Graduate Certificates

Postgraduate certificates are designed for students who have already earned a graduate nursing degree (MSN) and seek additional certification in a new population focus or specialty area. Postgraduate certificates offer the didactic and clinical components necessary to meet national certification and licensure requirements. For certificate applicants, a review of transcripts and previous coursework will be conducted to determine the plan of study.

Admission

Admission to the MSN certificate programs have the following admission requirements:

Master of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE or NLNAC/ACEN/CNEA accredited nursing program.
Verification of unencumbered nursing licensure in all states of intended clinical practicum.
Graduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.
Official transcripts from the MSN degree. The transcript must show the date the degree was conferred and the GPA for all degree-related coursework. Transcripts are submitted through NursingCAS.
Two professional evaluations that attest to the applicant's potential to successfully complete a graduate program of study, with emphasis on professional nursing competency, relationship with team members, leadership skills, and personal responsibility/accountability. These are submitted through NursingCAS.
Complete a writing assignment answering the following questions. Maximum 300-word count for each question.
1. Tell us something you are proud of in your academic or professional life.
2. Tell us about a clinical, procedural, or quality issue that required you to research guidelines or articles in nursing literature.
3. Give an example of how you demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion at work or in the community.
Students will be invited for a personal information session with the Program Director and Coordinator.
Applicants must meet the requirement for USM’s Graduate Programs Admission.

If admitted, students are expected to purchase and maintain health insurance during their enrollment in the program.

Progression

Maintain cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00 on 4.00 scale.
One course grade of “C” is allowed in the MSN Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator programs if cumulative GPA does not fall below 3.00. A course grade of “F” or a second course grade of “C” will result in dismissal from the program. A student may appeal this dismissal, but readmission is at the discretion of the program director. The course in which an “F” grade was received must be retaken and passed with a grade of “B” or higher. Students reinstated into the program should take the course in question prior to other coursework, but this may be addressed on a case by-case basis.
One course grade of "C" is allowed within the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner and the MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs in the common core courses only and only if the cumulative GPA does not fall below 3.00. A course grade of "F" or a second course grade of "C" will result in dismissal from the program. A student may appeal this dismissal, but readmission is at the discretion of the program director. The course in which an "F" grade was received must be retaken and passed with a grade of "B" or higher. Students reinstated in the program should take the course in question prior to other coursework, but this may be addressed on a case-by-case basis. No "C" grades or below will be allowed in the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner or MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program for the NP concentration courses. If a "C" is earned in one of these courses, the student will be dismissed from the program.
There is a university policy of no "D" grades for graduate level courses. Probationary status is possible for GPAs less than 3.00, with approval of the program director. This must be removed within 6 credit hours or may result in dismissal from the program.
Students who are dismissed, or withdraw from the program, may apply for readmission one time only. Applications for readmission will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and all will require a statement by the student explaining the previous difficulties and plan of action to ensure success with the readmission.

Graduation

Fulfill all university requirements for the certificate program.