Nursing (Pathways to Nursing)

• Get the most out of Chatham's excellent science curriculum, our 150-year heritage of education, and the ability to experience the full undergraduate experience, including residential life, student activities and all the added benefits of living in Pittsburgh – consistently voted one of America's and the world's most livable cities.
• Chatham and UPMC SSON offer dedicated nursing faculty and academic advising for all four years.
• Earn your nursing diploma through UPMC SSON, a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in Nursing Education and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
• The RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs at Chatham University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Basic Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab

This is the first of two courses designed for students who need a broad coverage of anatomy and physiology and have little or no background in science. It includes a study of the structure and function of human cells, tissue, organs, and systems. Clinical applications of anatomy and physiology will also be considered. Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. Enrollment in a school of nursing is required.

Global, Cultural, and Diverse Populations

This course will explore the student’s understanding and role as a nurse leader in a global society while reflecting on personal and professional values and implicit biases. Ethical, equitable, person-centered, compassionate, and empathetic care opportunities will be examined.

Foundational Concepts of Nursing

This course introduces the student to the foundational concepts of nursing practice across the lifespan. Basic care and comfort is explored through the concepts of nutrition, elimination, safety, mobility, and sensory perception. Physical assessment is a major component of this course. The promotion of health and wellness is an underlying theme carried throughout the course. The student is introduced to basic foundational skills of nursing practice, including medication administration, through both the clinical and lab settings. Students engage in clinical experiences in inpatient medical-surgical units.

View Course Catalog

Applications for admission to Chatham University’s Pathways to Nursing must include:

• The Chatham University online application
• The PTN Disclosure Form
• High School transcripts showing graduation date and 2 years of science with related lab coursework (PTN Lab Verification Form)
• All transcripts from any post-secondary education completed
• Completion of the following high school courses with a “C” or higher
  • 4 years of English
  • 2 years of Science (Biology or Chemistry) with a related Laboratory
  • 2 years of Mathematics (one of which is Algebra)
  • 3 years of Social Studies
  • Recommended: Anatomy and Physiology
  • High School Weighted GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • A TEAS exam score of 58.7% or greater is required to start Pathways to Nursing. The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a required pre-entrance exam for UPMC Schools of Nursing. The TEAS test is administered by ATI (https://www.atitesting.com/)

Once accepted to Pathways to Nursing, all students are required to satisfy the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing (SSON) requirements for participation in clinical rotations, including background checks, health screening, and current CPR certification. Attendance at a post-acceptance information session/new student orientation is required before starting classes at SSON. Topics covered at these sessions include academic schedules, photo ID cards, and compliance requirements. SSON requirements and deadlines will be specified and must be met to continue in Pathways to Nursing.

Students not meeting the requirements to enter or remain enrolled in the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing Program will receive written notification from the College of Health Sciences Dean's office advising them to select an academic major other than Pathways to Nursing. Students are required to complete appropriate documentation to secure a different academic major and advisor. The University Registrar’s Office will automatically change the student’s major to “undeclared” and assign a new advisor if the appropriate documentation is not completed within the timeframe designated in the notification letter.