University of West Georgia School of Nursing ranked 31st in the nation for "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs" (U.S. News & World Report, 2016).

The Post-Master's Certificate in Health Systems Leadership offers two different tracks of study:

The Leader/Manager Role track is designed to increase knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a variety of nursing leadership positions within the evolving healthcare environment. Courses focus on nursing leadership/management, managed care, outcome measurement, patient safety, quality improvement, cost effectiveness, patient-centered care and implementing change in the health delivery system.

The Clinical Nurse Leader track prepares nurses for the CNL role as developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2003). A CNL is a generalist who provides and manages care at the point of service by coordinating, delegating, and supervising care activities provided by the health care team, which includes licensed nurses, technicians, and other professionals. The CNL assumes accountability for client care outcomes by assimilating evidence-based information and using it to design, implement, and evaluate care. Courses focus on patient-centered care, evidence-based practice pharmacology, client-care coordination, holistic health assessment, care of diverse populations, health policy, health systems, business and economics, statistics, leadership/management, quality improvement, risk management, and public/community health.

  • Overview

    The School of Nursing post-master's certificate programs are designed for master's prepared nurses who desire further education for roles in nursing. The School of Nursing accepts applications for admission to the post-master's certificate programs that begin each Spring Semester. Coursework completion is possible in as little as 1 year. Degrees are conferred in May. The School of Nursing Post-Master's Website includes a program handbook, directory of instructors and their credentials, as well as other vital information. Contact Ms. Embry Ice (Pre-enrollment advisor) eice@westga.edu 678-839-5115

    Program Location

    Online

    Method of Delivery

    Coursework is available 100% online.

    Accreditation

    The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

    Credit and transfer

    Total semester hours required: 13/16
    Maximum Hours Transferable into program: 6
    A transfer credit evaluation will be completed by the UWG Transfer Team (transfer@westga.edu). Course application to a program is subject to review by the department.

  • Cost

    This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.

    Save money

    UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.

    Details

    • Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
    • The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
    • Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
    • Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
    • Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
    • One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
    • For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Bursar's Office website

    There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

  • Courses

    Coursework

    The Clinical Nurse Leader track requires 13 credit hours (if pre-requisites have beem met).

    The Leader Manager Role requires 16 credit hours.

    General

    Major Required

    • NURS-6115 - The Business of Healthcare: Financial and Economic Evidence

      This course builds capability related to practice in a dynamic and complex healthcare financial environment. The course covers principles of healthcare economics; third party reimbursement; costing; budgets and budgeting; variance; economic evaluation methods; and writing a business plan to successfully defend or market a healthcare program.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-6117 - Health Systems Leadership: Role of the Leader/Manager I

      This course provides the opportunity to analyze the role of a health systems leader. The focus is on the development of knowledge and skills for operational and regulatory management, and interprofessional relationships.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-6118 - Health Systems Leadership: Role of the Leader/Manager II

      This course will provide further development of the health systems leader role. As such, the health systems leader's focus will allow opportunities to evaluate, modify, and maximize the knowledge and skills needed for operational and regulatory management and interprofessional relationships.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-6119 - Health Systems Leadership Leader/Manager Practicum I

      This course is a practicum designed to demonstrate competencies of the various roles of the health systems leader. The course provides opportunities to integrate theory, evidence, and best practices in the development of a targeted healthcare improvement project.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-6120 - Health Systems Leadership Leader/Manager Practicum II

      This practicum provides the competencies of the health systems leader. As such, the course will afford opportunities to integrate theory and evidence to maximize effective leadership. The opportunities will create best practices and health systems improvements through the completion and evaluation of a targeted healthcare improvement project.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-6123 - Health Systems Leadership Clinical Nurse Leader Practicum II

      This course is an immersion experience in the role of the clinical nurse leader. Opportunities are provided to integrate theory, research, and evidence-based practice in a clinical microsystem through completion of capstone project.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-6124 - Health Systems Leadership Role of the Clinical Nurse Leader

      This course is an in depth examination of the roles of the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). Additionally, this course will examine leadership and organizational theories as well as financial concepts related to the CNL roles.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-6125 - Health Systems Leadership Clinical Nurse Leader Seminar

      This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to discuss the knowledge needed in the development and implementation of the CNL role in clinical microsystems.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

  • Faculty
  • Admissions

    Guidelines for Admittance

    • All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
    • Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
    • International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
    • Official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited institution are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Admissions Office.

    Program Specific Admittance Guidelines

    • Earned Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited program. 
    • One official transcript from each college or university attended.
    • Current licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States.
    • Professional resume.

    Application Deadlines

    Please see the Graduate School Deadlines page here.

    Admission Process Checklist

    How to Apply:

    • Go to the Graduate Studies Website
    • Click "online application" under step 1
    • Create an account
    • Complete the application
    • Please provide RN license number of current licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States within the application .

    Proof of the following should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

    •  One transcript from each college or university attended

    Please submit all transcripts to:

    Graduate Admissions
    University of West Georgia
    Mandeville Hall
    1601 Maple Street
    Carrollton, GA 30117

    Proof of the following should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

    • Profession curriculum vitae or resume
    • Two letters of recommendation

    Please submit the above documents to:

    University of West Georgia
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    1601 Maple Street
    Carrollton, GA 30118

    The program specific admission checklist is available here

    One exception: If you will never travel to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.

    Contact

    Graduate Admissions
    Phone: 678-839-1394
    Email: graduate@westga.edu

    Graduate Admissions
    University of West Georgia
    Mandeville Hall
    1601 Maple Street
    Carrollton, GA 30118-416

    The School of Nursing Website includes a program handbook, directory of instructors and their credentials, as well as other vital information.

    Contact
    Ms. Embry Ice
    Pre-enrollment advisor
    Email: eice@westga.edu
    Phone: 678-839-5115

  • Dates

    Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School

  • Objectives
    1. Utilize theoretical models, information sysems and technology to perform effectively in a variety of nursing practice, leadership, and educational roles. (competence and critical thinking).
    2. Critically appraise original research for practice implications in the context of evidence-based practice.
    3. Examine influences on nursing practice and education, including social, economic, ethical, legal, and cultural diversity issues (conscience and critical thinking).
    4. Implement evidence-based practice competences to achieve quality outcomes and enhance nursing care delivery, leadership and education (critical thinking).
    5. Implement evidence-based practice competencies to achieve quality outcomes and enhance nursing care delivery, leadership and education (critical thinking).
    6. Develop and implement practice, leadership, management, and teaching strategies for the improvement of healthcare or nursing education (commitment).
    7. Communicate effectively using a collaborative approach to improve nursing education, the quality of professional nursing practice and the healthcare system (collaboration and communication).
    8. Attain a level of scholarship congruent with preparation for doctoral study (commitment).
    9. Practice nursing in leadership and education roles in a manner that reflets caring as the essence of nursing (caring).
    10. Engage in advanced nursing practice that reflects a holistic view of self and others and respect for diverse cultures (holism).