Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificate

Gannon Tagher, Ed.D, RN, APRN, Interim Department Chair

Teresa Huber, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, Graduate Program Director

Introduction

Post-master’s programs are available to students who have an earned BSN and MSN and seek specialized knowledge and skills as a nurse practitioner or nurse educator. Graduates of the programs will be qualified to take the certification examination for their specialty.

Online Program

All nursing courses for certificate programs are offered online. Students, once admitted, are required to consult/meet with their advisor for full program advising before the end of the first semester. (Advising holds may be placed if the student is not in compliance.) Students are expected to maintain close contact with their advisor throughout the program of study. Prior consent of the advisor should be obtained before any deviation from full program advising. Students are cautioned not to rely on advice of other students regarding applicability of courses.

A maximum of 33% of the program may consist of transfer work that can be applied to the program of study. To transfer a course in to NKU, a grade of B or better must have been earned.

Application Deadline

Admission to the Post-MSN certificate program is highly competitive.  Completed applications with all required accompanying materials are reviewed according to priority deadlines listed on the Office of Graduate Education website, http://inside.nku.edu/graduate/admission-process.html.  Deadlines are as follows:

• Fall - July 1
• Spring - November 1

Admission

Post-Master’s Admission Requirements

1. Submit a complete application for graduate admission.
2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
3. A conferred BSN and MSN from an ACEN or CCNE accredited school of nursing.
4. Preferred applicants should have a Master of Science in Nursing program GPA of at least 3.0.
5. Completion of certification and currently licensed as nurse practitioner, if you are a nurse practitioner.
6. Proof of 1,000 clinical hours of practice over the previous year for all Post-MSN certificates with the exception of Psych Mental Health which requires proof of 2000 hours of practice.  Download the Employment Verification Form on the Office of Graduate Education website.
7.  A copy of your current, unencumbered RN License with expiration date in the state(s) you are licensed and practice.
8. An updated resume.
9. A letter of purpose. This is a 1-2 page statement specific to your chosen concentration explaining how you intend to use the degree, how it will apply to your career aspirations, and what specific skills you hope to gain in this program.

Admissions Requirements effective Spring 2018

1. Submit a complete application for graduate admission.
2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
3. Master of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited program of nursing.
4. Preferred applicants should have a Master of Science in Nursing program GPA of at least 3.0.
5. A copy of your current, unencumbered RN license with expiration date in the state(s) you are licensed and practice.
6. Completion of certification and currently licensed as nurse practitioner, if you are a nurse practitioner.
7. Proof of 1,000 clinical hours of practice over the previous year.  Download the Employment Verification Form on the Office of Graduate Education website, https://inside.nku.edu/graduate/admission-process/additional-forms.html.