Online Certificate Nursing Degrees
Certificate nursing degrees take between 6 and 18 months to complete, depending on the program. Certificates are ideal for students looking to earn a quick degree to further their careers or increase their earning capacity. While most certificate programs are at the graduate or postgraduate level, there are a few programs designed for students who are just entering the field such as aspiring Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses (LPNs or LVNs). Certificate programs are usually intended for part-time study, with online courses designed for students to gain more knowledge and expertise in a particular area of interest. Since nurses are in demand in a wide variety of fields, certificate degrees are offered in almost all medical specializations.
Degree Prerequisites
The majority of online certificate nursing degrees are designed for graduate and post-graduate study. Prerequisites can vary from program to program, but most will stipulate that applicants be a Registered Nurse with a bachelor or associate degree in nursing or healthcare. Applicants will be required to show proof of a valid RN nursing license and that they attended a school accredited by the National League of Nursing (NLN) with a qualifying GPA. The range of acceptable GPAs is typically above a 2.75 to 3.0.
It is common for schools to consider applicants who do not have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or who do not meet GPA requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Post Graduation Expectations
A specialty certificate will not only help RNs advance their careers and increase their earning potential, they will also benefit from increased confidence in their field and in their dealings with other health-care professionals. These online programs are ideal for nurses who can’t miss time from their current jobs or other responsibilities, but are looking for opportunities to move up in the health care profession. Nurses with specialty certification are in high demand in a variety of settings, including private practices, large hospitals, schools, police departments and retirement facilities.