to effectively manage both the common medical and complex psychobiological problems of persons with psychiatric disorders. Practica provide opportunities for intensive and varied clinical experiences. The program is designed to qualify the student for credentialing by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a certified registered nurse practitioner and for peer certification by the American Nurses Association and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

The PPCNP program offers both full-time and part-time study. Registered nurses who already have a master's degree in nursing may earn a second master's degree in this area of concentration. Determination of advanced standing credits will be done by the PPCNP faculty. Applicants to the PPCNP program should have one year of experience in psychiatric/mental health nursing.

For further information, call (412) 624-6950. To receive an application for admission, call Nursing Student Services at (412) 624-4586 or 1 (888) 747-0794. You can also visit the School of Nursing Web site at http://www.nursing.pitt.edu or E-mail at nursao@pitt.edu .

Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Curriculum

The 51-credit curriculum consists of 18 master's core credits, 11 credits of primary care clinical management education, 16 credits in the specialty and other cognates, and six elective credits. The sequence of courses is planned to provide the best opportunity for a logical building of the clinical decision-making skill necessary to function as a PPCNP. Specifically, health promotion, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical diagnosis are seen as foundational. Building on this foundation, the student generates a knowledge base of adult physical diagnosis and management of acute and chronic primary health care needs/problems. Neurobiology and psychopharmacology serve as a transition between general primary health care and specialized psychiatric nursing skills. Along with the nursing focus on full care provision ranging from mental health promotion to illness rehabilitation, the PPCNP role also involves interventions that encompass psychobiologic diagnosis and treatment. In addition, emphasis is placed on psychotherapies for these individuals and their families to promote mental health and prevent subsequent mental disorders. Clinical experiences are designed so that students provide comprehensive management to psychiatric clients, including both physical and psychiatric care. Culminating clinical management practica provide students with the opportunity to synthesize and integrate concepts from primary health care with their psychiatric knowledge base.

A sample full-time PPCNP curriculum follows:

Fall Term (YR 1) - 14 credits

Health Promotion (NUR 2003)

Pathophysiology (NUR 2004)

Physical Diagnosis (NUR 2016)

Mgmt: Women's Health (NURHPD 2523)

Elective I

Spring Term (YR 1) - 12 credits

Pharmacology (PHARM 2002)

Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders (NURHCS 2320) (NURHPD 2503)

Mgmt: Adult Acute/Chronic PMH Practicum I (NURHCS 2303)

Mgmt: Adult Acute/Chronic Theory II (NURHPD 2514)

Summer Term (YR 1) - seven credits

Psychiatric Diagnosis Theory (NURHCS 2330)

Psychiatric Diagnosis Practicum (NURHCS 2331)

Elective II

Fall Term (YR 2) - 10 credits

Nursing Theory and Research (NUR 2001)

Psychopharmacology (NURHCS 2325)

Mgmt of Acute and Episodic Health Problems of Psychiatric Clients (NURHCS 2341)

Mgmt Practicum Acute & Health Episodic Problems of Psych. Clients (NURHCS 2341)

Spring Term (YR 2) - nine credits

Research Practicum (NUR 2002)

Mgmt of Chronic Health Problems of Psychiatric Clients (NURHCS 2345)

Mgmt Practicum Chronic Health Problems of Psychiatric Clients (NURHCS 2346)

PPCNP Role Seminar (NUR 2027)

Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Course Listings

Health and Community Systems Major: Nursing Administration

The Nursing Administration area of concentration prepares nurses to function in managerial positions in a variety of health care settings. The program builds on the student's experiences in staff nursing and increases the conceptual, interpersonal, and technical skill required in health care management and administration. Through a variety of experiences in the classroom and in practica, students have an opportunity to observe, apply, analyze, and discuss administrative processes and skills relevant to nursing. The program also stresses the development of leadership in nursing and in health care administration. Faculty expertise and research include health care outcomes, executive administration, organizational theory, case management, and professional communication.

Nursing Administration Applicant Requirements

The program accepts students from a wide variety of backgrounds and with a variety of career goals. Applicants should have a BSN and one year of nursing experience. Registered nurses who do not have a BSN may enroll in this program through the RN to MSN option. For further information, contact (412) 624-5872. To receive an application packet, please call Student Services at (412) 624-4586 or 1 (888) 747-0794.

Nursing Administration Curriculum

The Nursing Administration area of concentration is a 40-credit program that can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. An 18-credit core serves as the basis for increasing the student's knowledge of nursing theory, use of technology, and health care outcomes. The Nursing Administration cognates include 12 credits in finance, organizational theory, and health care policy. Options for electives include course work in finance, information systems, human resources, marketing, economics, policy, research, project/case management, leadership, managed care, or health and information systems. This program includes eight credits of practica designed to increase the student's skills in all phases of the administrative role. The Integrative Practicum (two credits) is designed as a capstone course during which the student designs and implements a resource utilization project under the direction of a preceptor.

Curriculum requirements can be met through a variety of courses offered through the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, the Katz School of Business or at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz School of Public Management. The Nursing Administration Program offers flexibility in course selection and focus in the role while maintaining rigor. Students confer with their advisor to develop a curriculum plan that best suits their needs and career trajectory.

A sample curriculum follows:

Fall Term (YR 1) - nine credits

Organizational/Management Theory (NUR 2062)

Health Policy (NSADM 2135)

Financial Management in Healthcare Organizations (HSADM 2513)

Spring Term (YR 1) - nine credits

Nursing Informatics (NUR 2076)

Health Care Outcomes (NUR 2090)

Admin. Seminar and Practicum (NURHCS 2371)

Summer Term (YR 1) - six credits

Research Practicum (NUR 2002)

Elective

Fall Term (YR 2) - eight credits

Administration Seminar and Practicum II (NURHCS 2372)

Electives

Spring Term (YR 2) - eight credits

Administration Seminar and Practicum III (NURHCS 2373)

Electives

The student is encouraged to take one to two elective courses from each of at least three categories. Courses are selected with approval of advisor from the following categories:

Finance

Information Systems

Human Resources

Marketing

Health Economics

Health Policy

Research

Project/Case Management

Leadership

Managed Care

Health Systems

Nursing Administration Course Listings

Health and Community Systems Major: Nursing Education

The Nursing Education area of concentration prepares nurses to teach in schools of nursing, hospital education settings, and patient education programs. The curriculum emphasizes the development of nurses' expertise in teaching clinical nursing. Through a variety of experiences in the classroom and in practica, students have an opportunity to apply theories of instruction and to teach content to nursing students, to practicing nurses, or to patients. The program also stresses the development of leadership in nursing. Faculty expertise and research include patient education, curriculum, and management and evaluation of nursing education programs.

Students will also be able to choose an area of focus based on their experience and career trajectory. Since the Nurse Educator will need an increased level of expertise in patient management theory, the content is provided through the theory portion of the nurse practitioner classes. Examples of these areas of nursing specialty may include Women's Health, Acute Care, Pediatrics or Psychiatric Nursing. Courses are selected in association with the academic advisor and are approved by an advising committee.

Nursing Education Applicant Requirements

The program accepts students from a wide variety of backgrounds and with a variety of career goals. Applicants should have a BSN and one year of nursing experience. Registered nurses who do not have a BSN may enroll in this program through the RN to MSN option. For further information, contact (412) 624-5872. To receive an application packet, please call Student Services at (412) 624-4586 or 1 (888) 747-0794.

Nursing Education Curriculum

The Nursing Education area of concentration is a 40-credit program that can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. An 18-credit core serves as the basis for increasing the students' knowledge of nursing theory, science, use of technology, and outcomes of care. The cognates include theory in curriculum development, measurement and evaluation, design of instruction and the management of clinical teaching. Courses designed to increase the scientific basis of nursing practice are also included. Culminating practica provide students with opportunities to apply all of this content in a variety of setting and to a variety of audiences. Electives are chosen based on students' backgrounds and career goals.

A sample of a Nursing Education curriculum (with an focus on women's health) follows:

Fall Term (YR 1) - 10 credits

Pathophysiology (NUR 2004)

Research/Theory (NUR 2001)

Women's Health I (NURHPD 2523)

Spring Term (YR 1) - nine credits

Pharmacology in Nursing (PHARM 2000)

Design and Process of Instruction (NUR 2071)

Nursing Informatics (NUR 2076)

Summer Term (YR 1) - seven credits

Research Practicum (NUR 2002)

Measurement and Evaluation (NUR 2072)

Women's Health II (NURHPD 2580)

Fall Term (YR 2) - eight credits

Education Practicum I (NUR 2073)

Electives

Spring Term (YR 2) - six credits

Education Practicum II (NUR 2074)

Health Care Outcomes (NUR 2090)

Nursing Education Course Listings

Health and Community Systems Major: Nursing Research

The Nursing Research area of concentration prepares nurses to conduct and coordinate clinical research. The curriculum emphasizes the development of nurses' expertise in clinical research. Through a variety of experiences in the classroom and in practica, students have an opportunity to apply principles to the management of clinical research studies. The program also stresses the development of leadership in nursing. Nurses in clinical research are involved in many phases of the research process: as project managers, consultants, educators, or adverse event coordinators.

Nursing Research Applicant Requirements

The program accepts students from a wide variety of backgrounds and with a variety of career goals. Applicants should have a BSN and one year of nursing experience. Registered nurses who do not have a BSN may enroll in this program through the RN to MSN option. For further information, contact (412) 624-5872. To receive an application packet, please call Student Services at (412) 624-4586 or 1 (888) 747-0794.

Nursing Research Curriculum

The Nursing Research area of concentration is a 40-credit program that can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. An 18-credit core serves as the basis for increasing the student's knowledge of nursing theory, use of technology, and healthcare outcomes. The Research Cognates include coursework in statistics, research computing, coordinating clinical trials, and professional communication. Electives are chosen to enhance the student's scientific basis, and might include courses such as statistics, case management, or organizational theories. Curriculum requirements can be met through a variety of courses offered through the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and the Graduate School of Public Health. Graduates are eligible to take a certification examination from a number of certifying organizations. The Nursing Research Program offers flexibility in course selection and focus in the role while maintaining rigor. Students confer with their advisor to develop a curriculum plan that best suits their needs and career trajectory.

A sample Nursing Research curriculum follows:

Fall Term (YR 1) - 10 credits

Research/Theory (NUR 2001)

Statistics (PSYED 2014)

Elective

Spring Term (YR 1) - eight credits

Informatics II (NUR 2076)

Health Care Outcomes Clinical Trials (NUR 2090)

Summer Term (YR 1) - seven credits

Research Practicum (NUR 2002)

Professional Communication (NUR 2030)

Elective

Fall Term (YR 2) - nine credits

Research Practicum I (NUR 2050)

(Pre-Doc Application)

Research Computing (NUR 2077)

Elective

Spring Term (YR 2) - six credits

Research Practicum II-Pilot Design (NUR 2051)

Elective

Elective

Nursing Research Course Listings

Health and Community Systems Major: Nursing Informatics

The Nursing Informatics area of concentration prepares nurses to focus on the structure and process of nursing information as it supports the practice of nursing. This program has been designed to build on the student's pre-existing clinical expertise. Nursing Informatics is a combination of computer science, information science, and nursing science. It includes the development, analysis, and evaluation of systems, augmented by technology, that support, enhance, and manage patient care. In classroom and in practica, students have an opportunity to observe, apply, analyze, and discuss processes and skills relevant to nursing informatics. The program also stresses the development of leadership in nursing. Career opportunities for graduates of this specialty are numerous. Informatics nurses are involved in practice, education, research administration, and consultation and can work in either public, private, or corporate settings.

Nursing Informatics Applicant Requirements

The program accepts students from a wide variety of backgrounds and with a variety of career goals. Applicants should have a BSN and one year of nursing experience. Registered nurses who do not have a BSN may enroll in this program through the RN to MSN option. For further information, contact (412) 624-5872. To receive an application packet, please call Student Services at (412) 624-4586 or 1 (888) 747-0794.

Nursing Informatics Curriculum

Nursing Informatics is a 40-credit program that can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. An 18-credit core serves as the basis for increasing the student's knowledge of nursing theory, use of technology, and health care outcomes. The Informatics Cognates include course work in systems analysis, data analysis, database management, project management, human factors, and issues, practices and trends. It is strongly suggested that electives be chosen from the following areas: finance, personnel management, computer science, statistics, case management, or organizational theories. Practica are designed to enhance the student's skills in all phases of the informatics role. Graduates are eligible to take the certification examination for Nursing Informatics through the American Nurses Association.

Curriculum requirements can be met through a variety of courses offered through the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, the Katz School of Business or at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz School of Public Management. The Nursing Informatics Program offers flexibility in course selection and focus in the role while maintaining rigor. Students confer with their advisor to develop a curriculum plan that best suits their needs and career trajectory. A sample curriculum follows:

Core Courses: 18 Credits

NUR 2001 Nursing Theory and Research

NUR 2002 Research Practicum

NUR 2090 Health Care Outcomes

NUR 2076 Clinical Informatics II

NUR 2085 Nursing Informatics Seminar and Practicum I

NUR 2086 Nursing Informatics Seminar and Practicum II

Cognates: Choose one from each area and one additional course from one area (courses are 1.5-3 credits)

Systems Analysis

HCPM 90-738 Analysis and Design of Information Systems

HCPM 90-853 Health Care Information Systems

HCPM 90-739 System Synthesis I

HCPM 90-731 Operations Analysis and Control

HCPM 90-831 Health Management Systems

ISSP 2015 Introduction to Medical Informatics

ISSP 2060 Clinical Information Systems

HRS 2420 Introduction to Health Information Systems

HRS 2428 Health Information Systems Implementation and Management

BMIS 2410 Information Systems

BMIS 2515 Decision Support Systems I & II

BMIS 2521 & 2522 Systems Analysis and Design I & II

Data Analysis

HCPM 90-711 Empirical Methods for Public Policy and Management

HCPM 90-801 Data Analysis for Managers

ISSP 2070 Evaluation Methods for Clinical Informatics

Database Management

HCPM 90-728 Management Information Systems

HCPM 90-746 Database Management

HCPM 90-802 Information Systems for Managers

HRS 2424 Database Management in Health Care

BMIS 2523 & 2524 Database Management I & II

Human Factors

NFSCI 1044 Human Factors in System Design

BMIS 2545 & 2546 Human and Computer Interaction I & II

Issues, Practices, and Trends

HCPM 90-873 Management of Computer and Information Systems

HCPM 90-741 Computing and Organization

BMIS 2525 Current Issues in Computing

Project Planning

HCPM 90-837 Health Project Planning and Management

HCPM 90-728 Management Information Systems

BMIS 2530 & 2531 Project Management I & II

Electives:

Finance

Organizational Theory

Personnel Management

Case Management

Statistics

Computer Science

Nursing Informatics Course Listings