Post-Master’s Population Health Certificate

Melissa R. Penkalski, Graduate Program Director
Kampeter Health Sciences Hall, Room 301; Phone: 417-836-8374
MelissaPenkalski@MissouriState.edu

NOT ACCEPTION APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME

Program Description

The Post-Master’s Population Health Certificate program prepares nurses who have a previous Master’s in Nursing for the clinical role of population health management. Population health management improves the health of vulnerable populations and reduces health disparities. The certificate program includes both online didactic content and application of content in clinical experiences. The certificate may be taken as a full-time or part-time student.

The Post-Master’s Population Health Certificate program can be a stand-alone certificate or used to fulfill the master’s level clinical hours required for admission into the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program (PM DNP Bridge program). The certificate program consists of six courses, totaling a minimum of 17 credit hours and 480 clinical hours.

PM Population Health Certificate Application Process

1. Submit an application to Nursing CAS with all required documentation, including transcripts, and references.
2. Submit the School of Nursing application fee via the link provided in Nursing CAS application or pay application fee online through the Missouri State CashNET service. The application fee does not guarantee acceptance into the desired program of your choosing.
3. Submit evidence of graduation from a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, or concurrent enrollment, from a nationally accredited nursing graduate program, that includes, at a minimum, graduate courses in nursing theory and research.
4. Submit proof of licensure as a registered nurse (RN) without disqualification, and eligible for licensure in the State in which clinical practicums will be completed.
5. Submit transcripts of all completed academic coursework. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.00 scale) for the last 60 hours of coursework attempted. Students who have less than a 3.25 GPA must submit verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) (minimum Verbal: 150; Quantitative: 145; Analytical Writing: 3.5).

Because of course constraints, only a limited number of students will be admitted to the Post-Master’s Population Health Certificate program. Complete applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Admission is on a space available basis. Students may pursue either part-time or full-time study; however, all course work must be completed within 3 years.

Additional Requirements of the Program

Following admission to the program:

1. Payment of a clinical tracking fee. See the School of Nursing website for a full list of program costs.
2. Apply and pay for the state/federal Background Check and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 660.317 RSMO or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered nurse or completion of clinical experience.
3. Pay for and complete a urine drug screen without disqualifying results.
4. Submit proof of current professional liability insurance (limit $1,000,000/aggregate $6,000,000).
5. Submit evidence of current health insurance.
6. Submit evidence of current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Online didactic course and written test are available for a fee for those students who need to recertify at http://www.OnlineAHA.org. No online skills testing will be accepted.
7. Submit evidence of current immunization or immune status (MMR, Tetanus, Varicella, Hepatitis B series) and a PPD or T-Spot (or documentation of appropriate follow up for PPD positive results).
8. Initiate and pay for any additional security checks and drug screenings required for placement into agencies for clinical experiences. Some agencies require annual screening and affidavits.