General Information
Department of Nursing
Certificate Program Description
The post-graduate nursing certificates allow students to build on their master’s education by perusing specialty education to add to their current practice.
Certificate Program Purpose
The certificate program does not replace a degree program but is in addition to a master’s degree in nursing. After completing the Post Master’s Certificate (PMC) coursework, the candidate will be eligible to apply to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification examinations as Family Nurse Practitioner, or Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The candidate completing the Post Master’s Certificate for Nurse Educator will be eligible to apply to take the Certified Nurse Educator certification exam. The candidate completing the Post Master’s Certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner will be eligible to apply to take a national certification exam for PMHNP-BC. The candidate completing the Post Master’s Certificate for Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner will be eligible to apply to take a national certification exam for the CPNP-PC.
Certificate Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will demonstrate the following outcomes.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of advanced clinical reasoning and incorporated concerns for family, significant others, and communities into the design and delivery of care using a variety of theories, frameworks, and related sciences to improve practice and the care environment. (Domain 1)
- Develop practices that integrate the Christian worldview and nursing science concepts with application of leadership principles in assignment and practicum experiences to safeguard autonomy, advocate for individualized and appropriate care, and develop health-promoting policies that empower self and others. (Domain 2)
- Analyze and implement clinical prevention and population health concepts using evidence-based health education, communication strategies, and interventions to improve health outcomes and advance nursing practice for diverse populations. (Domain 3)
- Challenge current practices, procedures, and policies through the design and implementation of evidence-based practice strategies to advance nursing practice roles and improve health outcomes across the continuum of care. (Domain 4)
- Integrate and lead quality improvement initiatives to enact change in organizational effectiveness and improve health outcomes across the continuum of care. (Domain 5)
- Develop competency in professional communication skills to participate and lead collaborative initiatives to manage and coordinate care across healthcare systems and in the broader community. (Domain 6)
- Influence the delivery of care to diverse populations through the application of professional skills that demonstrate leadership, comprehensive and systematic assessment, and decision-making. (Domain 7)
- Evaluate and implement information and patient care technologies to promote positive health outcomes and quality care initiatives. (Domain 8)
- Prioritize outcome improvements and goals and standards that impact safe and effective care for improved healthcare delivery across the continuum. (Domain 9)
- Foster professional role development through leadership and collaborative efforts for improved health outcomes and advanced nursing practice. (Domain 10)
Certificate Admission Expectations
All applicants should possess skills listed in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences portion of this catalog. Students should be familiar with all these policies listed in the catalog and handbooks.
Certificate Admissions Requirements
The following requirements are common to all Spring Arbor University graduate programs. In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate programs, the Certificate specific admission requirements are as follows:
- A completed SAU application;
- Earned Master of Science in Nursing or Doctorate of Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution and accredited nursing program. A student will be considered for conditional admission if that student has verification of completion of all degree requirements and provides an anticipated date of degree conferral;
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale in MSN and all post-graduate coursework;
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities in which master’s or doctoral coursework was taken;
- A satisfactory score on a 2-3-page personal goal statement;
- A CV or Resume;
- An unrestricted, unencumbered RN license from the state or country in which the nurse practices (Note: License must remain current throughout program);
- If applicable, an unrestricted, unencumbered APRN license from the state or country in which the nurse practices (Note: License must remain current throughout program).
SAU recognizes that each post-master’s certificate (PMC) student comes with a master’s degree and experience that may or may not apply to their chosen PMC track. Because programs vary in curricular design and focus, the admissions team will carefully evaluate previously completed courses and direct care hours to develop an individualized program of study for each PMC student. Required courses and number of clinical semesters will vary depending on the student’s current experience as an NP or NON-NP.
Certificate Financial Requirements
Currently, the certificate programs are not eligible for Federal financial aid. Upon admission, the student will need to contact the Business Office to arrange a plan to meet the financial obligations of the program selected.
Certificate Program Policies
Prior to initiating any clinical course within the certificate program, students must meet all applicable clinical compliance requirements. This can include the following:
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites are determined at the time of admission and can increase the number of courses taken at SAU. If prerequisites are needed, it can extend the time to completion. These prerequisites required for the Post Master’s Certificate include, but are not limited to:
Transfer Policy
The program may accept credits transferred from another MSN program if completed within the current transfer credit policy according to SAU graduate catalog. If the transferred course does not meet the standards of SAU, the candidate will be required to complete the prerequisite courses prior to beginning the certificate program.
Practicum or Clinical Experience Policy
The PMC plan for each NP student will include didactic and direct care practice experiences. Direct care practice hours vary for each track. These hours are dependent on whether a student enters the PMC program as an NP or a Non-NP, and on the focus of the Certificate track.
Regardless of the degree and number of hours completed in the student’s MSN program, all PMC students will complete a minimum of 250 to 625 direct care practice experience hours, dependent on their chosen PMC track concentration. A maximum of 125 hours may be transferred from previous course and clinical work dependent on the focus of the student’s chosen PMC track. Up to 375 primary care hours may be transferred for the AGNP to FNP track.
For Nurse Educator students, a total of 100 practicum hours, completed in an academic setting, are required for the Nurse Educator Internship The goal of this internship is to immerse the student in the nurse educator role. No hours will be accepted for transfer to fulfill those hours.
In addition to institutional requirements, School of Nursing PMC students:
- will be required to complete and submit all clinical agreement, affiliation, and preceptor verification forms at least four (4) weeks prior to beginning any clinical course.
- must meet the Practicum or Clinical Experience to complete any nursing program as outlined in the MSN PMC program portion of this catalog and/or the MSN PMC Student Handbook.
Grade Requirements
In addition to institutional requirements, School of Nursing Certificate students must meet the Grade Requirements to complete any nursing program as outlined in the MSN program portion of this catalog.
Progression of Studies
The Certificate program has identified:
- Student’s academic courses are planned in a consecutive order from any required prerequisites through completion of certificate without significant breaks.
- Prerequisite courses that must be passed satisfactorily or with a passing grade of at least “B-” to continue in the program.
- Any student who temporarily leaves the PMC program must meet requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of readmission.
- Certificate must be completed within three years of admittance to the university.
Due to the academic and professional behaviors required of advanced professional nurses, the expectation is for all students to comply with American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics. A student may be dismissed from the program for a serious violation of these standards. An appeal process is outlined in the university catalog and in the MSN Student Handbook.
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