Post Masters Advanced Practice RN (APRN) Certificate

Carolyn T. Martin, R.N., FN.P., Ph.D., Graduate Program Director

Office:  Science 1 - 209E
Phone:  (209) 664-6591

View the information for the School of Nursing .

The primary purpose of the Post Masters Advanced Practice RN (APRN) Certificate is to develop skilled professionals able to assume positions of leadership, which contribute to the health, education, and social structure of the community, state, nation, and world. The certificate program will prepare nurses to work as primary care providers to patients throughout the lifespan. With advanced clinical training, APRNs are authorized to diagnose illnesses, treat conditions, and provide evidence-based health education to their patients. APRNs are prepared to provide preventive acute chronic care services to individuals of all ages. APRNs deliver primary care in small and large, private and public practices and in clinics, schools, and workplaces. They work independently and collaboratively within the health care team.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Post Masters Advanced Practice RN (APRN) Certificate, graduates will be able to:

1. Synthesize theoretical, scientific, and contemporary clinical knowledge for the assessment and management of both health and illness states for the purposes of health promotion, health protections, disease prevention, and treatment of individuals, the family, aggregate groups, and the community.
2. Demonstrate a personal, collegial, and collaborative approach that enhances effectiveness in patient care.
3. Function as a licensed independent practitioner using evidence to continuously improve quality of clinical practice.
4. Demonstrate commitment to the implementation, preservation, and evolution of the FNP role.
5. Implement clinical reasoning and build collaborative, interdisciplinary relationships to provide optimal health care to the patient.
6. Oversee and direct the delivery of clinical services within an integrated system of health to achieve improved health care outcomes for patients, communities, and systems.
7. Ensure quality of health care through consultation, collaboration, continuing education, certification, and evaluation (eligible for state and national certifications upon completion of the program).
8. Provide culturally competent care deliver patient care with respect to cultural and spiritual beliefs, and make health care resources available to patients from diverse cultures.

Requirements for Admission to Certificate Program in the School of Nursing

1. Admission to the Stanislaus State Graduate School;
2. Masters degree in Nursing from an accredited institution. If master’s degree is in a discipline other than nursing, an Associate Degree in Nursing and four completed BRIDGE courses are required;
3. Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale);
4. Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of California;
5. One-year full time nursing experience post initial R. N. Licensure, preferred;
6. Successful completion (minimum grade of C) of an undergraduate statistics course;
7. Two professional references; and,
8. Résumé with cover letter indicating professional goals.
9. International Students: Proficiency in spoken and written English with the following minimum TOEFL scores: 550 for the paper-based examination, 80 on Internet-based examination.

Note: After acceptance into the nursing program and prior to beginning any courses students must meet all School of Nursing health requirements. 

The School of Nursing Admissions Committee takes into consideration each of the requirements related to rendering an admission decision.  Applicants who do not meet all of the requirements but whose credentials reveal potential ability for master’s study or the certificate program are reviewed on an individual basis. Graduate level courses are normally restricted to students admitted to the graduate program. With approval of the nursing graduate coordinator, graduate core course work may be pursued prior to admission if the student has provisional admission status.  Enrollment in graduate course work does not guarantee admission to the program.

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Post Masters Advanced Practice RN (APRN) Certificate

(32 units)

Requirements

The Post Masters Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Certificate program requires the completion of the following:

1. Thirty-two units of graduate coursework in a concentration or specialization within an MSN program;
2. Complete the prerequisite course work as follows:
        a. Health Policy (a minimum of 3 units)
        b. Nursing Research (a minimum of 3 units)
        c. Health Disparities (a minimum of 3 units)
        d. Theoretical Foundations (a minimum of 3 units)
        e. Culminating Experience (a minimum of 2 units),

Progression

Students in the graduate nursing program must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in courses taken to satisfy the requirements of the degree. Students who fail to maintain a 3.0 GPA will be placed on academic probation.