In any of our PMCs, you’ll be closely supported by our experienced faculty and your dedicated student success coach from application through graduation.
Fast Facts
- Our online nursing certificates combine academic rigor and a Christ-centered worldview
- Online classrooms of approximately 20-25 students
- The process of earning your certificate is designed to fit into your busy schedule - approximately 10-15 hours of study per week
- Enjoy a week off in between classes with our 7-1-7 model (7-week courses, 1-week break)
NUR610 Foundation for Post-Graduate Nursing
This course explores the foundation of post-graduate education and its basis in a Biblical worldview and the SAU Concept. Students will explore the role of the advanced nurse professional and prepare for attainment of enhanced knowledge and skills for post-graduate practice.
NUR610 Foundation for Post-Graduate Nursing
This course explores the foundation of post-graduate education and its basis in a Biblical worldview and the SAU Concept. Students will explore the role of the advanced nurse professional and prepare for attainment of enhanced knowledge and skills for post-graduate practice.
NUR610 Foundation for Post-Graduate Nursing
This course explores the foundation of post-graduate education and its basis in a Biblical worldview and the SAU Concept. Students will explore the role of the advanced nurse professional and prepare for attainment of enhanced knowledge and skills for post-graduate practice.
Post-Master's Certificates in Nursing Online
Core Courses of Study:
Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing (PMC) programs help MSN or doctorally-prepared nurses build on their clinical skills and nursing knowledge. Nurses educated at the graduate level can have a broader impact on the design and implementation of healthcare. The PMCs are designed for nurses who hold an MSN with or without APRN licensure. The programs will equip you with specialized knowledge for these in-demand, advanced nursing professions including:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
Click on the tabs above to see a list of the courses included in these programs.
NUR625 Educational Theory and Curriculum Design
This course utilizes learning theories to design a teaching/learning project. Strategic planning steps such as needs assessment, behavioral objectives, instructional design, and delivery for non-traditional learners will be explored.
NUR642 Chronic Disease and Complex Problems in Older Adults
The focus of this course is on management of chronic disease and complex care needs of older adults. Emphasis will be on case management and interdisciplinary collaboration to arrange and evaluate care for the most health compromised clients.
NUR645 Family Systems and Clinical Management of the Childbearing Family
This course prepares the family nurse practitionerstudent to examine evidence-based principles of nursing care in the context of family and nursing theory, and to apply this knowledge to clinical practice within diverse family systems, all from a Christian perspective. Students will consider and apply the knowledge, skills and competencies essential to the holistic management of child-bearing women and their families, both as independent providers and within a multidisciplinary team. Students will focus on the care of healthy antepartum women and those with health pattern variations that may result in at-risk pregnancies. Emphasis is placed on collaborative management of women and families during pregnancy. Concepts focused on promoting well-being will be explored, with an emphasis on family interventions that promote resiliency as well as the health and well-being of the family.
Practicum/Clinical Requirements
- Preferred: At least six months experience working as a registered nurse
- Provide evidence of current professional malpractice insurance; minimum $1 to $3 million prior to Senior Nursing Project
- Compliance with all institutional requirements prior to Senior Nursing Project
- CPR/BLS certification as required, proof of TB testing, any required immunizations, HIPAA training, and any additional requirements
- An internship is required for this program - Convicted felons may be limited to the type of location or client population in which their internships may be conducted*.
* The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) institutes regulations in order for hospitals, home health agencies, clinics and so forth to gain or maintain accreditation status. One of these regulations requires that “all persons who are involved in patient care activities – i.e., employees, volunteers and students – must have criminal background checks as well as other health care related checks.” Criminal background checks must be initiated by the student and completed prior to beginning any clinically related practicums. See general graduate catalog policy.
Spring Arbor University Online offers affordable, accredited, Christ-honoring degrees online that are designed to broaden your professional reach, enrich your faith and make you more marketable in your sphere of influence. In fact, Christian Universities Online named us in the top 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges in the U.S.
2023 - 2024 Online Tuition Rates
Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing: $767 per credit hour*
Additional Fees:
- Application fee - $30
- Technology fee - full-time registered for credit $105 per semester
- Registration fee - all students seek credit $40 per semester
*Tuition rates and fees are subject to change
For information regarding funding your education, please visit our Financial Aid Overview page.
Now Accepting Applications:
- Classes Start: July 2, 2024
Accreditations & Affiliations
Accreditations
CCNE Accredited - The post-graduate APRN certificate program in nursing at Spring Arbor University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
HLC Accredited - The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) – All degrees offered by Spring Arbor University are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, 30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602. 1.800.621.7440.
State Authorization
SAU is authorized to offer online education across the nation, with exceptions for nursing programs in AL, AZ, LA, NY, OR and SD.
Please visit the following page for the most up-to-date list of state authorizations: https://online.arbor.edu/state-authorization
NUR635 Instructional Strategies
Students will delve into the selection and application of instructional strategies for traditional and online learning environments. A variety of approaches for learning experiences in higher education, professional/staff development, and community programs for individuals or groups will be used.
NUR685 Advanced Practice in Primary Care I
This course will present critical concepts the advanced practice nurse can use in delivering evidence-based nursing for the adult population. Using a holistic approach, students will apply theory to practice.
NUR685 Advanced Practice in Primary Care I
This course will present critical concepts the advanced practice nurse can use in delivering evidence-based nursing for the adult population. Using a holistic approach, students will apply theory to practice.
Since 1873, Spring Arbor University has helped students pursue wisdom by offering an education grounded in the Christian faith.
What began as a small elementary and secondary school in the late 1800s has evolved into a premier private Christian university that offers engaging online programs designed to meet the unique needs of busy, working adults.
While we’re not the only university to offer online degree programs, our distinction lies in our total commitment to providing educational excellence within a Christ-honoring and supportive online community.
NUR660 Nurse Educator Internship
This course provides individually supervised field experience in clinical settings that integrate concepts in nursing education with practical teaching situations. Students will also design an evidence-based project based on their practice setting. Prerequisites: NUR 625 and NUR 635
NUR686 Advanced Practice in Primary Care II
This course prepares students with the skills to function as an advanced practice nurse in addressing chronic and complex alterations in health experienced by the older adult. Gerontology concepts will be applied in meeting the biological, psychosocial, mental, and spiritual needs of the older adult. Students will combine history taking, physical examination techniques, and diagnostic interpretation with problem-solving and clinical strategies.
NUR686 Advanced Practice in Primary Care II
This course prepares students with the skills to function as an advanced practice nurse in addressing chronic and complex alterations in health experienced by the older adult. Gerontology concepts will be applied in meeting the biological, psychosocial, mental, and spiritual needs of the older adult. Students will combine history taking, physical examination techniques, and diagnostic interpretation with problem-solving and clinical strategies.
As the popularity of online degree programs grows, the number of schools offering online degrees grows as well. When researching online schools to earn your degree, you want to make sure you are looking only at accredited colleges. Accreditation is important because it means the university is held to a certain standard. You also will want to compare the school’s rankings and any recognition awarded by third-party sources. This way, you will know that you’re receiving a quality education that is recognized for its student satisfaction, instructional quality and credibility.
Spring Arbor University Online offers highly-ranked, highly-respected educational programs for busy adults. In addition to being accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, we’ve received numerous awards and rankings for our degree programs. See below for recent rankings and awards.
- Ranked in U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges: Regional Universities Midwest Rankings
- Ranked in the 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities*
- Named in the Best Online Christian Graduate Schools Guide*
- Named in the 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges in the U.S.*
- Ranked by The Economist as No. 1 in economic value for Christian universities in Michigan and No. 2 for all universities in Michigan
*Christian Universities Online
NUR680 Clinical Practicum
The clinical practicum is arranged with a local preceptor with the approval of the program faculty. Students have regular contact with SAU clinical faculty, who also provide oversight of the preceptor-led experience. In the Adult Gerontology concentration, the minimum is 500 hours; however, students taking the Family Nurse Practitioner track have an additional two credits, equating to a total of 625 clinical hours.
NUR687 Advanced Practice in Primary Care of the Child
This course prepares the family nurse practitioner to provide evidence-based, primary health care to infants and children, all from a Christian perspective. Using a holistic approach, students examine the scientific basis of common health problems and factors influencing nursing management of these problems. Relevant nursing interventions for common health problems of children in families are explored, as are the responses and adaptations of the child and family to common health problems. Students will consider and apply the knowledge, skills and competencies essential to the holistic management of children and families, both as independent providers and within a multidisciplinary team. Students will combine history taking, physical examination techniques and diagnostic interpretation with problem-solving and clinical strategies.
Prerequisites required may include but are not limited to:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- MSN Residency
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health Promotion
- Statistics
- Students who have not completed an advanced physical assessment course within the last five years will be required to submit a complete advanced head-to-toe assessment via video prior to beginning any clinical courses
NUR680 Clinical Practicum
The clinical practicum is arranged with a local preceptor with the approval of the program faculty. Students have regular contact with SAU clinical faculty, who also provide oversight of the preceptor-led experience. In the Adult Gerontology concentration, the minimum is 500 hours; however, students taking the Family Nurse Practitioner track have an additional two credits, equating to a total of 625 clinical hours.
Prerequisites required may include but are not limited to:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- MSN Residency
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health Promotion
- Statistics
- Students who have not completed an advanced physical assessment course within the last five years will be required to submit a complete advanced head-to-toe assessment via video prior to beginning any clinical courses
NURS610 Foundation of Post-Graduate Nursing
This course explores the foundation of post-graduate education and its basis in a Biblical worldview and the SAU Concept. Students will explore the role of the advanced nurse professional and prepare for attainment of enhanced knowledge and skills for post-graduate practice.
NURS610 Foundation of Post-Graduate Nursing
This course explores the foundation of post-graduate education and its basis in a Biblical worldview and the SAU Concept. Students will explore the role of the advanced nurse professional and prepare for attainment of enhanced knowledge and skills for post-graduate practice.
NUR702 Advanced Pediatric Physical Assessment and Pharmacotherapeutics
This course focuses on advanced comprehensive health/physical assessment and pharmacotherapeutics for the infant, child, and adolescent in the context of their family. The course prepares the pediatric nurse practitioner student to complete comprehensive history, physical/psychological and health promotion needs assessments, and integrate pediatric pharmacology knowledge and skills necessary to assess, appropriately select, calculate, and integrate pharmacologic agents, and therapeutic modalities in the pediatric population.
NUR703 Advanced Primary Care of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Their Families I
This course prepares the pediatric nurse practitioner student to address the primary healthcare needs of infants, children, adolescents, and their families. The course focuses on normal growth and development, health promotion, health maintenance, and health care management for children from birth through adolescence within the context of their families.
NUR712 Neurobiology and Psychopathology Across the Lifespan
This course builds on the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, providing a rigorous examination of neurobiology as it relates to mental health disorders across the lifespan. Students will explore the relationship between neurobiology and psychopathology, examining the epidemiology and etiology of select mental health disorders. Emphasis will be placed on genetics, development, and trauma as they relate to neurobiology and psychopathology. This course introduces the students to mental health assessment strategies that are sensitive to the psychosocial needs of mental health clients.
Prerequisites required may include but are not limited to:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- MSN Residency
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health Promotion
- Statistics
- Students who have not completed an advanced physical assessment course within the last five years will be required to submit a complete advanced head-to-toe assessment via video prior to beginning any clinical courses
NUR704 Advanced Primary Care of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Their Families II
In this course, the pediatric nurse practitioner student builds on nursing management of pediatric primary healthcare needs in the context of normal growth and development, health promotion, health maintenance, and health care management for children from birth through adolescence. This course focuses on nursing management of primary health care needs for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common health problems and acute illnesses of infants, children, and adolescents in the context of their families
NUR713 Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan
This course builds on the knowledge of neurobiology and psychopathology, applying evidence-based principles and best practices related to psychopharmacology to treat psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan. Students will gain advanced knowledge about pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, neuro-pharmacological mechanisms, risks, benefits, and adverse effects of psychotropic medications. The focus will be on the examination and application of neuropsychopharmacology and diagnostic reasoning with a focus on comorbid physical and mental health conditions commonly seen in psychiatric/mental health settings. Integration of psychotherapeutic interventions in the treatment planning of psychiatric mental health symptoms and disorders will be explored. Prerequisite: NUR 712
NUR705 Advanced Primary Care of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Their Families III
In this course, the pediatric nurse practitioner student builds on the nursing management of pediatric primary healthcare needs in the context of normal growth and development, health promotion, health maintenance, and health care management of common health problems and acute illnesses for children from birth through adolescence. This course focuses on nursing management through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment including collaboration with appropriate pediatric specialists, for infants, children, and adolescents experiencing complex, chronic and/or disabling life-long processes and their families
NUR714 Advanced Practice in Psychiatric-Mental Health I: Adults
This course will focus on developing advanced knowledge and skills required to assess, diagnose, and interpret appropriate screening tools, laboratory tests, and behavioral assessments related to mental health disorders affecting adults and older adults. This course examines major adult disorders; looking at epidemiology, health and mental health promotion and prevention, risk factors, taxonomy, cultural factors, assessment issues specific to adults and older adults, use of rating scales, as well as evidence-based adult-specific treatments. Individual therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychopharmacological interventions, trauma-based interventions, and combinations of these treatments will all be emphasized. Students will develop treatment plans to address the psychiatric mental health disorders affecting this population
NUR715 Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health II: Children/Adolescents/Young Adults
This course will focus on developing advanced knowledge and skills required to assess, diagnose, and interpret appropriate screening tools, laboratory tests, and behavioral assessments related to mental health disorders affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. This course examines major childhood disorders; looking at epidemiology, health and mental health promotion and prevention, risk factors, taxonomy, cultural factors, assessment issues specific to children, adolescents, and young adults, use of rating scales, as well as evidence-based child and adolescent-specific treatments. Individual therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family-based interventions, psychopharmacological interventions, trauma-based interventions, and combinations of these treatments will all be presented. Students will develop treatment plans to address the psychiatric mental health disorders affecting this population.
NUR780-M PMHNP Clinical Practicum
This course builds on previous knowledge and practice of care of individuals and families, evidence-based practice for the advanced practice nurse, and theoretical application of care for the psychiatric mental health population across the lifespan. Health promotion, health protection, health maintenance, health restoration, and disease prevention at the individual and family level are emphasized. Students will be engaged in mastering competencies introduced, practiced, and evaluated progressively over the clinical experience. Students will work closely with a clinical preceptor and nursing faculty to gain experience in assessment, primary prevention, and intervention with populations with mental illness or at risk for mental illness, developing, implementing, and evaluating psychiatric mental health care across the lifespan. The application of legal, ethical, and policy issues for the psychiatric mental health population will be addressed throughout the course. Students should plan to engage in different clinical placements over the course to gain a wide variety of clinical experiences. Prerequisite: NUR 712
Prerequisites required may include but are not limited to:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- MSN Residency
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health Promotion
- Statistics
- Students who have not completed an advanced physical assessment course within the last five years will be required to submit a complete advanced head-to-toe assessment via video prior to beginning any clinical courses
Prerequisites required may include but are not limited to:
- Advanced Health Assessment
- MSN Residency
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health Promotion
- Statistics
- Students who have not completed an advanced physical assessment course within the last five years will be required to submit a complete advanced head-to-toe assessment via video prior to beginning any clinical courses
