The Microcertificate in Nursing Education provides a focused sequence of three Nursing Education courses (9 credit hours) for any student not enrolled in the Nurse Educator program that is eligible for graduate nursing admission. This microcertificate equips students with essential skills in teaching, instructional design, and learner assessment, preparing them for academic and clinical educator roles. In addition, completion of the microcertificate meets eligibility requirements to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Novice examination, supporting professional growth and career advancement in nursing education.
Microcertificate for Nursing Education
Students may apply for the microcertificate alone independent of other degrees in the College of Nursing. Students in a degree path with an educational focus will supersede the need for the microcertificate. However, if their degree path changes, they will be eligible to apply for the microcertificate. Students already holding the microcertificate who decide to matriculate in an educational focus curriculum will be eligible to apply the 3 courses to that degree.
Admissions
Applicants for the micro-certificate are encouraged to contact the Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) Director of Graduate Student Services.
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must:
- At the time of initial enrollment, have a bachelor's degree in nursing that is accredited both regionally and by CCNE or CNEA for the nursing component.
- Reside and hold a current unencumbered RN licensure in an approved state.
Final admission is contingent upon drug and background screen results that are deemed acceptable by appropriate University officials.
Curricular Requirements
The microcertificate will be achieved through 9 hours. The 9 hours of coursework are taken from existing nursing education-focused courses in the EdD and MSN ED. The student must complete all 9 hours to meet the microcertificate requirements. The microcertificate will be granted upon completion of the coursework. This will prepare students with a focus other than education for the nurse faculty role in their area of expertise.
Coursework could be applied to the EdD or MSN ED program in the future.
The student will take the 3 following courses. These courses can be taken at any point during the student’s graduate matriculation but must be completed prior to receiving the microcertificate:
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| NUR 531 | Nsg Fac Roles and Resp | 3 |
| NUR 576 | Teaching & Learning Strategies | 3 |
| NUR 620 | Curriculum Theory & Practice | 3 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
Transfer Credit
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Time Limits for Degree Completion Requirements
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Student Progression
Student progression is monitored and evaluated each semester.
Additional Academic Requirements
The micro-certificate will be awarded to the student who has met the following requirements:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Good standing at the time of completion
- Successful completion of the required coursework
Annual Graduate Student Background Checks and Drug Screening
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Students accepted to the graduate nursing programs are required to have an annual background screen and drugscreen. Students accepted to the graduate nursing programs are required to pass a background screen and have a negative drug screen.
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The background screen and drug testing screen will be conducted by a qualified agency using established methods and procedures. Confidentiality of the student will be protected. All costs associated with screenings are the responsibility of the student.
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Initial acceptance to graduate nursing courses will be withdrawn for students who have a positive drug screen.
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A student who has a positive drug screen while taking graduate nursing courses will follow the CCN Substance Abuse Policy/Drug/Alcohol Testing Policy. Any readmission consideration will be based on the CCN Substance Abuse Policy/Drug/Alcohol Testing Policy.
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Initial acceptance to graduate nursing courses will be withdrawn for students who have been convicted of or have pending a charge that would not be acceptable for clinical practice.
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A student whose acceptance to graduate nursing courses is withdrawn or is dismissed from the College of Nursing due to findings from a background screen will be considered for readmission on a case-by-case basis depending upon the situation.
All graduate students (e.g., MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate and Microcertificate programs) must upload the following into the document management system:
- Current unencumbered RN licensure for state of legal residence.
Annually, all graduate students, EXCEPT EdD and PhD students, must complete a drug and background screening by the CCN specified provider. Those documents will be uploaded by the CCN directly from the provider website.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Please contact the Coordinator of Graduate Student Services for assistance with the Leave of Absence process.
Additional Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing.
Graduate School Deadlines Information
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.