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Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing

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Nurses with a master's degree in nursing are eligible to continue their studies.

A post-master’s certificate is offered to serve master’s prepared nurses desiring additional credentials in a designated field of practice.

The post-graduate APRN certificate program at Florida Southern College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Online

MSN and Post-Master's Nursing Virtual Information Session

June 13

Join us online to learn more about our MSN tracks as well as Post-Master's certificate opportunities. Hear from your program director and admission counselor to get your questions answered and get ready for your next steps in advancing your education and career!

Learn More about the June 13 MSN and Post-Master's Nursing Virtual Information Session about"MSN and Post-Master's Nursing Virtual Information Session

Apply today to start next term
Tuesday, August 22, 2023

We will be accepting applications until the cohort is full.

Request Info Visit Apply Today Program Details

Choose one of these Tracks in Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The post-master’s certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner is designed for those master’s prepared nurses who desire to provide and direct care to families, including adults and children in primary care settings. Graduates are prepared for the national certification examination as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)

The post-master’s certificate for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is designed for those master’s prepared nurses who desire to diagnose and treat adult patients in primary care settings. Graduates are prepared for the national certification examination as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Nurse Educator (NE)

Combine your passion for teaching with top-notch clinical experience. This track prepares you to teach in an academic or healthcare setting by giving you expertise in teaching strategies and learning principles.

Top Reasons to choose Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing at florida southern college

Supportive Environment

This program provides a supportive learning environment with the goal of producing responsible and productive citizens who promote and advance the communities they serve.

Personal Touch

Through shared values and communal expectations, the faculty and support staff actively engage with student’s growth as they pursue their academic goals.

Caring Faculty

The program faculty develop caring relationships within a positive and enriching environment that cares for the whole person.

Excellent Preparation

Our nursing students are well-prepared to take their board exams after graduation. A comprehensive exam review and preparation course is built into our curriculum. We boast a 93% pass rate for our Family Nurse Practitioner students and a 92% pass rate for our Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner students, well-above the national average.

Meet our Mocs

Ernie Parani, APRN

Thoracic Surgery
Advent Health

Florida Southern College was the only in-person program which met my needs as a student. My experience was exceptional here. The in-person advisory meetings with faculty were invaluable and something you cannot get online. Completing the FNP program has allowed me to lead my own post-operative outpatient clinic. The group case studies helped me to become a better diagnostician and I am still building on that foundation today as a new APRN.

Samantha Rios

As a current FSC student, my goal is to become a Dermatology ARNP when I graduate from the MSN program. By earning my advanced degree, I will have a better understanding of how to treat a condition, when to provide a referral and how to create a plan of patient care. As future ARNPs, we are advancing our education so others can also be educated about their health. I chose Florida Southern's program based on the referral of a friend, who was currently in the program. My overall experience so far has been nothing but positive with my professors and peers. I am able to connect and talk with my professors whenever I have a question. My peers are amazing. We have built a solid team from the Day One and are looking forward to walking across that stage together soon.

Kara Pinero, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Minute Clinic Health

I chose Florida Southern for the intimate class size and for the impeccable reputation the school has within the community. I knew that I was going to be successful with my program and that my degree would be respected with my future employers. Not only did Florida Southern help me grow professionally, but I also grew on a personal level in ways that I never imagined. I have built lifelong relationships with not only my peers, but also with my faculty who continue to mentor me long after I have graduated. I am so thankful for the faculty at Florida Southern and I am extremely happy with my choice.

Laurel Lawerence, APRN

Bond Clinic, P.A.

I enjoy the classroom environment, so I was looking for a program that was local and hands-on, with a schedule that was flexible enough to work and care for my family. The instructors had many years of real world clinical experience that was a valuable addition to learning the content and application to clinical practice. I enjoyed learning with my peers and have continued to keep in touch with many of them. As a prospective student, a positive attitude is essential in the success of completion. Believe that you can do this. The staff and educators are there to help you along your journey to meet the goal to further your education.

Satoria Reid-Rowe, APRN, Family Practice

Baycare Medical Group

I chose FSC for my MSN program because of the location and flexibility of the schedule. I had great experiences with the professors and my classmates have become my friends. My advice to new students would be to manage your time well, communicate with your professors and put your all into the program. I am now enjoying being a part of the DNP cohort here at Florida Southern as well.

Kari Simpson, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine

I thoroughly enjoyed my cohort and my professors.  I appreciated the fact that I was known as both an individual and student and I feel that I received a top-notch education at FSC.

Mary Cornejo, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

I felt all the faculty remained involved throughout the program and it was a great learning experience. I'm glad I decided to enroll in an on-campus program for the personalized classroom experience.

Nikki Riegel, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Nurse Practitioner
Veteran Disability Assessments

I had an amazing class of individuals who banded together during one of the hardest times our country has faced and supported each other through it all. We encouraged each other and ensured we all made it to the finish line! I could not have asked for a better cohort.

Blanton Nursing Building Tour

Program Details

Delivery is dependent upon the track selected.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner students typically meet on campus one day per week for in-person classroom instruction. The Nurse Educator track is delivered fully online.

  • Official transcripts of all academic work
  • Current Résumé
  • Professional Essay (Maximum of two single spaced pages).
    1. Why are you interested in pursuing a graduate degree as a family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nursing administrative leadership?
    2. Highlight your professional experiences in nursing and the relevance to your success in your specific graduate program (i.e., family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nursing administrative leadership).
    3. Discuss your academic strengths and weaknesses. How will these enhance or challenge your success as a graduate student?
  • Statement should demonstrate an understanding of the scope of an advanced-practice nurse and be specific to the track selected.
  • Three professional references are required. The applicant should submit professional references from the following:
    1. Current or previous nursing supervisor.
    2. Nursing program faculty member, nursing program advisor, nursing program director, or clinical preceptor.
    3. MSN or DNP prepared nurse who holds the degree and credentials you plan to pursue (i.e., primary care nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nursing administrative leadership).
  • MSN from a regionally-accredited institution and a CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN accredited nursing program.
  • MSN cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Required prerequisite courses completed with a “C” or better: health assessment, nursing research or evidence-based practice, and statistics or biostatistics course.
  • Proof of current active licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Florida.
  • Personal interview required for eligible candidates
  • Completion of a criminal background check, proof of immunization, and ten-panel drug screen (if admitted)
  • Prior to entering any of the clinical courses, applicants must have completed the following courses at the graduate level: pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and research*.

*If needed, these courses may also be completed at Florida Southern College.

Course descriptions are available in the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog

An individualized program of study, based on the results of a gap analysis will be developed for each student following admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner post-master’s certificate track. The student is required to complete all program requirements as outlined in the individualized program of study to ensure eligibility to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification exam. In all instances, students must complete at least 660 clinical practice hours. These hours can be derived from approved credit based on the results of the gap analysis and/ or from hours completed during enrollment in the post-master’s certificate program. The gap analysis will include, at a minimum, a review of previous transcripts and course syllabi for which transfer or equivalent credits are requested. Additional documentation may be required in order to complete the gap analysis.

Family Nurse Practitioner

*Additional courses may be required based on the review of your completed Master of Science in Nursing coursework

**Nurses who are seeking a Post-Master’s certificate but are not currently practicing will be required to take (or retake) NUR 5200 Advanced Pathophysiology

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

*Additional courses may be required based on the review of your completed Master of Science in Nursing coursework

**Nurses who are seeking a Post-Master’s certificate but are not currently practicing will be required to take (or retake) NUR 5200 Advanced Pathophysiology

Nurse Educator

Nurse Educator Track - 17 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 6120 Nurse Educator in the Clinical Setting (3 credits)
NUR 6125 Teaching in Nursing Education (3 credits)
NUR 6225 Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education (3 credits)
NUR 6260 Curriculum Design and Program Development (3 credits)
NUR 6325 Advanced Clinical Concepts (2 credits)
NUR 6625 Practicum in Nursing Education (3 credits)

Total Credits - 17 Hours (minimum)

Students must have successfully completed the following courses at the graduate level: Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Health Assessment, and Research. If needed, these courses may also be completed at Florida Southern College.

Florida Southern College reserves the right to revise fee schedules. $250 Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit (Upon acceptance and applied toward your first-semester tuition balance.)

2022-2023

Base Required Fees Cost
Tuition Per Credit Hour $610
Technology fee per semester is based on credit hours enrolled $30 to $120

Additional Costs

Base Required Fees Cost
Castle Branch All-Inclusive Package (FL44) $224
Additional course specific fees for malpractice insurance, lab supplies, course materials, or standardized exams may be assessed to students in the MSN and PMC tracks. Fees range from $50.00 to $200.00 per course. 

*Tuition will be billed prior to the beginning of each semester based on credit hours. Tuition must be paid by the first day of class.

Related Materials

FSC Graduate Nursing Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

How many courses are required for certificate programs?

The final program plan and course requirements for each student admitted to a graduate certificate program will be based on a gap analysis consistent with National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties’ Criteria for Evaluation of NP Programs standards (https://www.nonpf.org/page/15) in order to ensure the student’s eligibility to sit for national certification in the selected population focus upon program completion. The gap analysis will include, at a minimum, a review of previous transcripts and course syllabi for which transfer or equivalent credits are requested. Additional documentation may be required in order to complete the gap analysis.

How quickly can I finish the program?

This will depend upon how many of our required courses have already been completed at the graduate level. Your program director will review your coursework and create a schedule for you.

Program Contact

Kimberly Smith

Admission Counselor and Advisor
 863.680.3090
863.777.4434

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