Post-MSN Certificates: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Ignite Your Career!

Why Choose NKU's Fully Online Post-Graduate Certificate Program?

NKU’s School of Nursing offers multiple post-graduate certificate programs. All post-graduate certificate programs are geared toward flexibility for the working nurse, with part-time and fully online curricula. Graduates of the programs are qualified to take the certification exam for their nursing specialty.

Features of the Program

Our online Post Graduate certificates offer the flexibility that most working RNs desire. Unique features of this program include:

Part-time or full-time curriculum designed to accommodate working nurses
All courses and degree programs offered online
Experienced faculty who are focused on student success

Program Length

Concentrations vary between 33 and 47 credit hours. Students may take courses year round (fall, spring, and summer). Students can expect to finish in two years or less depending on the concentration and full/part-time status.

Can I Work and Go to School?

Most students work full time and have family responsibilities. Our fully online Post-Master's graduate certificate provides the needed flexibility to successfully complete your degree.

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Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, postgraduate APRN certificate and Post Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Northern Kentucky University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
(http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)

Admission Requirements

Post-Master’s Admission Requirements

Submit a complete application for graduate admission.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
Master of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited program of nursing.
Preferred applicants should have a Master of Science in Nursing program GPA of at least 3.0.
A copy of your current, unencumbered RN license with expiration date in the state(s) you are licensed and practice.
Completion of certification and currently licensed as nurse practitioner, if you are a nurse practitioner.
Proof of 1,000 clinical hours of practice over the previous year for all Post-MSN certificates. Download the Employment Verification Form here.

NP Advancement Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for admission to the NP Advancement Program the university requires all applicants to fulfill the following requirements:
Submit a complete application for graduate admission.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. Please note that the transcripts sent should reflect the all previous conferred degrees (BSN, MSN, previous NP) and any additional courses that you plan to transfer.
Master of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited program of nursing.
Preferred applicants should have a Master of Science in Nursing program GPA of at least a 3.0.
A copy of your unencumbered nursing license and National NP certification. Proof of licensure should include expiration date.
Proof of 1000 hours clinical experience over the previous year and satisfactory performance evaluations. Download the Employment Verification from on the Office of Graduate Education website, Employment Verification Form.

Application Process

Applications and documents are received in the Office of Graduate Education.
Applications and documents are forwarded to the School of Nursing.
All qualified applications are formally reviewed by a faculty committee.
Admission decisions will be sent out via email.

Neither submission of all application materials nor meeting program requirements guarantees admission into the program.

Submit all documents by deadline for consideration to:

Northern Kentucky University
Office of Graduate Education
302 Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099

graduate@nku.edu

CAREER PATHS

NKU School of Nursing post-graduate certification programs equip working nurses for more specialized roles, such as:

Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Family or Adult-Gero)
Psychiatric Mental Health (across the lifespan) Nurse Practitioner

Online Post-Graduate Certificate Program Outcomes

NKU Online Post-Graduate Certificate Graduates Will Be Able To:

Critically analyze data for practice by integrating knowledge from arts and sciences within the context of nursing’s philosophical framework and scientific foundation.
Demonstrate effective communication in order to facilitate nursing practice at an advanced level.
Add to the body of knowledge, as it relates to nursing, by demonstrating advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability, as evidenced by identifying or generating evidence and implementing evaluating change to improve healthcare outcomes.
Integrate nursing science, educational frameworks, health policy, and principles of business to implement initiatives that facilitate the highest level of advanced nursing practice.
Integrate professional values, accountability, and responsibility into advanced levels of nursing practice.
Demonstrate sensitivity to diverse cultures and populations including patients and providers (to facilitate practice at an advanced level).
Analyze one’s own behaviors and institutional practices and policies for coherence with principles of caring.

The college reserves the right to change the program of study as needed to fulfill state approval, regional and national accreditation, other certification organizations, and/or college requirements.

College of Health and Human Services

Post-MSN Certificates