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Specialty Certificate options provide MSN-prepared nurses with additional knowledge and skills in a defined specialty area. To be eligible for the specialty certificate programs, applicants must have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and hold a state license and national certification as an APRN in another specialty. Students who complete these certificates are eligible to apply for national certification examinations. The following specialty certificates are offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nursing Practitioner - Acute Care, Pediatric Nursing Practitioner - Primary Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Admission
Applicants must submit a completed application for admission and:
- Have completed a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school (CCNE or NLN ACEN)
- Completion of three separate comprehensive graduate-level courses in: advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
- Possess an unencumbered RN license in the US and be eligible for RN licensure in Virginia
- Active state license and certification to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse at program start
- Have at least one year of full-time RN experience
- Applicants to the NNP certificate must have 2 years’ full-time clinical practice experience (within the last five years) as an RN in the care of critically ill neonates or infants in critical care inpatient settings, typically in a NICU
- Submit three letters of recommendation, including one from a current advanced practice registered nurse (www.nursing.virginia.edu/admissions/recs/)
- Submit a statement of educational and professional goals
- Submit a CV or resume
- Submit official transcripts from prior colleges/universities attended
- Be available for an interview if requested
- International applicants will have additional admissions requirements.
Application Deadlines
The completed application and the application fee must be received by December 1. Applications received after the deadlines may be considered if space is available.
All correspondence concerning admission should be addressed to the Assistant Dean for Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid, Office of Admissions and Student Services, School of Nursing, P.O. Box 800826, Charlottesville, VA 22908 or nursing-admissions@virginia.edu.
Financial Aid
Certificate programs are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Gap Analysis
A formal gap analysis will be completed by the specialty Program Coordinator after the applicant is accepted into the program. The Program Coordinator will verify which graduate level courses the applicant will be required to take. In some instances, advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology or health assessment may be required for practicing APRNs.
Program Course Work
The ratio of clinical hours to credits is 56:1. Courses are taught only if there are a sufficient number of students registering for them.
Time to Completion
Certificate specialty students have a maximum of 6 semesters from the date of matriculation in which to complete all graduation requirements. Exceptions must be approved by the advisor, department chair, and the Program Director, and are granted only under extenuating circumstances.
Enrollment and payment of tuition and fees for no fewer than two regular semesters or the equivalent are required.
