School Nurse PK-12 Certificate

School Nurse PK-12 Certificate

Currently in Pennsylvania, completion of an approved School Nurse PK-12 Certificate program is required to practice as a school nurse. The School Nurse PK-12 Certificate fulfills the educational requirements for the School Nurse Certificate (Education Specialist 1) issued by the PA Department of Education (PDE).

This online School Nurse PK-12 Certificate from the School of Nursing, a 15-credit (three-term) curriculum, is designed for graduates of BSN programs and students and/or graduates of MSN, DNP, or PhD programs. This program will prepare registered nurses to meet the health needs of children of all ages in diverse school settings. The curriculum includes a School Nurse Seminar course that covers the true essentials of school nursing, taught by a certified school nurse. Practica are completed in diverse elementary and secondary school settings and include special needs students. Two nurse practitioner courses enhance students' knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention in culturally diverse populations and their skills in working with psychiatric conditions.

Upon completion of the School Nurse PK-12 Certificate curriculum, you will be eligible to apply for the School Nurse PK-12 Certificate (Education Specialist 1) issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). In addition to meeting PDE educational requirements, Pennsylvania requires certified school nurses to have a BSN and a valid RN license.

Visit education.pa.gov or your home state's Board of Nursing website for state-specific requirements.