DePaul University Online Post-Master’s NP Certificate Programs

What to Expect from DePaul University Online Post-Graduate Certificate Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants must submit an application package consisting of an online application, official transcripts verifying completion of a master’s degree in nursing as well as transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a personal statement that describes both the applicant’s reasoning for completing a post-master’s certificate at DePaul as well as short- and long-term professional goals within the student’s current area of practice, two letters of recommendation, a copy of their CV or resume, an application fee, proof of an unencumbered RN license in the state in which the student intends to complete the clinical practicum, and, if necessary, proof of English language proficiency.

State Restrictions: These certificate programs are not available to students in all fifty states. They are not open to students who plan to complete their clinical practicum requirement in any of these states: Arizona, California, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Tennessee, and Washington. Students planning to secure advanced practice licensure outside Illinois after graduation are strongly recommended to contact the licensing agency where they plan to practice to verify all requirements and restrictions that may apply to them before they begin additional nursing education.

DePaul University’s certificate programs also accept international students. International applicants complete an online application, pay a non-refundable application fee, and submit adequate proof of English language proficiency. Also necessary to a complete application is the credential evaluation process. This process is required to confirm that students who completed training outside the United States have an education equivalent to domestic students and will thus possess the requisite training needed to practice responsibly upon completion of the certificate program. As this credential evaluation process can be complex, prospective international applicants are recommended to learn more about the process on the DePaul website and contact DePaul University with any additional questions.

Study Plan: DePaul University’s online post-master’s certificate programs are designed for graduates of the entry-to-practice program at DePaul University and other programs located in Illinois and throughout the United States. This program allows any RN with a graduate degree to complete nurse practitioner training, provided all admission requirements are met.

Certificate Curriculum: The AGNP and FNP certificate programs have nearly identical coursework requirements. Both programs require completion of a common set of 38 credits of coursework. These courses include pathophysiology for advanced practice, health assessment for advanced practice, pharmacology for advanced practice, primary care of the adult and older adult, clinical management of acute and chronic illnesses in primary care, and a series of practicums in population-based nursing practice.

AGNP Courses: This 43-credit certificate requires completion of the aforementioned 38 credits of core coursework and a five-credit course in advanced gerontological nursing and pharmacotherapeutic implications.

FNP Courses: This 44-credit certificate requires completion of the aforementioned 38 credits of core coursework and a six-credit course in women’s health, maternal child, and adolescents.

Online Experience: DePaul University offers its certificate programs using an online delivery model. This model meets the flexibility that many working nurse professionals require to pursue additional education.

On-Site Requirements: Though DePaul University’s post-master’s certificate programs are offered online, students must still complete the series of population-based nursing practice clinicals in person. Upon completion of this clinical series, students will have completed a total of 500 precepted clinical hours.