Expand your nursing knowledge online

Accelerate your nursing career through Carlow University’s RN to BSN online program. Prepare to deliver compassionate, high-quality care for all patients.

Transform lives, transform your career.

The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Carlow University is to educate and prepare ethical, compassionate professionals committed to a more just and merciful world. The MSW program promotes a trauma and research informed approach to professional social work practice to promote human and societal well-being and human rights. The program is committed to preparing exemplary leaders to critically engage in service to and advocacy for diverse populations and complex systems using a cultural humility lens to promote racial, social, economic, and environmental justice.

Master of Social Work Program Specializations

Direct Practice

Macro Practice

Macro Practice specialization is designed to develop strengths-based and trauma-informed ethical leaders and managers of human services organizations and social change leaders who advance human well-being. Students are taught best practices for working with larger systems, including communities, organizations, and societies. 

The macro curriculum is grounded in a commitment to human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. It is designed for students seeking a future in:

• human services leadership and management
• policy analysis and advocacy
• social change leadership at the local, state, and national levels

School Social Work

School Social Work specialization builds on key components of the MSW program’s direct practice track, teaching best practices for various assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups in schools and school-based settings.  

The school social work curriculum is grounded in the person-in-the-environment framework, trauma-informed approaches, human rights, and social and economic justice.

This specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills required for ethical leadership within:

• schools
• across larger educational programs and systems
• for policy practice related to public and private preschool, elementary, and secondary schools

Students who successfully complete this specialization will be awarded Carlow’s School Social Work Certificate and will be eligible for certification as Pennsylvania School Social Worker Educational Specialists.

Who can apply?

You do not need a BSW to enter the MSW Program.  People with a wide variety of undergraduate degrees can enter the MSW program to become a social worker.  Traditional MSW students can earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 60 credits.

Advanced Standing

If you already have a BSW from an CSWE-accredited program, you will qualify for application for advanced standing. This track allows you to complete this degree at Carlow in as few as 18 months (39 credits).

Students who have earned an undergraduate social work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the past 7 years qualify for advanced standing status.  Advanced standing students are able to earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 39- credits (an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for advanced standing status).

Be supported at Carlow

What stood out for MSW graduate Brandy Patterson ’20 was how supportive Carlow’s faculty and staff were, especially in the Social Work Program. “I always felt like I was able to reach out to whomever I needed at the time to get the help that I needed. If I were to give a yelp review for the Masters of Social Work program I would say it is very supportive and flexible which is great for adult students. You will never feel alone or lost in this program.”

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

*Summer start is possible for advanced standing only

MSW faculty

Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline. 

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program

Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Prepare to work in cardiac surgery with a MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion

Carlow’s MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion will equip you to pursue a career in a much-needed medical specialty. The rigorous science curriculum will give you a thorough education on the cardiovascular system, perfusion, hematology, surgery, pulmonary anatomy,  pathology and more.

You will learn to prepare the cardiopulmonary bypass and auxiliary equipment used during surgery, as well as the principles and practices of clinical perfusion management.

You will learn the skills needed to oversee the function of the heart and/or lungs during medical procedures and how to administer heart-stopping drugs, monitor the physiological and metabolic demands of patients, and operate equipment during open-heart surgery.

MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion curriculum

The MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion program is offered in cooperation with the UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion. 

Courses cover biological, chemical and physical topics pertaining to the cardiovascular system and include Introduction to Cardiovascular Surgery, Electrophysiology, and Perfusion Procedures — Clinical II/Clinical II Continued.

Quick facts

• Complete 18 months of clinical training at UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion
• Study in one of the oldest cardiovascular perfusion programs in the United States
• Sit for the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE) upon graduation

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher is required, as is a 3.5 GPA in the sciences (no exceptions). 

Students must have the following prerequisites completed in order to be considered for the program:

• General Biology I and II, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, Physics I and II, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Calculus and Medical Ethics

Cardiovascular Perfusion faculty

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program

Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Positively transform health care

Patient outcomes are better when highly educated and compassionate nurses have a seat at the table. Earning your DNP degree in our low-residency online program with synchronous components, in which you learn alongside others virtually or in-person, offers a unique opportunity to move into leadership roles without disrupting your current nursing career.

Become a licensed registered nurse: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Are you ready to make a difference in health care? As a graduate of Carlow’s highly regarded nursing program, you’ll be able to hit the ground running as a nurse, or take your nursing career to the next level. NCLEX pass rates for graduates of our pre-licensure BSN nursing program are among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Carlow’s urban location offers opportunities for student involvement in many dimensions of health care.

As you progress through the program, you will learn to think clearly and creatively, pursue intellectual endeavors, and respond ethically in a spirit of cultural competence and social justice. The program serves as a basis for graduate study and a foundation for lifelong learning.

BSN nursing curriculum

Carlow’s BSN nursing program requires 120 credits (63 must be completed at Carlow); the curriculum includes general education, supportive sciences, and liberal arts to develop a well-rounded student. You will enroll in the first clinical nursing course the first semester of your sophomore year after successful completion of required support courses. Clinical nursing experience is provided at various health agencies in the area.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX (the national licensure exam for Registered Nursing) and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories, should you wish to further your education in an advanced practice nursing role.

Quick Facts

• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
• Participate in clinical experiences in an intensive care unit 
• Study in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district and benefit from Carlow partnerships with area health care providers
• Prepare for NCLEX success under the guidance of faculty mentors

explore our simulation lab (CSCIL)

Admission requirements and application process

Learn from passionate faculty

Nursing graduate Tayler Godfrey ’18 said her professor’s passion and dedication was a huge plus. “I had the pleasure of taking Microbiology with Dr. Cianciarulo as the professor and continued working with her on student research. She took a great deal of time, while teaching many courses, to help me better understand microbiology and proper research techniques and was always available to students for questions or concerns.”

Student Testimonials

Nursing faculty

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program

Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Accelerate your way to a nursing career with an accelerated second degree BSN

You can use your bachelor’s degree from any field to fast track your way into one of the world’s most in-demand professions by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with Carlow’s second degree nursing program.

With this degree in hand, you’ll be sought after by health care entities around the country. Carlow prepares nurses with critical thinking and problem solving skills. Not only is Carlow in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district with close proximity to clinical sites, its strong, reputable nursing program has a high NCLEX pass rate. 

Go for your dream job

The Carlow University Second Degree BSN program gave Matthew McGrogan ’20 the foundation necessary to land his dream job in a cardiovascular ICU.

“This BSN program is perfectly paced because it was created for people who have already earned a degree and are ready to jump right in. I was worried that some classes would feel unnecessary and slow, however, all of the classes we took were fast-paced and gave us the information needed to become well-rounded nurses. The professors took the time to get to know all of us on a one-on-one basis.”

Accelerated Second degree BSN curriculum

Carlow’s second degree BSN curriculum is in an accelerated format over 15 months. The program requires 32 credits of nursing support courses and 63 credits of nursing courses, including theory courses, clinical experiences and NCLEX seminars. As a convenience, some courses are offered in 8-week sessions, while others are 16 weeks long. 

Clinical nursing experience is an integral part of the program and is completed at various health care agencies in the area.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.

Quick facts

• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
• Study in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district and benefit from Carlow partnerships with area health care providers 
• Take advantage of an accelerated 15-month curriculum
• Prepare for the NCLEX in a program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, with pass rates among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania

explore our simulation lab (CSCIL)

Alternate degree completion options

Earn your second degree in nursing while attending Carlow as a part-time student. View or download a sample plan of study [pdf].

Admission requirements and application process

BSN faculty

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program

Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

If you have specific questions about the program, contact Angela Summer.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family (Individual) Across the Life-Span Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program

Make a difference in the lives of individual patients, entire families and communities as a whole and advance your career with Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner degree. 

Upon completing the 49-credit curriculum and 760 clinical practicum hours, FNP graduates are trained to:  

• Provide Comprehensive Care: Formulate medical diagnoses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and order/interpret diagnostic tests for patients of all ages.  
• Achieve Certification: Meet all educational requirements to successfully sit for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) board certification exams.  
• Lead and Collaborate: Supervise healthcare teams, lead interdisciplinary collaborations, and integrate cost-containment and care coordination strategies.  
• Advocate and Educate: Design community health education programs and collaborate with policymakers to improve patient access to care.  
• Serve Underserved Communities: Apply specialized training—bolstered by Carlow’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) initiatives—to treat medically underserved and disadvantaged populations.  

For your convenience, the program is offered in a hybrid format at Carlow’s Oakland campus.

AANP & ANCC certification exam first time pass rate.

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum

Our high-tech, learner-centered curriculum focuses on your development towards advanced nursing practice. You will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to manage acute and chronic conditions, promote health, prevent disease, educate, and provide counseling services to individuals and families across the lifespan.

At the core of the curriculum is teamwork and collaboration, providing you with the opportunity to develop a peer network – a valuable career resource.

Hybrid classes are offered one evening every other week.  For all students, clinical practicum require clinical hours (760 hours) over the course of the program in a mix of urban and rural healthcare agencies. 

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for board certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The program is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 

The curriculum for the MSN Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner program meets the requirements for national board certification and APRN licensure in most U.S. states and territories

Quick facts

• Enroll part time or full time

• Hybrid available at Oakland location and online.

• Build a professional, resourceful network for your future

• Clinical sites provided for students

HRSA IMPACT Grant

Carlow University was approved for a 2.6-million-dollar HRSA Grant with disbursement of funds over the next 4 years ending in 2027. This grant focuses on placing FNP students into medically underserved areas to complete their primary care rotations and a specialty rotation with a focus on women’s and behavioral health.  The goal of the grant is to make a BIG IMPACT on students, preceptors, and the underserved population through “Impacting Diversity and Education of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for Healthy Communities” .  Current full time FNP students are eligible to apply for up to $23,000 in tuition reimbursement. The impact grant application is closed to new students.

HRSA Grant Faculty
Shannon Robertson, MSN, MBA, CRNP, FNP-C, CMC, Project Coordinator
Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP, Project Director, Clinical Coordinator
Monte Stone, Administrative Assistant 

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Post MSN Certification Program – NP graduates in another NP specialty must show evidence of current licensure and certification. A gap analysis will be completed to determine study plan.

Applicants with pre-licensure master of nursing degrees may be required to take additional courses from the graduate nursing common core curriculum to meet all program requirements, if equivalent coursework was not completed in their prior master’s program. 

The program director will schedule an interview with qualified applicants.

Family Nurse Practitioner Faculty

Carlow University’s FNP program faculty are clinically active in their specialties and engage in evidence-based scholarly activities.

Margaret Smith DNP MSN CRNP FNP-BC  Associate Professor, Family Nurse Practitioner Program Director

Zachary Walker, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C  Assistant Professor 

Michelle Vitale, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC  Coordinator, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program

Jean Dean, DNP, MSN, RN Director of Clinical Education 

Marissa Cullen PharmD, BCPP  Adjunct Faculty

Carl A. Ross, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP Adjunct Faculty

Dawn Ball DNP FNP-BC, FNP-C Adjunct Faculty

Nicholas Pertile, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C Adjunct Faculty

Megan Rodriguez, DNP, MSN, FNP-C Adjunct Faculty

Miranda E. Jones DNP, FNP-BC, MSN, IBCLC Adjunct Faculty – Pediatrics

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Women’s Health Gender related Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)   

Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a women’s health gender related nurse practitioner will allow you to promote women’s health issues while also advancing your nursing career. 

Upon Completing the 49-credit curriculum and 760 clinical practicum hours, graduates are trained to: 

• Provide Comprehensive Care: Assess, diagnose, and treat both gynecologic and non-life-threatening conditions. Manage reproductive health, prenatal/postpartum care, and menopause.

• Achieve Certification: Meet all educational requirements and successfully sit for the National Certification Corporation board certification exam 
• Lead and Collaborate: Supervise healthcare teams, lead interdisciplinary collaborations, and integrate cost-containment and care coordination strategies.  
• Advocate and Educate: Develop patient education programs and engage with policymakers on behalf of the nursing profession. 
• Serve Underserved Communities: Apply specialized training—bolstered by Carlow’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) initiatives—to treat medically underserved and disadvantaged populations.  

Carlow’s MSN program is a foundation for doctoral studies and lifelong learning. For your convenience the program is offered in a hybrid format at Carlow’s Oakland campus. 

AANP & ANCC certification exam first time pass rate.

MSN: Women’s Health Gender related Nurse Practitioner curriculum

Our high-tech, learner-centered curriculum focuses on your development towards advanced nursing practice. You will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to manage acute and chronic conditions, promote health, prevent disease, educate, and provide counseling services to individuals and families across the lifespan. 

At the core of the curriculum is teamwork and collaboration, providing you with the opportunity to develop a peer network – a valuable career resource. 

Hybrid classes are offered one evening every other week.  For all students, clinical practicum requires clinical hours (760 hours) over the course of the program in a mix of urban and rural healthcare agencies.  

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for board certification as a nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.  The program is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 

The curriculum for the MSN Women’s Health Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner program meets the requirements for national board certification and APRN licensure in most U.S. states and territories. 

Quick facts

• Enroll part time or full time

• Hybrid available at Oakland location and online

• Build a professional, resourceful network for your future.

• Clinical sites provided for students.

HRSA IMPACT Grant 

Carlow University was approved for a 2.6-million-dollar HRSA Grant with disbursement of funds over the next 4 years ending in 2027. This grant focuses on placing FNP students into medically underserved areas to complete their primary care rotations and a specialty rotation with a focus on women’s and behavioral health.  The goal of the grant is to make a BIG IMPACT on students, preceptors, and the underserved population through “Impacting Diversity and Education of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for Healthy Communities”.  Current full time FNP students are eligible to apply for up to $23,000 in tuition reimbursement. The impact grant application is closed to new students. 

HRSA Grant Faculty

Shannon Robertson, MSN, MBA, CRNP, FNP-C, CMC, Project Coordinator 
Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP, Project Director, Clinical Coordinator 
Monte Stone, Administrative Assistant  

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Post MSN Certification Program – NP graduates in another NP specialty must show evidence of current licensure and certification. A gap analysis will be completed to determine study plan.

Applicants with pre-licensure master of nursing degrees may be required to take additional courses from the graduate nursing common core curriculum to meet all program requirements, if equivalent coursework was not completed in their prior master’s program.  

The program director will schedule an interview with qualified applicants. 

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required. 

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Faculty

Margaret Smith DNP MSN CRNP FNP-BC  Associate Professor, Family Nurse Practitioner Program Director

Zachary Walker, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C  Assistant Professor 

Michelle Vitale, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC  Coordinator, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program

Jean Dean, DNP, MSN, RN Director of Clinical Education 

Marissa Cullen PharmD, BCPP  Adjunct Faculty

Carl A. Ross, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP Adjunct Faculty

Dawn Ball DNP FNP-BC, FNP-C Adjunct Faculty

Nicholas Pertile, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C Adjunct Faculty

Megan Rodriguez, DNP, MSN, FNP-C Adjunct Faculty

Miranda E. Jones DNP, FNP-BC, MSN, IBCLC Adjunct Faculty – Pediatrics

Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) concentration 

You’ll learn to keep patients safe during surgeries in the challenging and rapidly growing field of behavioral neuroscience with the Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring concentration. 

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the functioning and anatomical structures of the nervous system through this major. You will be trained to be a surgical neurophysiologist, monitoring neurolophysiological signals from the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs, and nerves in real time to protect the nervous system during surgery.

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has been shown to significantly reduce the occurrence of neurological damage during high-risk surgeries in adults and children.

Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring curriculum 

The Behavioral Neuroscience major is an interdisciplinary program in neuroscience, building upon the strengths of Carlow University’s biology, psychology and chemistry programs. You will complete the IONM concentration with instructors at the UPMC Procirca Center for Clinical Neurophysiology. Job shadowing at UPMC.

Candidates must satisfy all requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Neuroscience, meet UPMC Procirca Center for Clinical Neurophysiology’s admission requirement and Carlow University’s prerequisites for approval and recommendation. They must also be recommended by a science faculty member and/or advisor. 

Alternate degree completion options

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Admission requirements and application process 

Neuroscience program taught me how to make an impact

Camryn Resele ’21 said Carlow taught her how she can make an impact on someone’s life, whether it’s in the operating room or just passing another employee or visitor in the hospital’s hallway.

“Being that the IONM tract was so new at Carlow, I was leery of what my future career path might look like. My mind was almost instantly put to ease when I began clinicals and was able to use the education I received from Carlow and its Behavioral Neuroscience program and apply it to my field of work.”

— Camryn Resele ’21

Behavioral Neuroscience faculty

Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program

Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)

Become a health care leader: Certificate in Healthcare Management

You can build the skills needed to become a dynamic leader responsible for overseeing management of small- and large-scale health organizations with a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management from Carlow University. You’ll build the exceptional, organizational, financial and communication skills necessary for success in this field.

You’ll learn the ins and outs of strategic planning, project and inventory management and patient administration and cultivate an understanding of management practices and professional standards, as well as finance and ethical leadership.

Upon completion of the Healthcare Management certificate program, you will be prepared to work for doctor’s offices and in hospital administration. Health care professionals who seek this degree are often looking to move up in hospital organizations.

Healthcare Management certificate curriculum

The Healthcare Project Management course covers concepts and strategies to facilitate effective project management, including project selection and initiation, identifying teams and time management. In Healthcare Innovation and Quality, you will learn about innovations in health promotion, disease prevention and patient safety; you will examine measurement systems, data collection and medical informatics usage. Fiscal Management focuses on managerial accounting, cost analysis and budgeting.

Quick facts

• Build an understanding of fiscal management in health care
• Give your health care career a competitive edge
• Apply earned credits toward an MBA degree

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Healthcare Management faculty

Howard A. Stern, PhD, MA, MPA, MSIS Professor, MBA Program Director, Director of The Center for 21st Century Innovation and Workforce Development