Amy Shay, MS, CNS, RN, MSN Program Director
Adrianne J. Lane, Ed.D., RN, CNE, Department Chair
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. Some may also be offered in a hybrid format. Visit http://nkuonline.nku.edu for more information and technical requirements.
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. The application process is based on rolling admissions. Completed applications with all required accompanying materials are reviewed according to priority deadlines listed on the Department of Advanced Nursing website: http://www.advancednursing.nku.edu. Students who meet admission requirements will be admitted as space allows.
Admission
Post-Master’s Admission Requirements
- A completed application for graduate admission, including transcripts indicating any undergraduate and graduate coursework. Please note that the transcripts sent should reflect the conferral for BSN, MSN and any additional courses that the applicant plans to transfer.
- A conferred BSN and MSN from an ACEN or CCNE accredited school of nursing.
- Preferred applicants should have a Master of Science in Nursing program GPA of at least 3.0.
- Completion of certification and currently licensed as nurse practitioner, if you are a nurse practitioner.
- A copy of your current, unencumbered nursing license. Proof of licensure should include expiration date.
- A minimum of 1000 hours clinical experience over the previous year for all Post-MSN certificates, except Psychiatric Mental Health (Across the Lifespace) Nurse Practitioner, which requires 2000 hours and satisfactory performance evaluations. Please see form on the MSN website.
- An updated resume.
- A letter of purpose. This is a 1-2 page statement of how you intend to use the program, how it will apply to your career aspirations, and what specific skills you hope to gain in this program.
Submit all documents by deadline for consideration to:
Northern Kentucky University
Office of Graduate Education
302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
♦ Indicates prerequisite.
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