Registration
Students must register during the official registration period each term. Permission must be obtained from the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations or designate to register after the designated period, but the student will be charged a late registration fee.
Students who need to add or drop courses can do so only during the designated add/drop period, usually the first two weeks of the term. Students must consult their advisor in the School of Nursing and complete the appropriate form. (See Policy 36)
Withdrawal from a Course
After the add/drop period and prior to the end of the ninth week of the term (fourth week of a session), a student may withdraw from a course. After that date, a student will be permitted to withdraw from a course or from all courses only in extraordinary circumstances and with permission of the Associate Dean of the School of Nursing (or designee). There is no tuition adjustment associated with a course withdrawal. (See Policy 311)
Credits
The full time credit load in the School of Nursing is 12-18 credits for each 15-week term. Permission for credit overload must be obtained from the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education (or designee) prior to registration and will be based upon the student's grade point average (GPA), course load, personal responsibilities, travel time, etc. Credit overload will not be honored without approval. (See Policy 36)
Degree Requirements (Academic)
To earn the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the student must demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement in required course work prescribed by the curriculum with an overall academic achievement of a minimum GPA of 2.00. (See Policy 46 and 283)
Statute of Limitations
Degree requirements must be fulfilled within a period of eight years. After the eight-year period, re-evaluation of credits will be required. (See Policy 68)
Courses Taken Elsewhere
Students may attend a summer or special session of another accredited institution in order to supplement their program. To receive credit for such study, students must submit a Permission to Enroll at Another University form in advance from the Student Affairs & Alumni Relations Office and request approval from the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs & Alumni Relations, Undergraduate Programs. After completion of the course, an official transcript from that institution must be submitted to the Student Affairs & Alumni Relations office. Students will be given credit only for courses in which a C or better was earned. (See Policy 33)
Cross Registration
Cross-college and cross-university registration is a program designed to provide for enriched educational opportunities for undergraduates at any of the ten institutions that comprise the Pittsburgh Council of Higher Education (PCHE): Carnegie Mellon, Carlow College, Chatham College, Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, Point Park College, La Roche College, Robert Morris College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh. Under the terms of this program, full time students at any one of these institutions are granted the opportunity to enroll for one class per semester/term at any of the other institutions. Courses must be selected from those regularly accredited toward baccalaureate programs, and a student registering for them must meet all prerequisites. Priority in registration goes to the students of the host college. Full credit and grades are transferred. Students interested in cross registering should consult their Student Advisor. Cross registration is not permitted in the Summer Term.
Application for Graduation
The application for the degree must be filed at least three months before the degree is to be conferred (and the student must be enrolled in the term in which the degree is conferred). Students must be in good financial standing with the University to receive their diploma. Unless a student specifies otherwise, the diploma along with a complimentary official copy of the final transcript, will be mailed to the permanent address at no charge approximately six weeks after the end of the graduation term. Each student should check this transcript carefully and bring any discrepancies to the attention of the Registrar's Office immediately. Candidates are encouraged to appear in person at commencement exercises.
For more information please contact Student Affairs & Alumni Relations by emailing sao50@pitt.edu
Degree Requirements (Health)
Upon admission, all undergraduate students including RN Options students in the School of Nursing are required to have a health examination that includes specific laboratory tests. A Hepatitis B vaccination is also required (unless student signs special waiver) as recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The costs of the examination, tests, and vaccine are the responsibility of the individual student. Also, nursing students are required to have medical and hospitalization insurance in addition to the coverage provided through the University Student Health Service.
Due to the fact that UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) requires hepatitis B vaccination and all students complete clinical rotation at various UPMC facilities, it may be problematic if a student decides to not obtain this immunization. It is strongly recommended that the student discuss this issue with their private health care delivery professional.
Each student enrolled in the School of Nursing, where exposure to human blood or other potentially infectious materials is probable or possible, must carry health insurance that will cover payment of treatment and follow-up procedures, and must be prepared to provide validation of this coverage each term to the program coordinator or designated staff.
Please note this program requires that you complete the clinical rotation at a facility(ies) external to the university, and such facility(ies) will or may require a criminal background check, an ACT 33/34 clearance (if applicable), and perhaps a drug screen to determine whether you are qualified to participate in the clinical rotation. Additionally, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.
Liability Insurance
All nursing students are required to participate in the blanket professional liability coverage offered through the University. The annual cost has been $12 per year, but is subject to change. This policy covers all students acting within the scope of his/her duties as a student in the School of Nursing. (See Policy 364)
Transportation to Agencies
Students must assume responsibility for all transportation to clinical practice sites, community health agencies, and field trips.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Students are expected to meet current CPR certification requirements prior to the beginning of each clinical course. (See Policy 363)
Enrollment and Payment
Enrollment and payment of the medical, dental, and vision insurances is done through the Pitt Portal.
Log on to the Pitt Portal
- Go to My.Pitt.edu
- Enter your University username and password
- Select the My Resources tab
- Select "Student Health Insurance" on the My Pitt page and continue through the online enrollment and payment process.
Payment can be made on a monthly, recurring basis or a one-time, annual payment via a credit or debit card.