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The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is committed to the lifelong advancement of nursing practice and patient care. Our certificate programs are designed for post-degree study and are available to individuals who hold a Master’s degree in nursing or a closely related field. Current Penn State Nursing master’s students may also pursue these certificates as complementary minors to their primary program of study.
For details on eligibility and the application process, please visit the https://gradschool.psu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply page. Additional information, including recommended plans of study, can be found below.
Design and evaluate new models of care based on integration of theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing and related disciplines.
Translate evidence to guide practice and improve outcomes of care.
Analyze data which predicts and explains variations in practice .
Provide inter-professional leadership within an increasingly complex health care delivery system.
Prepare leaders to use information systems and technology to support and improve patient care and health care systems.
Prepare leaders to direct and deliver high quality, cost-effective care for diverse populations.
Shape health policy and systems of health care in the local, regional, state, national, and international forums.
Perform independently at the most advanced level of ethical specialty nursing practice.
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certificate program is designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to expand their clinical expertise in managing complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions in adult and older adult populations. This post-master’s certificate prepares nurses to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in acute care settings and to meet national certification standards.
To explore detailed program requirements, admission criteria, and course descriptions, please refer to the Graduate Bulletin: https://bulletins.psu.edu/graduate/programs/certificates/adult-gerontology-primary-care-nurse-practitioner-graduate-credit-certificate-program/
Note: While this plan of study is recommended, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic adviser to ensure they are meeting all course and credit requirements for their program.
The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) certificate program is designed for advanced practice nurses who wish to specialize in the comprehensive, long-term care of adolescents, adults, and older adults. This post-master’s certificate prepares nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage common and complex health conditions in primary care settings, with a strong emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education.
To explore detailed program requirements, admission criteria, and course descriptions, please visit the https://bulletins.psu.edu/graduate/programs/certificates/adult-gerontology-primary-care-nurse-practitioner-graduate-credit-certificate-program/.
Note: While this plan of study is recommended, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic adviser to ensure they are meeting all course and credit requirements for their program.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certificate program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan—from infancy through older adulthood. This post-master’s certificate emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and the management of acute and chronic health conditions in diverse populations and settings.
To explore detailed program requirements, admission criteria, and course descriptions, please visit the https://bulletins.psu.edu/graduate/programs/certificates/family-nurse-practitioner-graduate-credit-certificate-program/.
Note: While this plan of study is recommended, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic adviser to ensure they are meeting all course and credit requirements for their program.
The Nurse Administrator Graduate Credit Certificate program is designed for nurses who aspire to leadership and administrative roles within healthcare organizations. This post-master’s certificate equips nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to manage personnel, oversee budgets, implement policy, and lead strategic initiatives in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based management practices, healthcare systems leadership, and organizational effectiveness.
To explore detailed program requirements, admission criteria, and course descriptions, please visit the https://bulletins.psu.edu/graduate/programs/certificates/nurse-administrator-graduate-credit-certificate-program/.
Note: While this plan of study is recommended, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic adviser to ensure they are meeting all course and credit requirements for their program.
The Nurse Educator Graduate Credit Certificate program is designed for nurses who are passionate about teaching and preparing the next generation of nursing professionals. This post-master’s certificate equips nurses with the pedagogical knowledge and instructional skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs in academic and clinical settings. The curriculum emphasizes curriculum development, assessment strategies, and evidence-based teaching practices.
To explore detailed program requirements, admission criteria, and course descriptions, please visit the https://bulletins.psu.edu/graduate/programs/certificates/nurse-educator-graduate-credit-certificate-program/
Note: While this plan of study is recommended, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic adviser to ensure they are meeting all course and credit requirements for their program.
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Graduate Credit Certificate program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide holistic mental health care across the lifespan. This post-master’s certificate emphasizes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders using a variety of therapeutic modalities, including psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community mental health centers.
To explore detailed program requirements, admission criteria, and course descriptions, please visit the https://bulletins.psu.edu/graduate/programs/certificates/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner-graduate-credit-certificate-program/.
Note: While this plan of study is recommended, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic adviser to ensure they are meeting all course and credit requirements for their program.