The College of Nursing offers certificates for nurses who need additional training. A master’s degree in nursing is required for admission. This graduate certificate prepares the advanced practice nurse for a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner in the primary or the acute care role. Advanced practice nursing involves the delivery of care, management of resources, interdisciplinary collaboration, and application of technology, information systems, knowledge, and critical thinking.
The total credit hours will vary depending on the student’s academic record, clinical experience, and objectives. Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours. Certificate coursework must be completed within 2 years of admission. Contact the College of Nursing Assistant Dean, Graduate Studies for more information.
Students enrolling in the PNP Acute Care track must have completed a primary care PNP program and must have a minimum of one year of work in an acute care setting before beginning course work in the acute care courses.
Campus Code
Distance Education
Graduate Certificate Type
Stand-Alone
Add-On (concurrently with another degree in rare cases)
Admissions Standards/Procedures
A master’s degree in nursing is required for admission.
Academic Standards
The College of Nursing will observe the following grading scale:
| A = 92 – 100 |
4 quality points |
| B+ = 88 – 91 |
3.3 quality points |
| B = 83 – 87 |
3 quality points |
| C+ = 78 – 82 |
2.3 quality points |
| C = 75 – 77 |
2 quality points |
| D = 67 – 74 |
1 quality point |
| F = 66 or below |
0 quality points |
Specialization
Primary Care
Credit Hours Required
Minimum of 12 graduate credit hours; usually, around 20 credit hours will be completed.
Required Courses
- NURS 650 (4 credit hours)
- NURS 651 (3 credit hours)
- NURS 652 (3 credit hours)
- NURS 653 (1 to 5 credit hours)
- Plus additional credit hours as determined by the college and chosen in consultation with the certificate advisor.
