The Creighton University College of Nursing offers a post-graduate APRN certificate for nurses who have previously earned a graduate nursing degree as a nurse practitioner and want to become certified to practice in another population. The College also offers a post-graduate certificate in Nursing Education. Admission to this curriculum option requires that the prospective student holds a minimum of a master's degree in nursing from an institution of higher learning that has been accredited by a nursing body (e.g., CCNE, ACEN) and clinical practice in a direct care setting equal to at least 2000 hours of employment within the previous 3 years. The requirements for admission and the application process are the same as for degree seeking graduate students.

Post-Graduate Certificate Objectives

1. Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing and utilizing evidence form nursing and other relevant disciplines to improve practice.
2. Demonstrate competency in the new advance nursing role.
3. Formulate a professional framework integrating reflective practice that facilitates ethical reasoning, cultural humility, and advocacy anchored in social justice.

Post-Graduate APRN Certificates

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner -  manages the care of individuals in acute care settings. Graduates who complete the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP post-graduate certificate program meet eligibility for national certification through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses(AACN) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC).
• Family Nurse Practitioner - manages care throughout the lifespan of individuals and families. Graduates who complete the Family NP post-graduate certificate program meet eligibility for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and  the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP).
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner -  manages care for newborns in level III neonatal intensive care units. Graduates who complete the Neonatal NP post-graduate certificate program meet eligibility for national certification through the National certification Corporation (NCC).
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - manages the care of pediatric patients in acute care settings and  critical care.  Graduates who complete  the Pediatric Acute Care Certificate Program are eligible to take the acute care national certification exam through the Pediatric Nurse Certification Board (PNCB).
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - manages care throughout the lifespan of diverse populations and can practice within a variety of acute and primary care  settings. Graduates who complete Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program meet eligibility for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Other Post-Graduate Certificates

• Nursing Education - prepares nurses with advanced knowledge and skills to assume classroom and practicum teaching responsibilities in academic settings.

The post-graduate APRN certificate at Creighton University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

1. A completed application form with a $50 non-refundable fee.

2. A Master of Science in Nursing or Master’s of Science degree with a major in nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from a college or university accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

3. A cumulative cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.

4. An official transcript of all previous academic work at the collegiate level. Applicants request that the registrar of each institution previously attended to mail or electronically send an official transcript directly to the Creighton University Enrollment Services Department.

5. Three recommendations from persons able to evaluate the applicant’s current and potential competency in advanced nursing practice at the doctoral level, academic potential, leadership skills, and potential for leadership in the profession. One reference should come from a nursing employer or supervisor.

6. A current active unencumbered registered nursing (RN) license and, if applicable, a current and active unencumbered license to practice as an advanced practice nurse in the United States.

7. Evidence of current national certification as an advanced practice nurse, if applicable.

8. A current resume/curriculum vitae that provides evidence of leadership, practice, and service experiences, such as a holding a management position.

9. A personal essay that includes a narrative response to the following items (500 words per item allowed):

   1. The applicant's educational and professional goals, both short term and long term, and how earning the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree will aid in reaching these goals. 

   2. One example of a practice problem encountered by the applicant and a description of the applicant's role in influencing change to alleviate or correct the problem. 

10. Verification of the clinical/practicum hours completed in the applicant's master’s/certificate program in one of the following ways:

    1. The clinical/practicum courses in the master's program are clearly identified on the transcript. 

    2. Syllabi for the clinical/practicum courses are submitted and the clinical/practicum hours are identified.

    3. A letter from an official from the institution, on official institution letterhead, where the master's degree was granted verifying the specific number of clinical/practicum hours

TOEFL Requirements

Evidence of a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 100 on the Internet-Based Test (IBT) or an IELTS (International English Language testing System) score of 7 within the past two years is required for all applicants who meet the criteria below:

• Native language is not English
• Have not obtained a degree of Bachelor's or higher in the United States

Waivers can be submitted for applicants who have earned a degree of a Bachelor's or higher at an Accredited United States University. The College of Nursing reserves the right to require students to re-take the exam. It is also at the discretion of the College of Nursing as to whether a TOEFL score is required.

Conditions of Enrollment

Upon academic acceptance into the College of Nursing, students must meet certain conditions of enrollment:

1. Completion of required immunizations for all Creighton University Health Sciences students.

2. A current, active unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the U.S.

3. Completion of a background investigation.

4. Completion of drug screening.

5. Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for health professionals.

6. Verification of Attestation of Physical & Mental Health form.

7. Validation of ability to meet the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor requirements (Safety and Technical Standards).

8. A minimum of 2000 hours of employment in a direct care setting prior to enrollment in the first practicum course.  A minimum of 2000 hours of direct care in pediatrics prior to enrolling in first practicum course for those entering the pediatric track. A minimum of 2000 hours of direct care in the psychiatric mental health area prior to enrolling in the first practicum course for those entering the psychiatric mental health track. A minimum of 4000 hours of employment in the care of critically ill newborns/infants prior to enrollment in the first practicum course in the neonatal track.