Nursing at Chatham

Chatham’s online undergraduate and graduate nursing programs prepare nurses to have a strong presence in decisions impacting the future of healthcare. We educate our students to work inside and outside of traditional roles in order to understand and lead change. Our graduates are poised to assume roles in education, leadership, quality improvement, and health promotion in a variety of healthcare settings.

Photo of three nurses walking and talking in a hospital hallway

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

At 27 credits, Chatham’s online DNP program—designed for professional nurses who hold master’s degrees—is one of the fastest-to-degree programs in the market. Each online course is 15 weeks in length, and only one brief residency is required. The DNP emphasizes innovative, evidence-based practice with ongoing scientific inquiry and the application of credible research findings to promote safe, quality, person-centered healthcare to a diverse population with complex needs. Graduates are able to skillfully promote and lead organizational change for the benefit of clinical and system outcomes. Chatham also offers a BSN-DNP.

Learn About DNP

A group of four nurses and doctors speaking in a hospital hallway

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Chatham’s MSN program is delivered fully online with working nurses in mind. The program offers faculty expertise and support in an interactive learning environment that encourages reflection and growth in professional practice. Through exposure to evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and experiential learning opportunities, students gain essential skill sets to advance in roles in one of our two tracks: nursing leadership or nursing education. Chatham also offers a RN-MSN.

Learn About MSN

Photo of a nurse in scrubs, writing on a clipboard next to a sleeping patient

RN-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

Chatham’s online RN-BSN program is designed to offer working professional nurses skills that can be immediately implemented into practice. Earning your BSN will increase your professional knowledge and nursing skills while adding tremendous flexibility and mobility to your career. The degree and additional knowledge you gain will enhance your leadership and professional skills. The program also provides you with a gateway for furthering your education.

Learn About RN-BSN

Close-up photo of a nurse preparing to draw blood from a seated patient

Nurse Educator Certificate

The Nurse Educator Certificate is a 12-credit certificate that provides professional nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach nursing and/or nurses in an academic or clinical setting. The Certificate can be completed in three terms.

Explore the Nurse Educator Certificate

Photo of a nurse in maroon scrubs walking with a woman in a black suit in an outdoor hallway

Accelerated Programs

Chatham also offers an RN-MSN Educator Track for nurses who want to expand their opportunities to educate the nursing workforce in the clinical or academic setting, and a BSN to DNP Executive Track designed for nurses holding a BSN who want to fast-track their career and lead clinical change at the executive level.

Rolling grassy hills, historic red brick buildings, and multicolored autumn trees decorate Chatham University's Shadyside campus in Pittsburgh.

Accreditation

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, 202-463-6930.

Nursing at Chatham

Colorful cartoon illustration of Nola the nurse on a bicycle

Nola the Nurse and Scharmaine Baker-Lawson, DNP '08

Waving to the crowd, Nola the Nurse® reaches the front of the church, and starts to dance with her creator, Dr. Scharmaine Lawson-Baker, DNP ’08.

Chatham’s nursing programs are within the School of Health Sciences, which has developed a strong reputation for its sought-after healthcare professionals.

10+

Chatham has been educating nurses online for over 10 years to help nurses reach their career goals and improve patient outcomes.

Chatham’s RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP are routinely ranked as a “Best Online Program” by U.S. News and World Report.

Chatham University nursing programs offer students the opportunity to become a member of Chi Zeta, a chapter of the prestigious honor society of nursing Sigma.

Disaster Relief in Nepal

It can be hard to access healthcare in Nepal, says Chatham RN-BSN student, Devin Corboy ‘18.

Photo of a medical professional in a white coat looks into a child's ear in an exam room.

Alumni Workplaces

Graduates of Chatham’s nursing programs have held positions in nursing education, practice, leadership, and quality assurance at organizations including The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, West Penn Allegheny Health System, Gateway Health Plan, Carlow University, and Vitas Healthcare.

Carolina De Varona speaks to two women wearing business casual attire in front of a poster presentation.

Residency and Poster Session

During the two-day DNP residency, candidates present posters outlining what their evidence-based projects will be, and enjoy meeting their cohort and professors in person.