Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist [Post-Master’s Certificate]


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The Post-Masters CNS certificate program prepares nurses to meet the community’s needs for health care providers/nurses with advanced practice knowledge and skill. Graduates from the Post-Masters CNS program will be prepared to lead and serve in the following capacities: educators, change agents, outcomes managers, and consultants within the healthcare system.

The Post-Masters Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate aims to provide an avenue for graduate-prepared nurses (i.e., those already holding an MSN) to transition to a Clinical Nurse Specialist role. In addition, this program ensures that graduates are well educated across the continuum from wellness through acute care as required by national accrediting agencies. At the end of this program, the graduate nurse will be eligible to sit for national certification examinations required for Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and subsequently be eligible for state licensure as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Documentation of an earned Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution.
  • Have at least a cumulative 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) college GPA. (Applicants may seek conditional admission with a GPA of 2.75).
  • Have a current unrestricted license to practice as a professional registered nurse in the U.S or eligibility to obtain a Michigan license.
  • Have completed an approved basic statistics course that includes descriptive and inferential statistics within the last ten years.

Additionally, the following documents are required and must be submitted with the application.

  • Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state in which practice will occur (Applicants who are eligible for a license may apply for conditional admission)
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • A two to three-page (< 500 words) personal statement that describes your desire and preparedness for becoming an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, your plans, and your professional goals. Essays will be evaluated based on fit with our program, the ability to express yourself, the degree of scholarly content, spelling, grammar, and use of the current American Psychological Association style.
  • Syllabi for non-EMU courses that meet seven (7) prerequisite courses.

***All documents above should be submitted with the application and any transcripts from other universities or colleges previously attended.

Gap Analysis

Students pursuing the Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist will be required to submit transcripts, syllabi, and verification of clinical hours (if requesting CNS clinical hours’ accommodation) from their previous MSN programs.

A gap analysis will be conducted by faculty/staff to ensure that all prerequisites for the certificate program are met within their prior MSN coursework. The purpose of the gap analysis will be to evaluate students’ prior coursework against current standards. Specifically, students will be required to have completed the following courses or equivalents with a “B” or better within the last ten years (pharmacology within the last five years).

Under special circumstances, the Associate Director of Graduate Studies in the School of Nursing may grant equivalency if substantial evidence is provided that an individual has met the competency for a particular course.

Application Process

The university takes an average of 2-3 weeks to make admission decisions. Therefore, the response time from the School of Nursing may be longer depending upon submission date and application deadlines.

Acceptance Process

In addition to the School of Nursing Graduate Admission processes, all acceptance offers will include the Gap Analysis and Summary of Requirements.

School Information


Nursing Michael L. Williams, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, CNEDirector | 309 Marshall, 734.487.2310, michael.williams@emich.edu

Jennifer Avery, Ph.D., RN, Associate Director of Graduate Studies | 318M Porter, 734.487.7676, javery10@emich.edu

Sherry M. Bumpus, Ph.D,, FNP-BC, Director of Nursing Operations | 311 Marshall, 734.487.2310, sherry.bumpus@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Deanna Kowaleski, MA, Admissions & Advising Specialist, 311 Marshall, 734.487.6599, dkowales@emich.edu

Jennifer Avery, Ph.D., RN, Assistant Professor, 318M Porter, 734.487.7676, javery10@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 19 hours


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