Understand Your Path

Required Credits and Program Pacing

You need a minimum of 120 credits to earn the BSN degree, and you can transfer up to 90 credits of college-level courses into the program. 

All students in the program should pursue a part-time track (6-9 credits per semester). If a student wishes to enroll in more than nine credits per semester, it must be approved by an advisor, and the student will be billed for the additional credits at the program's per-credit rate. The UPMC partnership will only cover the costs for part-time enrollment (6-9 credits) per semester for as long as it takes the student to complete the program.

Students starting in the fall will attend fall and spring semesters each academic year. If a student starts in the spring, they will attend spring and summer semesters year one, but then fall and spring semesters for the rest of the program.

Students are required to complete the tuition advancement paperwork with UPMC each semester. Please check with the Office of Human Resources at UPMC for the required paperwork and specific deadlines.

Example Course Progressions

Below are examples of different course progressions and potential time to complete the program, based on different levels of transfer credits and your previous education experience.

You Have 90 Transfer Credits 

If you have 90 transfer credits (from an associate degree in nursing, or nursing diploma program and additional college credits), you may be able to complete the program in four terms. Chatham offers a spring or fall start for UPMC nurse students, and all students will progress through a part-time curriculum unless additional courses are approved by an advisor.

You Have Fewer Than 90 Transfer Credits 

If you have fewer than 90 transfer credits, you will need to complete the credits for the RN-BSN program and any remaining general education credits to reach the 120-credit requirement. That could be achievable in eight terms. Chatham offers a spring or fall start for UPMC nurse students, and all students will progress through a part-time curriculum unless additional courses are approved by an advisor.

You Have A Bachelor's Degree 

If you have already earned a bachelor’s degree (in any field) from an accredited institution of higher education, you may complete the RN-BSN at Chatham by completing 26 required core RN-BSN credits. Chatham offers a spring or fall start for UPMC nurse students, and all students will progress through a part-time curriculum unless additional courses are approved by an advisor.