Director of Graduate Nursing
Jessica Fitzgerald, DNP, RN, CCRN
PH 402.552.6089
fitzgeraldjessica@clarksoncollege.edu
Post-Graduate Certificate Options
The purpose of the Post-Graduate certificate options provide opportunities for students who already have
Nurse practitioner students must pass a certification examination in order to practice. At present, there are two (2) certifying bodies: the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
ANCC certifies Family NPs, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NPs, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NPs. AANP certifies Family NPs.
Admission Policies
Enrollment in Clarkson College degree programs is limited through a selective admissions process. Admission policies and procedures are available from: the Enrollment and Advising office, College website or Academic Policies & Procedures section (AD-1).
Required Courses for Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner Courses
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care of the individual and family in primary care settings. Throughout this program option, the learner will develop an advanced nursing practice that encompasses concepts and theories related to nursing and health care, as well as recognized and evidence-based care standards to deliver family-centered care. The family nurse practitioner (FNP) assumes the role of educator, referral agent and advocate while providing care within an evolving health care system.
*The Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum is designed for singular progression through clinical courses. Though the program may be completed online, students are required to attend an on-campus weekend for the specified clinical course (NRS 830). Only one clinical course may be taken at a time.
Nursing Education Courses
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become academic or clinical nurse educators. The evidence-based curriculum offers students the opportunity to acquire information about teaching and learning theories and strategies, curriculum or program development, and evaluation or assessment strategies while fostering an ethical perspective. These learners will also encounter technologies being used to deliver nursing education content and experiences, from classroom technologies to skills lab and simulation technologies. The nurse educator assumes the role of mentor, coach, guide and expert, nurturing student nurses and/or providing continuing professional development to registered or licensed practical nurses.
Nursing Healthcare Administration Courses
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become nursing health care administrators (i.e., executives or managers). The curriculum encompasses systems, leadership, and organization information, including theoretical models and concepts that are relevant to the role of nursing health care administrator. Learners will review and evaluate several health care settings and identify strategies to manage those areas. This program option prepares the learner to engage in evidence-based, data-driven decision-making while pursuing high-quality health care that is safe, affordable and results in positive outcomes.
**Each of the HCA courses is offered in a six-week format, allowing Post-Graduate Certificate students to interact with the graduate students in the Healthcare Administration program.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care to adult and gerontological patients in acute care settings. Throughout this program option, the learner will develop an advanced nursing practice that encompasses concepts and theories related to nursing and health care, and will assume the role of educator, referral agent, and advocate while providing care within an evolving health care system.
*The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner curriculum is designed for singular progression through the clinical courses. Though the program may be completed online, students are required to attend an on-campus weekend for the specified clinical course (NRS 830). Only one clinical course may be taken at a time.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The goal of this program option is to educate nurses who wish to become advance practice providers promoting health and providing care for patients in mental and/or behavioral health settings. The learner will engage in identifying key concepts and theories related to psychiatric-mental health nursing, strategies for communicating clearly with patients, and evidence-based treatment options or plans that meet the unique needs of each patient. The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner takes on the roles of educator, communicator and advocate while providing care within an evolving health care system.
*The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner curriculum is designed for singular progression through clinical courses. Though the program may be completed online, students are required to attend an on-campus weekend for the specified clinical course (NRS 830). Only one clinical course may be taken at a time.