Cost & earnings at Chatham University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
This Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathway at Chatham University prepares students for professional practice as registered nurses with specialist preparation in Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. It suits students seeking a clinically rigorous education grounded in liberal arts, who want hands‑on clinical experience and pathways into leadership, research or advanced clinical roles.
The programme combines foundational sciences and liberal arts with nursing theory, evidence‑based practice and supervised clinical experience. Early semesters typically cover human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment and pathophysiology. Core nursing modules introduce principles of professional practice, patient safety, therapeutic communication and clinical decision making.
As you progress you study adult health, maternal and newborn care, paediatric nursing, mental health nursing, community and public health, and care of older adults. Dedicated modules in Nursing Administration explore healthcare systems, quality improvement, finance and leadership. Nursing Research focuses on research methods, biostatistics, critical appraisal of evidence and translating research into practice. Clinical Nursing coursework emphasises advanced assessment, complex care management, clinical reasoning and practicum‑based skill development.
Clinical learning is integrated throughout the programme via lab simulation and supervised placements in hospital, community and outpatient settings. A capstone or practicum project usually brings together administration, research and clinical strands—students may complete a leadership project, a research evidence review or a comprehensive clinical practicum depending on their chosen pathway.
Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent with a solid academic record. Successful candidates typically have completed prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry and mathematics; courses in psychology or human development are also advantageous. Admissions assessment may consider academic transcripts, a personal statement, references and prior healthcare experience.
Because of the clinical component, conditional offers commonly require the ability to meet health and safety standards: immunisation records, current CPR certification, a criminal background check and any required clearances for placement partners. Mature applicants and those with prior college credit or an associate degree in nursing are welcome to apply to the appropriate entry pathway.
Graduates are prepared to sit for licensure as registered nurses and to practise across acute, community and primary care settings. Career paths commonly include staff nurse roles on medical‑surgical, maternity, paediatric, psychiatric and critical care units, and roles in community health, home care and outpatient clinics.
Specialist preparation opens additional options: Nursing Administration leads to roles in unit management, quality improvement, case management and operational leadership; Nursing Research equips graduates for positions in clinical research coordination, evidence‑based practice implementation and continuing academic study; Clinical Nursing provides a foundation for advanced clinical practice or specialist clinical roles and may support progression to graduate programmes (for example, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or advanced practice degrees).
Chatham integrates a liberal arts tradition with a health sciences focus, emphasising critical thinking, ethical practice and leadership. The nursing programme is built around small cohort sizes and close faculty mentoring, allowing personalised feedback and strong faculty‑student relationships.
Clinical education is supported through partnerships with local hospitals and community health providers in the Pittsburgh region, and the university provides modern simulation facilities to practise complex clinical scenarios safely. The curriculum’s attention to leadership and research prepares graduates not only for competent clinical practice but also for roles that influence care delivery and policy. Student support services, academic advising and career resources help graduates transition into licensure and employment or continued study.
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