School Nurse Wellness Coordinator Graduate Nursing Certificate Overview
School nurse wellness coordinators lead comprehensive wellness programs that create healthier school environments and improve outcomes for the entire school community. The School Nurse Wellness Coordinator Endorsement may be added to a valid Ohio School Nurse License. This program follows Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3301-24-05 and prepares school nurses to lead and coordinate school wellness initiatives.
The required 200-hour internship may be completed at the student's current place of employment with approval from both the employer and the university. Students who are not currently employed in a school or district setting must arrange an internship placement with a local school district or educational agency.
The School Nurse Wellness Coordinator Graduate Nursing Certificate will be offered spring semester 2027.
Is our School Nurse Wellness Coordinator Graduate Nursing certificate right for you?
If you are a registered nurse with a master's degree, a minimum of three years of experience as a licensed school nurse and aspire to play a pivotal role in promoting health and wellness within educational settings, this certificate aligns with your professional aspirations. Through rigorous coursework and a practicum experience, you'll gain the knowledge, skills and credentials necessary to excel as a School Nurse Wellness Coordinator, making a significant impact on the well-being of students, families and communities.
Curriculum
The certificate is designed to prepare students with advanced skills that include wellness coordination, emergency preparedness and leadership among interprofessional teams. The certificate can be completed in 12 months.
The fully online certificate is approved by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW). The graduate nursing certificate consists of four courses, including an internship designed to be completed at the Licensed School Nurse's current school of employment. The courses include:
- NURG 5020 Health Determinants and Academic Indicators
- NURG 5040 Health Promotion & Wellness in the School Community
- NURG 5050 Emergency Preparedness in School Health
- NURG 5090 School Nurse Wellness Coordinator Internship
In order to qualify for the School Nurse Wellness Graduate Nursing Certificate, candidates must have:
- A current, valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in at least one U.S. state or territory
- A Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
- A minimum of three years of experience as a licensed school nurse
- A minimum of a 3.0 GPA in previous or current higher education
Upon completion, graduates meet the requirements to apply for the endorsement to their Professional Pupil Services License.
View the Academic Catalog for complete certificate requirements.
Licensure Disclosure: This program is for students who intend to seek employment in Ohio and only prepares students for licensure in the state of Ohio.
Can You Give Me a Glimpse of My Future?
With the Online School Nurse Coordinator Endorsement, your future as a school nurse leader is promising and impactful. Equipped with advanced skills in wellness coordination, emergency preparedness and leadership, you'll play a vital role in promoting health and well-being within educational communities.
As a School Nurse Wellness Coordinator, your responsibilities would encompass a range of tasks aimed at coordinating wellness, managing health services, ensuring emergency readiness and collaborating across interprofessional teams to support student health, safety and academic success. These may include:
- Wellness Coordination: Lead and coordinate wellness initiatives that promote the health and well-being of students, families, school staff and the larger community.
- Health Service Delivery System Coordination: Manage and coordinate comprehensive school health services to ensure students have access to safe, effective and equitable healthcare support.
- Emergency Preparedness: Develop, implement and evaluate emergency preparedness plans and health response procedures to maintain a safe school environment.
- Leadership: Serve in an advanced school nursing role by leading health initiatives, advocating for student health needs and collaborating with administrators, educators and pupil service personnel.
As a School Nurse Wellness Coordinator with an endorsement in Ohio, you would primarily work within the educational system, typically in K-12 public or private schools. Your workplace may vary depending on the specific school district or educational institution where you are employed. You could work in elementary, middle or high schools, as well as in specialized schools or educational programs serving students with unique needs.
Your role may involve collaborating with school administrators, teachers, counselors and other support staff to promote student wellness and safety. Additionally, you may work closely with parents, community organizations and healthcare providers to coordinate healthcare services and resources for students.