Graduate Certificate in School Nursing

Class Type:

Fully Online

Cost:

$639/Credit hour

Upcoming Start Dates:

Annually in May

Program Options:

Graduate Certificate

Credit Hours

Months (Avg.)

EMU Nursing offers a Graduate Certificate in School Nursing. The purpose of the School Nurse Graduate Certificate is to prepare registered nurses to meet the health needs of children of all ages in diverse school settings. This postbaccalaureate program consists of 12 credits of coursework, including a practicum, leading to a post-baccalaureate certificate. This certificate may fulfill state CE requirements and is an excellent resource for practice.

All of our courses are offered online. This certificate program can be taken as part of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with the leadership and school nurse concentration or independent of the MSN. For students wishing to pursue an MSN, the certification program provides an easy transition into the MSN Leadership and School Nurse concentration.

We strongly encourage you to investigate the prerequisites for school nurses in your state before applying to make sure this program meets the requirements.

Certificate Program Requirements

Bachelors degree in any field
Minimum 3.0 GPA for application. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis and may be required to demonstrate academic ability prior to enrolling in the program.
Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state of employment.
Additional requirements will be needed prior to the planning for the spring semester practicum experience including CPR certification, immunization records, and a number of legal search reports.
Two reference forms – one from an employer and one academic – submitted online
Official transcripts from each college or university attended
Interview with MSN Program Director

Required Courses for Graduate Certificate in School Nursing

The School Nurse Certificate Program courses are offered in sequence annually beginning with the Summer Semester.

NURS 504: School Nursing: Legal Mandates – 3 semester hours

This course examines the roles and responsibilities of school nurses and the laws governing the practice of school nursing. The importance of the school nurse’s responsibility to promote the health of students, enhance their ability to learn, and promote health among school personnel will be emphasized in this course. Current legal issues in school health as well as emerging roles and responsibilities of School Nurses will also be explored.
NURS 505: School Nursing: Theory and Diverse Learners – 3 semester hours

This course examines the roles and responsibilities of the school nurse in relation to promotion, restoration, and maintenance of health of school children. Management, evaluation, and outcomes of coordinated school health programs are discussed. Principles of community health are applied. Significant emphasis will be placed on accommodations and adaptations for diverse learners. Prerequisite: NURS 504
NURS 506: School Nursing: Practicum – 3 semester hours

This course follows the School Nursing: Theory and Diverse Learners course. In addition to the on-line learning activities, students will complete a 120 hour clinical practicum in various school settings. The dissemination of hours is as follows: 30 hours in the elementary setting, 30 hours in the middle school setting, 30 hours in the high school setting and 30 hours with the diverse learner population. Clinical practicum assignments are individually planned with the approval of the course instructor. Prerequisites: NURS 504 and NURS 505
EDDS 601: Advocacy & Techniques for the Accomodation of Students with Special Needs – 3 semester hours

This course is designed to assist the teacher/nurse practitioner in recognizing the impact and importance of decision-making and the dynamics of advocacy. This course includes, but is not limited to, current topics in special education, self-determination by and for students, development of the essential professional advocacy competencies, advocating for students with special needs, the rights of children, and the inclusive setting. Students will participate in an exploration of advocacy websites, develop a wiki or brochure to use in their professional practice when working with families and colleagues, and develop a personal position on advocacy.

For Pennsylvania School Nurses **Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in School Nursing Program curriculum, students who are RN’s in Pennsylvania, are eligible to apply for the School Nurse Certificate (Education Specialist I) issued by the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Education. The PA DOE requires conversion to an Education Specialist Level II certificate within six service years as a Certified School Nurse.

For Pennsylvania School Nurses **Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in School Nursing Program curriculum, students who are RN’s in Pennsylvania, are eligible to apply for the School Nurse Certificate (Education Specialist I) issued by the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Education. The PA DOE requires conversion to an Education Specialist Level II certificate within six service years as a Certified School Nurse.

For more information contact:

Carolyn Kirby, MSN, RN
School Nurse Program Coordinator
Office phone: 717-690-8616
Email: carolyn.kirby@emu.edu

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Curriculum Plan