Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Post-Master's Certificate

The School of Nursing offers a Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Neonatal CNS, or Pediatric CNS for nurses with a master’s or doctorate degree in nursing. Included in the APRN course of study are advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health promotion, and management of complex care for children and families or for the adult population (from young adult to older adult, including the frail elderly) in various clinical and community settings. The Certificate Program consists of a total of 31 units.

Prior to application for the Certificate Programs, individuals are strongly encouraged to consult with the CNS Program Coordinator (advisor) regarding previous graduate coursework completed to determine the best semester to apply for entry.  Cohorts for the Adult-Child CNS specialty and clinical phase begin annually each Fall semester. Cohorts for the Neonatal CNS and Pediatric CNS specialty and clinical phase begin Fall semester of even years (every other year). 

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Completion of a master’s degree in nursing or doctor of nursing practice from a regionally accredited institution and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited nursing program.
  2. Overall grade point average of 3.0 (on a four-point scale) in units attempted.
  3. Registered nurse licensure in the United States, unencumbered, unrestricted, with no disciplinary action pending or imposed.
  4. Minimum of two years recent clinical professional nursing experience with the specialty population (neonatal, pediatric, or adult/geriatric) acute care experience.
  5. Health clearance (immunity, etc.) is required prior to enrolling in a role performance course.