Post-Graduate Certificates

Post graduate certificates are for nurses who have already earned a master’s degree and want to switch their focus. Prospective students may transfer in up to 12 credits, which can help students earn the certificate more quickly.

The College has four Post-Graduate Certificates including, Adult-Gero Acute Care NP, FNP, Psych Mental Health NP, and Nurse Educator.

Program Outcomes

1. Integrate theory, research and practice using critical thinking to promote safe and high quality patient care for individuals and populations in a variety of settings.  
2. Practice autonomously in a variety of professional roles to respond to the social, economic, ethical, political and legal issues impacting the needs of patients and the nursing profession.
3. Express caring in professional interactions, which supports the values and promotes the growth and self-actualization of individuals, groups and communities.
4. Provide interprofessional collaborative leadership within the dynamic health care system in a culturally diverse society.
5. Synthesize the principles of education and practice to advocate for interventions that promote, maintain and restore health for individuals and populations.
6. Analyze factors for delivering high quality patient care through utilization of informatics and technology.

Program Options

Post graduate certificates are for nurses who already have earned a master's degree and want to switch their focus. Prospective students may transfer in up to 12 credits, which can help students earn the certificate more quickly.

The College has four post graduate certificates:

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator

Admission Criteria

• Official transcripts from all post high school institutions attended.  Please inlcude the names associated with the trnascipt for filing purposes.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from programs accredited regionally and accredited by ACEN, CNEA or CCNE.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Evidence of one year professional nursing experience preferred.
• The College may request to interview applicant.

Distance Education Student Eligibility by State:

All applicants are welcome to apply. However, due to restrictions on distance education imposed by individual states, the College cannot accept students that are residents of the following states (11-25-20).

The College has met state specific distance education requirements and has been given permission by the Board of Higher Education to provide this Post-Master's DNP education to students in all states except the ones in the table above. Students can contact the State Board of Nursing for further information. See below for addresses.

Your state not listed or other questions? If you are a potential out of state applicant and you do not see your state listed above or if you have other questions, please contact the Graduate Dean at (309) 655-2230 to determine the College’s authorization to offer distance education in your home state.