About the program
The Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate is designed as either a family nurse practitioner or adult/gerontology nurse practitioner pathway.
In this certificate program, your coursework and clinical experiences provide individualized learning to develop your proficiency as a primary care provider. Specialized knowledge and the art of delivering care are emphasized with an individualized curriculum plan to meet practice standards and competencies. Prior graduate coursework may be accepted as transfer credits to fulfill learning objectives and fulfill requirements for licensure and certification.
Program requirements
To enroll in the the Nurse Practitioner Certificate program the following are required:
- A master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
- Documented minimum of 24 months active RN experience* by the start of this program.
- Satisfactory completion of a 5-quarter credit statistics course with a grade of 2.0 or better.
- Active, unencumbered Washington state RN license.
* The SHS graduate programs define “active” nursing practice to include those activities that require RN licensure, employment, and utilization of the nursing process to deliver or direct care.
- It is preferred that FNP applicants demonstrate nursing experience as a licensed RN in the care of patients across the life span (pediatric and adult populations).
- It is preferred that AGNP applicants demonstrate nursing experience as a licensed RN in the care of adult populations.
The Graduate Nursing Program plans to enroll our first Doctor of Nursing Practice cohort in September 2017 with specialties offered for Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist students. At that time, no additional student will be admitted to the Post-masters Nurse Practitioner Certificate program.
Coursework
The graduate nursing programs operate on a cohort model beginning with foundational coursework that a focuses on quality clinical practice, evidence-based practice, and leadership.
Your coursework is separated into specialty areas, and your clinical internship experiences begin only after the completion of all prerequisite courses. All graduate coursework must adhere to specified levels of scholarship before progression can occur.
Admission requirements
Applicants who meet minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission. Completed applications are screened and reviewed by Graduate Admissions and Graduate Admissions Committee. Graduate Admissions Committee consists of members of the Graduate/Post Graduate Studies Committee (GPSC) and other SHS community members.
To apply, submit the following items to Graduate Admissions to be considered:
- Online application and $50 processing fee.
- Official transcript(s) from each college or university attended.
- Two professional recommendation letters. (One must be from a current manager, supervisor, or direct report.)
- Personal reflection statement. (Prompt is found in the online application.)
- Résumé and cover letter.
Graduate Admissions will confirm your active, unencumbered RN license.
After the review of your application, you may be invited to have an in-person interview as part of the admissions process.
It is recommended that you begin the process by submitting an application, although you may send other admissions documents at any time. It is also recommended that you talk with Graduate Admissions early in the application process in order to ensure a smooth transition into the program.
Enrollment policy
The general requirements for a master’s degree are consistent with those listed for the University.
- All courses must be completed as designated on your individual curriculum plan.
- If you elect to complete a thesis, you must register for additional thesis credits.
- The University requires that all master’s degree coursework be completed within a six-year limit.
- To graduate, you must demonstrate beginning proficiency within your professional role as put forth by professional standards for practice, as well as fulfill all requirements as stated by the University.