Certificate in Nursing Administration

Hours: 9 Online

About

The Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration is designed for students who have already obtained a graduate degree in nursing. This program offers advanced coursework and clinical experiences that enhance leadership skills and administrative capabilities within healthcare settings. Students will learn to navigate complex healthcare organizations, manage nursing staff, and implement effective health policies.

This certificate is ideal for nurses looking to advance their careers without committing to a full degree program. The curriculum includes 90 clinical hours with a nursing administrator, providing hands-on experience in a real-world environment. This practical approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in various healthcare settings.

Why pursue a Certificate in Nursing Administration at Fort Hays State University?

Pursuing a Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration at Fort Hays State University offers a unique blend of flexibility and practical experience. Our program is tailored to meet the needs of working professionals, allowing you to advance your career without interrupting your current job responsibilities. The curriculum is designed based on the latest industry standards, ensuring you learn the most relevant and effective practices in nursing administration.

Moreover, the program's online format provides the convenience of studying from anywhere, making it accessible to students nationwide. With 90 clinical hours embedded in the curriculum, you gain hands-on experience under the mentorship of experienced nursing administrators. This real-world training is invaluable, equipping you with the skills needed to excel in high-level administrative roles within healthcare organizations.

Who is this program for?

The Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration is designed for nurses who have already obtained a graduate degree and are looking to advance their careers in healthcare leadership. This program is ideal for individuals who seek to enhance their administrative and management skills without committing to a full degree program. It caters to:

Nurses aspiring to leadership roles
Current nursing managers seeking advanced training
Healthcare professionals looking to improve administrative skills
Individuals aiming to implement effective health policies
Nurses interested in healthcare organization management
Graduate-level nurses seeking professional growth

Learning Outcomes

The Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective leadership in healthcare settings. The program's learning outcomes are designed to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to take on advanced roles in nursing administration.

Demonstrate Self-Responsibility for Continued Professional Growth

Integrate Theoretical Models for Improving Healthcare Outcomes for Clients, Families, and Populations

Employ Systematic Inquiry and Quality Improvement Strategies to Enhance Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Health Care Outcomes

Exhibit Leadership Excellence in Systems to Collaborate and Communicate Practice Problems Through Interdisciplinary Teams

Demonstrate Clinical Competence in Master’s Prepared Nursing Roles

Evaluate Health Care Systems, Policy, and Finance to Improve Client Care Within the Health Care System

Implement Safety and Quality Initiatives in Health Care to Improve Health Outcomes and Promote Culturally Responsive, Timely, and Equitable Patient-Centered Care

Utilize Informatics to Plan, Examine, and Enhance Safety and Quality Processes in Health Care Organizations

Real-World Applications

The Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration prepares students for the practical challenges of nursing leadership. The program covers essential topics such as healthcare organization complexity, advanced nursing management, and policy implementation. These courses directly apply to real-world scenarios, enabling students to transition seamlessly into leadership roles upon graduation.

Through 90 clinical hours, students gain firsthand experience working alongside seasoned nursing administrators. This exposure allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, enhancing your problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Graduates are well-prepared to manage nursing staff, oversee healthcare operations, and implement effective policies that improve patient care and organizational efficiency.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Staying current with the latest advancements in nursing administration is crucial. Fort Hays State University ensures that its curriculum reflects the most recent trends and innovations in the field. The program utilizes the AONE competencies, meaning you will learn the best practices and strategies nursing leaders use today. This includes advanced techniques in staff management, policy implementation, and financial management within healthcare settings.

The curriculum also integrates emerging trends such as digital health technologies and innovative leadership strategies. By familiarizing yourself with these advancements, you will be better equipped to adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare administration. This forward-thinking approach ensures that our graduates are current leaders in implementing new practices within their organizations.

Hands-on Activities

Fort Hays State University emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring students in the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration program gain practical, hands-on experience. The program includes 90 clinical hours with a nursing administrator, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in natural healthcare settings. This direct exposure to nursing leadership roles enhances your ability to handle administrative challenges effectively.

Additionally, the program incorporates interactive case studies and leadership projects, allowing students to tackle real-world scenarios and develop critical thinking skills. These activities are designed to mirror the complexities of healthcare administration, preparing you for the multifaceted responsibilities you will encounter in your career. These hands-on experiences will prepare you to lead nursing teams and manage healthcare operations efficiently.

What You’ll Learn:

Healthcare organization complexity
Advanced nursing management skills
Policy implementation
Staff management techniques
Financial understanding in healthcare

How You’ll Learn:

Online coursework
90 clinical hours with a nursing administrator
Interactive case studies
Leadership projects
Peer collaboration

Courses

The core curriculum of the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration is comprehensive, covering essential areas such as healthcare organization complexity, advanced nursing management, and health policy and advocacy. These courses and practical clinical hours ensure that graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for leadership roles in nursing administration. Below are a few of the courses in the Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Administration program:

NURS 861: Complexity in Health Care Organizations

The course provides a foundation for the graduate student choosing nursing administration as an advanced practice role by introducing organizational and leadership theories and nurse leadership development in healthcare settings.

NURS 862: Administrative Management in Health Care Organizations

This course equips professional nurse leaders with essential healthcare finance knowledge to drive change and improve outcomes in healthcare organizations, focusing on quality improvement, value-based purchasing, and financial strategies in nursing.

NURS 876: Apprenticeship: Nursing Administration

The apprenticeship offers graduate students practical experience in nursing administration, focusing on organizational, personnel, and budget management. Students will complete 90 hours with an MSN-prepared RN in an approved healthcare facility. Site contracts and clinical clearance are required. For details, contact nurs.contracts@fhsu.edu.

Discover the full Certificate in Nursing Administration course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration have many career opportunities. The advanced skills and knowledge gained through this program prepare students for leadership roles in various healthcare settings. Here are some of the career paths that graduates can pursue:

Nursing Administrator

As a nursing administrator, you will be responsible for leading nursing departments, managing staff, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. This role involves strategic planning, budgeting, and policy implementation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

Healthcare Manager

Healthcare managers oversee the operations of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers. They are responsible for managing budgets, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, and implementing policies that improve patient care and operational efficiency.

Health Policy Advocate

Health policy advocates work with government agencies, non-profits, and healthcare organizations to develop and promote effective health policies. They analyze healthcare issues, propose policy solutions, and advocate for changes that improve public health and patient care.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration at Fort Hays State University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Complete a Fort Hays State University  Graduate Student Application
Submit all official transcripts
Completed an MSN or a DNP from an accredited program, either CCNE or NLNAC
Cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 is required based on a BSN degree
Professional Experience: Students are encouraged to have relevant nursing experience, as it provides practical context for the program's advanced educational concepts.
Submit 2 letters of reference in the areas of academic ability, current professional competency, or personal character
Personal Statement: This is a brief statement (no more than 500 words) that addresses your motivation for pursuing your MSN. The statement will be evaluated for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Complete an MSN Clinical Acknowledgement Form
- MSN - Nursing Administration
International Students: This program does not meet the requirements for International students who require on-campus courses.

The Department of Nursing does not accept MSN applications from the following states: Alabama, Tennessee, and Utah

All nursing courses/transcripts from outside the United States require additional evaluation by the Commission of Graduates Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). A course-by-course evaluation is required to confirm a degree, course credit, and grades, including grade point average.

Clinical Clearance Requirements

The MSN programs at FHSU require preceptor-led clinicals. The clinical practicum for the MSN (Nursing Administration) program is associated with NURS 876 and offered in the Spring semester. It consists of 90 practicum hours. Please note that clinical clearance requirements include obtaining student liability insurance, a background check, drug testing, and immunization records.

Fort Hays State University works diligently with students to secure clinical contracts across the United States. On rare occasions, we are unable to negotiate a contract due to location, state, or facility requirements. In this event, if another site cannot be obtained at the student's location, the student will be provided with a clinical site in Hays, Kansas. If this occurs, students will need a Kansas license and will need to come to Kansas for their practicum experience. We encourage you to start the collaborative process of obtaining a preceptor early in your program. If you have questions about this process, please contact the Department of Nursing at Nurs.Contracts@fhsu.edu .

Fort Hays State University has received approval from the Kansas State Board of Nursing, the Kansas Board of Regents, and the Higher Learning Commission to offer the MSN program.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,315.97* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

While the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration offers a focused pathway to advanced nursing leadership, Fort Hays State University offers other related programs that may interest you. These programs provide additional opportunities for specialization and professional development in various areas of healthcare and nursing:

FAQ

What are the admission requirements for the Certificate in Nursing Administration?

Applicants must have completed an MSN or DNP to be eligible for the program. Additionally, they should provide a personal statement outlining their career goals, as well as letters of recommendation.

How flexible is the online format for working professionals?

The online program offers maximum flexibility for students, balancing their studies with work and personal responsibilities. You can complete coursework at your own pace within the given deadlines.

What type of clinical experience is included in the program?

The program requires 90 clinical hours with a nursing administrator, providing practical, hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting. This is designed to enhance your administrative and leadership skills.

How does the program incorporate the latest trends in nursing administration?

The curriculum includes the latest advancements in healthcare management, such as digital health technologies and innovative leadership strategies, ensuring you are learning current best practices.

What career support services are available to students?

Fort Hays State University offers comprehensive career support services, including resume reviews, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities with healthcare professionals and alums.

Information about the Department of Nursing

FHSU’s Department of Nursing provides programs and courses incorporating the latest technology in a feedback-driven, student-focused environment, where you will interact with highly qualified faculty eager to share their rich clinical and nursing experiences. This supportive environment ensures you are well-prepared for an in-demand degree that leads to a rewarding career.

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Nursing Administration

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