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
- Cost
- Courses
- Faculty
- Admissions
- Dates
- Objectives
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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 courses are charged at the general tuition rate plus an eTuition rate BUT with fewer fees and no extra charges to non-Residents.
- 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 for more information.
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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
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NURS-6187 -
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NURS-6287 -
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NURS-6387 -
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NURS-6401 -
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NURS-6403 -
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NURS-6404 -
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NURS-6601 -
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NURS-6602 -
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NURS-6603 -
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NURS-6687 -
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NURS-6887 -
Major Required
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NURS-6102 - Role of Caring Hlthcare Prof
A course that explores the roles of the healthcare professional, theoretical models, and research related to caring science.
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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.
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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.
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NURS-6118 - Health Systems Leadership: Role of the Leader/Manager II
This course extends the knowledge developed in Nursing 6117 related to the role of the health systems leader/manager.
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NURS-6119 - Health Systems Leadership Leader/Manager Practicum I
This course is a practicum designed to demonstrate competencies of the various roles of th ehealth systems leader. Opportunities are provided to integrate theory, research, and evidence-based practice in the health system.
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NURS-6120 - Health Systems Leadership Leader/Manager Practicum II
This practicum provides the opportunity to enact the role of the healthcare leader/manager through implementation of capstone project.
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NURS-6122 - Health Systems Leadership Clinical Nurse Leader Practicum I
This course is a practicum designed to demonstrate competencies of the vairous roles of the CNL.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Faculty
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Christine Berding, DNP, RN, CNEAssistant Professor
- 678-839-2444
- cberding@westga.edu
- Tanner Health System School of Nursing Building
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Mary Bishop, DNP, RN, NEA-BC,Associate Professor
- 678-839-5641
- mbishop@westga.edu
- Tanner Health System School of Nursing Building
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Cynthia Brown, DNS, RN, CNEAssociate Professor
- 678-839-5630
- cynthiab@westga.edu
- Tanner Health System School of Nursing Building
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Holly Dever, MSN, RNClinical Assistant Professor
- 678-839-5643
- hdever@westga.edu
- Tanner Health System School of Nursing Building
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Linda A. Mason Barber, PhD, RN, ANP-CAssociate Dean and Assistant Professor
- 678-839-5626
- lbarber@westga.edu
- Tanner Health System School of Nursing Building
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Lisa Robinson, DNP, RN, NP-C, CNL, CNEAssociate Professor
- 678-839-5427
- lisar@westga.edu
- Tanner Health System School of Nursing Building
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Susan Welch, EdD, RN, CCRN, CAssociate Dean and Associate Professor
- 678-839-5634
- swelch@westga.edu
- Tanner Health System School of Nursing Building
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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 NLNAC or CCNE accredited program.
- Non-refundable $40.00 application fee (one time only).
- One official transcript from each college or university attended.
- Satisfactory certificate of immunization (if you are a new student).
- Evidence of current unrestricted licensure to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States and evidence of licensure in the state in which the practica will occur.
- Professional resume or curriculum vita.
- Two letters of recommendation.
Application Deadlines
Fall 2016 Priority Deadline: February 1st
Fall 2016 rolling admissions deadline: July 1st
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 30117Proof 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 30118The 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.eduGraduate Admissions
University of West Georgia
Mandeville Hall
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118-416The 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
Fall 2016 Priority Admission Deadline: February 1, 2016
Fall 2016 Rolling Admission Deadline: July 1, 2016
Note: Rolling (continuous) admission occurs after the priority admission decisions are complete. Consideration for available space during the rolling admission cycle is awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Consideration for admission is only given to complete files.Please visit theTanner Health System School of Nursing to view program specific requirements.
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate Only), Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
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Objectives
- Utilize theoretical models, information sysems and technology to perform effectively in a variety of nursing practice, leadership, and educational roles. (competence and critical thinking).
- Critically appraise original research for practice implications in the context of evidence-based practice.
- Examine influences on nursing practice and education, including social, economic, ethical, legal, and cultural diversity issues (conscience and critical thinking).
- Implement evidence-based practice competences to achieve quality outcomes and enhance nursing care delivery, leadership and education (critical thinking).
- Implement evidence-based practice competencies to achieve quality outcomes and enhance nursing care delivery, leadership and education (critical thinking).
- Develop and implement practice, leadership, management, and teaching strategies for the improvement of healthcare or nursing education (commitment).
- Communicate effectively using a collaborative approach to improve nursing education, the quality of professional nursing practice and the healthcare system (collaboration and communication).
- Attain a level of scholarship congruent with preparation for doctoral study (commitment).
- Practice nursing in leadership and education roles in a manner that reflets caring as the essence of nursing (caring).
- Engage in advanced nursing practice that reflects a holistic view of self and others and respect for diverse cultures (holism).