Post-Graduate (PG) Nursing Certificates
The purpose of the post-graduate certificate programs is to:
- Provide an educational route to specialization in an area other that that obtained in the master’s program
- Strengthen or broaden the clinical, or management capabilities of master’s-prepared nurses who are planning a role expansion or role change
The PG certificate allows the learner to receive credit for prior graduate work while taking coursework that advances career opportunities.
Because of the efficient design, both MSN and DNP degree-holding students can take advantage of the PG certificate option by adding it to their degree program or by taking the block of specialty courses alone.
The post-graduate certificate student is eligible for the same certification exams offered in each specialty and have the same employment opportunities.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family Nurse Practitioners play a critical role in improving the primary patient care experience. FNP graduates will partner with families across the lifespan to promote preventative care, diagnose conditions and treat acute and chronic illnesses.
Graduates who complete the FNP PG Certificate are eligible to apply and take the examination for the following national certifications:
- Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)
- Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified (FNP-C) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Admissions Requirements
- Application for Admission form
- Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale OR doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcript for MSN if post-MSN or DNP if post-DNP
- Evidence of an unrestricted/unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the state of residence
- Professional resume of curriculum vita, and equivalent of one full-time year of experience as a registered nurse
- Essay of approximately 500 words describing short- and long-term career goals and a plan to achieve them
- Two professional references; on from a nurse educator familiar with the applicant’s ability to do academic work and one from an immediate supervisor (e.g. nurse manager), preceptor, or mentor familiar with the applicant’s clinical skills
- A comprehensive background check requiring fingerprints and drug screen will be administered during the admission process at the applicant’s expense.
Specialty Learning Outcomes
- Perform comprehensive health assessments that incorporate diagnostic reasoning and the interpretation of diagnostic procedures.
- Engage patients and families in planning for health promotion, prevention of disease or disease progression, and symptom management.
- Apply critical thinking in the diagnosis and problem identification of complex issues related to clinical practice, individuals, populations and systems of care.
- Provide ethical, patient-centered care based on best evidence, clinician expertise, patient preference and circumstances.
- Evaluate outcomes of care using individual and aggregate data.
- Implement the role of a FNP in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.
Because of the efficient design, both MSN and DNP degree-holding students are able to take advantage of the PG certificate option by adding it to their degree program or by taking the block of specialty courses alone.
The post-graduate certificate student is eligible for the same certification exams offered in each specialty and have the same employment opportunities.
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