Students must apply and be admitted into the Graduate Certificate to be eligible to receive a Graduate Certificate. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate Certificate Director prior to applying.  Applications are accepted each semester, and students may begin the program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer term.

Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

• University Admission Requirements, including English Proficiency

• Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

• Application Process

In addition to the University Admission Requirements, applicants must have a minimum of an active RN license and a Master’s or doctorate degree in Nursing or Health related field from an accredited university. USF matriculated students in the DNP and PhD are eligible for admission. Validation of coursework in Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment.

Criteria: MS, MSN, DNP, PhD, faculty, and community members who have two (2) years of teaching experience in the last five (5) years (with documentation from Director of Nursing Professional Development) or 2,000 hours of teaching experience within the last 3 years (with documentation from Academic Dean) are exempt from the practicum experience.

In addition to the application form, please submit:

1. Official transcripts

2. A resume

3. Letter of intent

4. Three letters of recommendation

Option 1 - Requirements for applicants with prior teaching experience:

• Academic Educator Focused Students Complete 9 credits of the NED certificate courses. Practicum hours are not required. Upon request applicants may register for the practicum experience.

• Nursing Professional Development Focused Students Complete 9-12 credits of the NED certificate courses. Practicum hours are not required. Upon request applicants may register for the practicum experience.  

Option 2 - Requirements for applicants without or limited teaching experience:

• Academic Educator Focused Students Complete 9 credits of the NED certificate courses, and 6940 and 6947 practicum courses (4 credits) with an academic focus. Total of 13 credits.

• Nursing Professional Development Focused Students Complete 9 credits of the NED certificate courses, and 6940 and 6947 practicum courses (4 credits) with an NPD focus. Total of 13-16 credits.

Please see the Graduate Catalog for additional information.

This graduate certificate is offered as a non-degree seeking program. Students enrolled in the certificate are not eligible for federal financial aid. Please contact the USF Office of Financial Aid with questions regarding available funding options.

• Program Time Limit: All requirements for the graduate certificate must be completed within five (5) years of admission. This program is designed to be finished in just three consecutive semesters.

• For procedures to confirm completion of the Graduate Certificate, please refer to the website.