Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, Post-Master's Certificate

Specialist, Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist for nurses with a master's degree in nursing or Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree. Included in the APRN course of study are advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, health promotion, and management of complex care for neonatal or pediatric patients 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, 19 units are specific only to the CNS.

Prior to application for the Certificate Programs, individuals are strongly encouraged to consult with the Nurse Administrator Program Coordinator (advisor) regarding previous graduate coursework completed to determine the best semester to apply for entry.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Completion of a master's degree in nursing or doctor of nursing practice from a regionally accredited institution and ACEN or 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. Clinical experience preferences or requirements are posted on the School of Nursing website.
5. Health clearance (immunity, etc.) is required prior to enrolling in a role performance course.
6. A background check or drug screen may be required by the clinical location.

Gap Analysis and Certificate Requirements

Upon admission a "gap analysis" will be done by the faculty to determine if any previous graduate level nursing coursework satisfies any of the required courses for the specific certificate.  The gap analysis is documented and a list of all courses required for the certificate are clearly indicated.  Additionally, the semester and year that the certificate student should enroll in each course is indicated to create a individualized plan of study. 

Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
MSN 514	Health Promotion and Disease Prevention	3
MSN 521	Advanced Health Assessment	2
MSN 522	Advanced Health Assessment Lab	1
MSN 526	Pharmacology	3
MSN 528	Advanced Pathophysiology	3
MSN 536	Advanced Neonatal Nursing I	2
MSN 537	Advanced Neonatal Nursing II	4
MSN 547	Clinical Nurse Specialist Role Performance I	3
MSN 548	Clinical Nurse Specialist Role Performance II	4
MSN 549	Clinical Nurse Specialist Role Performance III	3
MSN 550	Theoretical Foundations of Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice	3
Total Hours		31