Post-Masters Certificate in Nursing - Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL

Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing

Nurses With a Master's Degree in Nursing are Eligible to Continue Their Studies.

A post-master's certificate is offered to serve master's prepared nurses desiring additional credentials in a designated field of practice. Florida Southern College offers post-masters certificates in four tracks:

Family Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Educator

Upon completing the requirements, these certificates allow nurses who have already earned an MSN degree to practice in a different nursing field.

Upcoming Term Start Dates

1/7/2025

5/8/2025

8/19/2025

Program Details

CCNE Accredited

The post-graduate APRN certificate program at Florida Southern College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ()

Top Reasons

Supportive Environment

This program provides a supportive learning environment with the goal of producing responsible and productive citizens who promote and advance the communities they serve.

Personal Touch

Through shared values and communal expectations, the faculty and support staff actively engage with students' growth as they pursue their academic goals.

Caring Faculty

The program faculty develop caring relationships within a positive and enriching environment that cares for the whole person.

Meet Our Mocs

Ernie Parani, APRN

Florida Southern College was the only in-person program which met my needs as a student. My experience was exceptional here. The in-person advisory meetings with faculty were invaluable and something you cannot get online. Completing the FNP program has allowed me to lead my own post-operative outpatient clinic. The group case studies helped me to become a better diagnostician and I am still building on that foundation today as a new APRN.

Ernie Parani, APRN

Kara Pinero, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

I chose Florida Southern for the intimate class size and for the impeccable reputation the school has within the community. I knew that I was going to be successful with my program and that my degree would be respected with my future employers. Not only did Florida Southern help me grow professionally, but I also grew on a personal level in ways that I never imagined. I have built lifelong relationships with not only my peers, but also with my faculty who continue to mentor me long after I have graduated. I am so thankful for the faculty at Florida Southern and I am extremely happy with my choice.

Kara Pinero, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Laurel Lawerence, APRN

I enjoy the classroom environment, so I was looking for a program that was local and hands-on, with a schedule that was flexible enough to work and care for my family. The instructors had many years of real world clinical experience that was a valuable addition to learning the content and application to clinical practice. I enjoyed learning with my peers and have continued to keep in touch with many of them. As a prospective student, a positive attitude is essential in the success of completion. Believe that you can do this. The staff and educators are there to help you along your journey to meet the goal to further your education.

Laurel Lawerence, APRN

Samantha Rios

By earning my advanced degree, I have a better understanding of how to treat a condition, when to provide a referral and how to create a plan of patient care. As ARNPs, we are advancing our education so others can also be educated about their health. My peers were amazing. We built a solid team from Day One and looked forward to walking across that stage together.

Samantha Rios

Satoria Reid-Rowe, APRN, Family Practice

I chose ��ý for my MSN program because of the location and flexibility of the schedule. I had great experiences with the professors and my classmates have become my friends. My advice to new students would be to manage your time well, communicate with your professors and put your all into the program. After graduating with my MSN, I went on to earn my DNP from Florida Southern as well.

Satoria Reid-Rowe, APRN, Family Practice

Colleen Wallace, MSN, NP-C

I transferred to Florida Southern College from another program because my previous school did not offer any support or guidance. I felt as if I were just a number there. When I attended the open house at Florida Southern, I could feel from the staff that they really cared about our success and would be there to support us from start to finish. Florida Southern is large enough to have all the services you want in a college but also still has that small town feel where everyone is friendly and helpful.

Colleen Wallace, MSN, NP-C

Mary Cornejo

Melissa Welch, MSN, APRN

After carefully reviewing many Nurse Practitioner programs, I chose ��ý because it provided an in-person learning experience taught by highly skilled professors. I quickly learned that all of the staff cared about our success. As a student, I felt respected and genuinely cared for by each faculty member. The faculty is aware of the student-life balance and supported us emotionally and mentally. Each phase of the program is an adjustment, stay focused and know you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Please make sure your family and friends know that you need their love, support, and understanding. When you get overwhelmed, just know this is temporary and keep going. Trust in yourself!

Melissa Welch, MSN, APRN

Featured Faculty

Jeanne Jenkins

My teaching philosophy is based on the belief that learning should be student-centered. I encourage students to grow as individuals and to connect their learning and critical thinking skills to the world around them. I strive to be an active participant in the growth and well-being of individuals within my circle of influence while demonstrating integrity, respect, passion, empathy, caring and patience.

Program Details

Admission Requirements

BSN from a regionally accredited institution and a CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN-accredited nursing program.
MSN from a regionally accredited institution and a CCNE, CNEA, or ACEN-accredited nursing program.
Proof of active licensure:
- Students in the MSN and PMC nurse practitioner tacks must provide proof of current active licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Florida.
- Students in the MSN, PBC, and PMC nursing administrative leadership and nurse educator tracks must provide proof of licensure in good standing in the state, territory, or locale where the student will complete their clinical hour requirements.
The following prerequisite courses or equivalent courses from an accredited college or university at the undergraduate level are required:
- Health Assessment
- Evidence-Based Health Care or Research Methods
- Introduction to Statistics or Biostatistics
  - A “C” or better grade in these prerequisite courses is required.
Record and submit three short videos (no more than 2 minutes each) answering the following prompts:
- Where do you see yourself in five years as a nurse practitioner, nurse leader, or nurse educator?
- Why is now the right time for you to begin a graduate nursing program?
- Graduate school will put significant demands on your time, energy, and financial resources. What do you see as your most significant challenges for meeting the didactic and clinical requirements for the program?
Current resume of educational and work experience.
Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
Complete a live or virtual admission interview at the discretion of the faculty (by invitation only).
Completion of a criminal background check, proof of immunization, and ten-panel drug screen (if admitted).
Prior to entering any of the clinical courses, applicants must have completed the following courses at the graduate level: pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and research*.

*If needed, these courses may also be completed at Florida Southern College.

Course Delivery

Delivery is dependent upon the track selected.

Nurse Practitioner students typically meet on campus one day per week for in-person classroom instruction.

The Nurse Educator track is delivered fully online.

Curriculum

Nurse Practitioner Tracks

The required program plan for the nurse practitioner tracks is based on a review of your completed Master of Science in Nursing coursework.

Based on the results of a gap analysis, an individualized program of study will be developed for each student following admission to any of ��ý's Post-Master's Certificate Nurse Practitioner tracks. The student must complete all program requirements as outlined in the individualized program of study to ensure eligibility to sit for the national certification exam. In all instances, students must complete the number of practice hours corresponding to their chosen track. These hours can be derived from approved credit based on the gap analysis results or from hours completed during post-master's certificate program enrollment. The gap analysis will include, at a minimum, a review of previous transcripts and course syllabi for which transfer or equivalent credits are requested. Additional documentation may be required to complete the gap analysis.

Nurse Educator

Students are required to complete the following courses:

Course Number	Course Description
NUR 6125	Teaching in Nursing Education
NUR 6260	Curriculum Design and Program Development
NUR 6120	Nurse Educator in the Clinical Setting
NUR 6225	Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education
NUR 6625	Practicum in Nursing Education

Total Credits - 15 Hours (180 practicum hours)

Students must have successfully completed the following courses at the graduate level: Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Health Assessment, and Research. If needed, these courses may also be completed at Florida Southern College.

Program Costs

2024-2025:

Base Required Fees	Cost
Tuition per Credit Hour	$650
NP Tracks: Program Fee per Semester	$550
Nurse Educator Track: Program Fee per Clinical Course	$350
Technology fee per semester	$25 to $100

One-Time Fees:

Base Required Fees	Cost
Deposit (Applied to Tuition)	$250
CastleBranch All-Inclusive Package	$224

A program fee will be charged per semester for all students enrolled in the MSN and PMC tracks. This fee will cover the costs associated with experiential learning, clinical placement, and additional resources to promote attainment of competencies. Fees will be periodically adjusted to align with the costs of supporting competency attainment. Students in all tracks are responsible for any additional ��ý fees or program-specific costs, including but not limited to CastleBranch and Typhon, as applicable.

Related Materials

How many courses are required for certificate programs?

The final program plan and course requirements for each student admitted to a graduate certificate program will be based on a gap analysis consistent with National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties’ Criteria for Evaluation of NP Programs standards (https://www.nonpf.org/page/15) in order to ensure the student’s eligibility to sit for national certification in the selected population focus upon program completion. The gap analysis will include, at a minimum, a review of previous transcripts and course syllabi for which transfer or equivalent credits are requested. Additional documentation may be required in order to complete the gap analysis.

How quickly can I finish the program?

This will depend upon how many of our required courses have already been completed at the graduate level. Your program director will review your coursework and create a schedule for you.

Adult & Grad Admissions

MSN and Post-Master's Nursing Virtual Information Session

Adult and Graduate

Jan 14 5:30 PM

Join us online to learn more about our MSN tracks as well as Post-Master's certificate opportunities. Hear from your program director and admission counselor to get your questions answered and get ready for your next steps in advancing your education and career!

Location: Online

Adult & Grad Admissions

MSN and Post-Master's Nursing Virtual Information Session

Adult and Graduate

Feb 19 12:00 PM

Location: Online

Program Contact

Jeanne B. Jenkins, Ph.D., MSN, MBA, RN

Assistant Professor of Nursing and MSN Program Director

Blanton Nursing - 123

863.616.6479

Abbey Bonet, MSHE

Assistant Director of Adult and Graduate Admission

863.680.3090

863.656.0755

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