Program Overview

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Graduate Certificate

Overview

The Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner graduate certificate provides nurses who already have a graduate nursing degree the additional specialized knowledge for the pediatric primary care nurse practitioner role. The certificate meets the educational requirements for application to the national certification examination.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree in nursing or a doctorate in nursing practice from an accredited nursing program
• Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s) of all previous graduate coursework
• Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which practicum hours will be completed
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement (no more than 250 words) describing reasons for seeking the certificate in the identified specialty and professional goals
• Syllabi of all courses to be considered for transfer in the gap analysis
• Three letters of reference from health care professionals or faculty members
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

Program Requirements

Certificate Requirements

• NURS 60170: Pediatric Assessment for Advanced Practice Nurses (3 credits)
• NURS 60270: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner I (3 credits)
• NURS 60370: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner II (1 credit)
• NURS 60372: Advanced Nursing Care of the Chronically Ill Child (3 credits)
• NURS 60470: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner III (2 credits)
• NURS 61792: Pediatric Assessment for Advanced Practice Nurse Practicum (2 credits)
• NURS 62792: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner I Practicum (2 credits)
• NURS 63792: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner II Practicum (1 credit)
• NURS 63992: Advanced Nursing Care of the Chronically Ill Child Practicum (2 credits)
• NURS 64792: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner III Practicum (1 credit)

Minimum Total Credit Hours: 20

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Certificate GPA: 3.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.000

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Meet standards for advanced practice certification or other advanced professional distinction.
2. Demonstrate competencies based on professional standards to assume advanced roles in nursing and for leadership and career advancement, including doctoral study.
3. Communicate, integrate and apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to provide equitable, evidence-based, inclusive nursing care and promote quality outcomes in nursing and health care.

Program Policies

Clinical Compliance Policy

This policy applies to all students enrolled in B.S.N., M.S.N., D.N.P. degree programs and postmaster's certificates. Students must provide documentation of the following items to a third-party vendor that is approved to track and maintain student health and other compliance documents.

• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or American Red Cross CPR/AED.
• Background Check: Students are required to submit federal and state criminal background checks and incur the related costs.
• Healthcare Insurance: Students must provide proof of health insurance.
• Immunizations/Immune Status Testing: Evidence of the required immunizations/tests must be provided on the Immunization and Physical Compliance Form.
• Physical examination: A physical examination is required within one year prior to admission to a clinical site.
• Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure: Students enrolled in the B.S.N. (Nursing for Registered Nurses major), M.S.N., and D.N.P. degrees or postmaster's certificates must have an active, unrestricted RN license in either the state of Ohio for students taking on-campus courses or who will be completing practicum in Ohio or the state of residence and practice for applicants residing and completing practicum outside Ohio.

Time Limit for Graduate Nursing Courses

Certain courses are critical to be completed within a timely manner for patient safety as well as student success in the program. This policy ensures that clinical skills and critical knowledge learned in specific courses taken three or more years ago are refreshed before moving to more advanced levels of practice.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.