Nursing Post-Master's Certificate Program
Degree Offered: Advanced Certificate
Program Leadership:
Mary Lynch, DNP, MPH, PNP, Program Director
You may also contact the coordinator for the specialty you're interested in if you have questions.
Admissions Inquiries:
nursingadmissionssupport@ucsf.edu
New admissions to the Nursing Post-Master's Certificate program are closed and current enrollees are expected to complete their program of Post-Master's study in 2025. Post-doctoral Nursing Certificate programs are under consideration for potential future implementation.
The UCSF School of Nursing is expanding its doctoral programming to meet the growing demand for doctorally prepared nurses who will lead innovative change in an increasingly complex health care environment. The BSN Entry to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Advanced Nursing Focus pathway, launched in Summer of 2024, is a track in the DNP Program and is currently pending approval by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Program Description
The Nursing Post-Master’s Certificate Program enables nurses with a master's degree in nursing to pursue state certification in an additional specialty area or seek a program of study that may lead to a change in role (e.g., a CNL or CNS seeking an NP specialization certificate).
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have completed and received a master of science degree in nursing, typically MS, MSN or MN.
If accepted, applicants must be licensed by the state Board of Registered Nursing and their nursing license must be recognized as valid for practice within the State of California during the complete course of study. (If your RN is from another U.S. state, or from Canada, you may qualify for Licensure by Endorsement by the BRN.)
Additional admissions requirements include:
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, including any programs in which you are currently enrolled
- Goal statement
- Minimum of 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- English proficiency for non-native speakers
| Test Type | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | 92 |
| ILTS | 7 |
Some specialties may have additional requirements. Check the specialty webpages for more details.
Learning Outcomes
Advanced preparation as an NP, CNM, CNS, or population health nurse; certification at the state and national level in chosen specialty.