Certificate Programs

The College of Nursing has two types of Certificate programs.  The first is the post-masters certificate designed for master's prepared RNs wanting to complete coursework to qualify for a national certification exam for nurse practitioners.  The second are non-degree certificate programs offered in conjunction with the College of Public Health.  These are the Healthcare Management Certificate and the Gerontology Graduate Certificate

Important Notification
 As of Fall 2010, we will no longer be accepting new applications for the on-ground Post-Master’s nurse practitioner specialties.  Applicants interested in these specialties should consider the online/blended Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.   Click here for additional information. 

PLEASE NOTE, WE ARE CONTINUING OUR COMMITMENT TO OFFERING THE POST-MASTER’S FNP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM THROUGH THE REGENTS ONLINE CAMPUS COLLABORATIVE.  CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EXCITING ONLINE PROGRAM .  


POST-MASTER'S PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Post-Master's Certificate Program is designed for master's prepared registered nurses to complete course work which qualifies them to take a national certification examination for nurse practitioners.  The curriculum articulates with the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program which prepares nurse practitioners through an advanced generalist approach.  The focus of the program is on the delivery of nursing care to clients across the life span with special emphasis on providing primary care for rural and other underserved population groups.  The program is affiliated with numerous physician and nurse practitioner preceptors throughout Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina.  In addition, the College of Nursing operates and staffs a number of nurse managed, primary care clinics through which students rotate.  These include school-based clinics, the university health clinic, a rural health clinic, and urban clinics for homeless and other underserved population groups.  Faculty conduct research in the areas of improving the health of vulnerable population groups, measuring clinical outcomes, health services delivery, nursing education and roles, and other topics.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 19 credit hours is required for the post-master's certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice with specific required courses identified for each nursing specialty.  An individualized program of study is designed based upon evaluation of previous course work and professional experience for each student upon admission to the post-master's certificate program.  Upon successful completion of all required courses and a comprehensive final examination, students will receive a certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice and be approved by the College of Nursing to take the appropriate national certification examination.

CONCENTRATION OVERVIEWS (downloadable)

Post-Masters Adult Nurse Practitioner
Post-Masters Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Masters Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

DEADLINES

Fall semester deadline - February 1

Spring semester deadline - July 1

Summer semester deadline - December 1

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants seeking admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice must fulfill all the requirements for admission to both the School of Graduate Studies and the College of Nursing.

The School of Graduate Studies requires that all students submit the following materials: a completed application with payment of nonrefundable application fee; official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework, and a written essay.

 The College of Nursing requirements for admission include:

  1. A Master of Science in Nursing degree from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  2. A "B" average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the nursing major.
  3. Licensure in the United States as a registered nurse and eligibility for licensure in Tennessee.

 Documentation of the above requirements must be included with the application materials and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.  In addition, three (3) professional references and a resume/vitae must be included in the application packet.  All applications will be reviewed and approved by the College of Nursing Graduate Admissions Committee. 

 Factors given consideration in the admission decision include the following:  graduate grade point average, professional work experience, demonstration of professional commitment through continuing education, professional honors and awards, writing ability, demonstrated interest in primary care in rural settings, and references.  Applicants are encouraged to address their accomplishments in these areas in the essay and resume/vitae.

PROCEDURE

The application for admission may be submitted online at http://www.etsu.edu/gradstud.  A printable application can also be obtained at this site.  To request a paper application, contact the School of Graduate Studies at (423) 439-4221.  The application and all materials should be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.  Once the application file is complete, it will be forwarded to the College of Nursing where it will be reviewed the the admissions committee.  Applicants will be notified by mail of the admission decision. 

Questions?  email Amy Bower ( bowera@etsu.edu)  in the Office of Student Services