Jun 29, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalogue 
    
2025-2026 Catalogue

Nursing: Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Innovation


Program Description

This part-time, online program requires completion of five 3-credit courses. The courses are offered during three semesters each year: fall, spring and summer. The student may customize their progression through the certificate by taking either one or two classes each semester. Students must apply and matriculate to complete the certificate. Graduates will be prepared to assume various leadership roles across diverse settings or seek to become an AONL Certified Nurse Manager and Leader® (CNML). 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the certificate program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply an understanding of evidence-based leadership and innovation theories and principles to lead and evaluate change initiatives in a variety of complex healthcare environments.
  2. Lead interprofessional teams in a variety of settings to develop and implement solutions to address complex healthcare system problems and improve quality outcomes.
  3. Utilize data, informatics and technology to advance the knowledge of the discipline, facilitate data driven decisions and improve safety, outcomes and experiences.
  4. Fulfill leadership goals, performance and strategic metrics for personal and organizational success.
  5. Enter a leadership position with confidence and self-assurance.

Admission Requirements

The following are required for admission to the post-master’s certificate program:

  • Current Registered Nurse license (any US state)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, or bachelor’s degree in a related field
  • Master of Science in Nursing degree
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (exceptions may be made to this requirement at the discretion of the MSN Admission Committee
  • Demonstration of meeting AACN Essentials Level 1 and Level 2 competencies

Suggested Course Sequence


To ensure flexibility, courses may be taken in any order depending upon when courses are offered. However, we recommend that the courses Effective Leadership for Contemporary Nursing and Innovation: A 21st Century Skill are completed first. Up to two comparable courses may be transferred from a CCNE accredited school of nursing.