Nurse Executive Certificate

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 than 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 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.

Nurse Executive (NEx) Post-Graduate Certificate

The Nurse Executive role specialization will help prepare the graduate for a role as a manager, director, supervisor, or chief nursing officer. Nurse Executives will be responsible for human resource management, as well as health care finance and economic operations.

Graduates who complete the Nurse Executive role specialization are eligible to apply and take the examination for the following national certifications:

• Nurse Executive-Advanced (NEA-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Admissions Requirements

• Application for Admission form
• A master’s degree in nursing (MSN) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) with a cumulative GPA of of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Official transcript for either 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, an 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; one 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

• Develop healthy workplace communities through effective communication, collaborative relationships, trust, conflict resolution, consensus building, and creation of a shared vision.
• Utilize systems thinking and knowledge of delivery models and healthcare economics, policy, and governance to facilitate organizational compliance, performance, and growth.
• Demonstrate leadership through modeling and emphasis on data-driven decision making, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and patient safety.
• Lead planned change necessary for the achievement of institutional and department goals.
• Design strategies for the continuing development of staff for personal growth as well as improvement of patient and organizational outcomes.
• Implement the role of a nurse leader, nurse manager, or nurse executive in a professional, respectful, and ethical manner.