Nurse Leader Certificate (Post-Master’s)

Program Location	Orange County - Online (August 2015 Cohort and forward)
Program Credits	18 Credits
Program Length	3 Trimesters, 48 Instructional Weeks
Time to Complete	12 Months

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1141.00

The West Coast University accredited online Post-Master's Nurse Leader Certificate prepares students to take a leadership role in health care organizations through these times of constant change and innovation, which demands highly qualified leaders with a well-rounded understanding of clinical, managerial, and business concepts. Students will learn the theories and concepts of leadership models, strategic planning and financial management, and will have opportunities to collaborate with other health care disciplines. The program prepares the nurse leader to lead processes and teams, and apply analytical and problem-solving skills on a daily basis to enhance the quality of patient care outcomes in a variety of settings.

Completion of this program would support eligibility requirements necessary to apply for certification with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Nurse Executive (NE-BC).

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Nurse Leader (Post-Master's) Certificate Program must:

1. Have graduated from an accredited master's or doctoral program in nursing.  
2. Provide proof of a current unobstructed Registered Nurse (RN) license from the United States.  
3. Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education.  Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.  
4. Have a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0. 
5. One year of direct patient care nursing experience within the past five years is preferred. 
6. English proficiency for all applicants whose first language is not English will be required.  Consult with Nursing and Student Affairs for any questions. 

Note:  Applicants with a cumulative graduate GPA of 2.7 to 2.99 may be considered for admission on probation, but must achieve a "B" (3.0) or better in the first 6 credits in the certificate program to be removed from probation.  Students who do not achieve a "B" or better in the first 6 credits will be dismissed from the certificate program.  

Nurse Leader Certificate (Post-Master's) Curriculum

Nurse Leader Certificate (Post-Master's) Coursework

HA 550	Leadership Models for Health Care Managers	3.0
HA 540	Strategic Planning in Health Care Organizations	3.0
NURS 677	Intro to Healthcare Informatics	3
HA 520	Financial Management for Health Care Managers	3.0
NURS 594	Advanced Practice Theory: Nursing Leadership	3
NURS 595L-A	Advanced Practice: Nurse Leader Practicum I	1.5
NURS 595L-B	Advanced Practice: Nurse Leader Practicum II	1.5
Total Credit Hours:		18.0

Nurse Leader (Post-Master's) Certificate Program Costs

For program costs, please see the Distance Education Tuition and Fees section.