Degree
Certificate
Program Type
Certificate
Graduate
Have Questions?

School Nurse Certificate Program Overview

Are you a nurse with a bachelor’s degree who currently works in a school setting or would like to? Our School Nurse Certificate Program prepares you to focus your career on the special knowledge and skills required for the school setting.

School nurses are leaders who bridge the gap between healthcare and education to promote the health and academic outcomes of all students.

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Nursing students with a laptop computer
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Delivery Format

Online

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Credit Hours

13-16

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Semesters

2-3

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Tuition

What to Expect

The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) defines school nursing as a specialized nursing practice that:

  • Protects and promotes student health
  • Facilitates optimal development for all students
  • Advances academic success

This graduate-level certificate program will ground you in ethical, evidence-based practice. It will also prepare you to provide care coordination, advocate for student-centered care and collaborate on systems on an interprofessional level.

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Nursing student examines the ears of a child

Program Benefits

School Nurse Program benefits include:

  • Fully online 
  • Rolling admission with five starting points per year
  • Flexibility in pace of program completion
  • Innovative curriculum aligned with Scope and Standards of Professional School Nursing Practice and the NASN (Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice)
  • Direct contact with the program director
  • 13-16 credit hours of online coursework
  • Graduate credit
  • School nurse cognate for Master of Education in Adult Education through the College of Education
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Nursing student in formal dress on a laptop computer

How Do I Know if This Program Is Right for Me?

Embarking on the journey to obtain an Ohio School Nurse Certificate opens doors to a fulfilling and impactful career in the field of school nursing. As a certified school nurse, you'll play a crucial role in promoting student health and wellness, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for all. Your days will be filled with diverse responsibilities, from conducting health screenings and assessments to providing direct care for students with chronic conditions and administering medications as needed. 

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nursing students walking down stairs at the College of Nursing

Curriculum

 Learn more about the School Nurse Certificate curriculum by viewing the Academic Catalog.

Course Course Description Credit Hours
SNP 525 Health Care of the School Community 3
SNP 518 Health Determinants and Academic Indicators 3
SNP 520 Educational Strategies for Healthcare Providers 2-3
Students may choose 2 or 3 hours to best meet their needs. M.Ed. students require 3 hours.
SNP 528 Interprofessional Collaboration: The School Nurse and School Support Services 3
SNP 680 Internship: School Nurse 2-4
Based upon previous experience in the school setting, determined through the internship approval process. M.Ed. students require 3-4 hours.
  Total 13-16

Admission Requirements

  • Have and maintain an active unencumbered RN license
  • Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA in previous or current higher education
  • Complete the School Nurse Certificate application

Admission to the School Nurse Certificate program is on a rolling basis, so students may apply and begin coursework during any semester. No on-campus attendance is required.

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Nursing students in formal clothes in the walking in the lobby of the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Can You Give Me a Glimpse of My Future?

With your expertise in health education and advocacy, you'll empower students to make healthy choices and foster a culture of well-being within the school community. As a valued member of the educational team, you'll collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and healthcare providers to address the unique health needs of students and promote academic success.

Contact Information

Jennifer Boles, MSN, RN, LSN, NCSN
Interim Director, School Nurse Certificate Program
279 College of Nursing & Health Sciences