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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

Online Info Session for MSN and Post-Master's Nursing

August 17

Join us to learn more about our MSN and Post-Master's nursing certificate options at FSC. This event is designed to present an overview of our programs and to provide an opportunity to connect with faculty.

Register for the August 17 graduate nursing online info session about"Online Info Session for MSN and Post-Master's Nursing

Apply today to start next term
Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Due to the effects of COVID-19 on the healthcare community, we will be accepting applications until the cohort is full.

Request Info Visit Apply Today

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

Do More

Prepare to add specialization credentials to your MSN.

Advance Your Nursing Role

Learn what you need to know to grow in the profession.

Personalized Attention

You’ll get the individual attention critical to nursing education.

Meet our Mocs

Colleen Wallace, MSN, NP-C

Owner
Wallace Health

I transferred to Florida Southern College from another program because my previous school did not offer any support or guidance. I felt as if I were just a number there. When I attended the open house at Florida Southern, I could feel from the staff that they really cared about our success and would be there to support us from start to finish. From Admissions to the program director, the transition was smooth and the program was all I expected and more. Each instructor brought their own wealth of knowledge, experience, and personality to the program. It was a breath of fresh air to actually learn and not just have information recited to you. My classmates and I really supported each other throughout and still keep in touch. Florida Southern is large enough to have all the services you want in a college but also still has that small town feel where everyone is friendly and helpful.

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.

Blanton Nursing Building Tour

Program Details

On-Campus

Courses are arranged conveniently on campus for the working professional.

  • 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

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner Track - 24 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 6110 Advanced Practice Nurse I (6 credits)
NUR 6160  Advanced Practice Nurse II (6 credits)
NUR 6640 Primary Health Care of Women (1 credit)
NUR 6645 Pediatric: Family Health (5 credits)
NUR 6655 Advanced Practice Nurse III (6 credits)

Total Credits - 24 Hours (minimum)

*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

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track - 18 Hours
Course Number Course Description
NUR 6110 Advanced Practice Nurse I (6 credits)
NUR 6160 Advanced Practice Nurse II (6 credits)
NUR 6210 Advanced Practice Nurse III (6 credits)

Total Credits - 18 Hours (minimum)

*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

Florida Southern College reserves the right to revise fee schedules.

2020-2021 - Effective August 18, 2020

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) $210
Required Malpractice Insurance and Lab Supplies per semester $35

*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

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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