Population Health

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Graduate programs

Certificate in Post-Master’s Population Health

Melissa R. Penkalski, Graduate Program Director
Kampeter Health Sciences Hall, Room 301; Phone: 417-836-8374
MelissaPenkalski@MissouriState.edu


NOT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS AT THIS TIME.


Program description

The Post-Master's Population Health Certificate program prepares nurses who have a previous Master’s in Nursing for the clinical role of population health management. Population health management improves the health of vulnerable populations and reduces health disparities. The certificate program includes both online didactic content and application of content in clinical experiences. The certificate may be taken as a full-time or part-time student.

The Post-Master's Population Health Certificate program can be a stand-alone certificate or used to fulfill the master’s level clinical hours required for admission into the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program (PM DNP Bridge program). The certificate program consists of six courses, totaling a minimum of 17 credit hours and 480 clinical hours.

PM Population Health Certificate Application Process

  1. Submit an application to Nuring CAS with all required documentation, including transcripts, and references.
  2. Submit the School of Nursing application fee via the link provided in Nursing CAS application or pay application fee online through the Missouri State CashNET service. The application fee does not guarantee acceptance into the desired program of your choosing.
  3. Submit evidence of graduation from a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, or concurrent enrollment, from a nationally accredited nursing graduate program, that includes, at a minimum, graduate courses in nursing theory and research.
  4. Submit proof of licensure as a registered nurse (RN) without disqualification, and eligible for licensure in the State in which clinical practicums will be completed.
  5. Submit transcripts of all completed academic coursework. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.00 scale) for the last 60 hours of coursework attempted. Students who have less than a 3.25 GPA must submit verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) (minimum Verbal: 150; Quantitative: 145; Analytical Writing: 3.5).

Because of course constraints, only a limited number of students will be admitted to the Post-Master’s Population Health Certificate program. Complete applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Admission is on a space available basis. Students may pursue either part-time or full-time study; however, all course work must be completed within 3 years.

Additional requirements of the program

Following admission to the program:

  1. Payment of a clinical tracking fee. See the School of Nursing website for a full list of program costs.
  2. Apply and pay for the state/federal Background Check and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 660.317 RSMO or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered nurse or completion of clinical experience.
  3. Pay for and complete a urine drug screen without disqualifying results.
  4. Submit proof of current professional liability insurance (limit $1,000,000/aggregate $6,000,000).
  5. Submit evidence of current health insurance.
  6. Submit evidence of current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Online didactic course and written test are available for a fee for those students who need to recertify at http://www.OnlineAHA.org. No online skills testing will be accepted.
  7. Submit evidence of current immunization or immune status (MMR, Tetanus, Varicella, Hepatitis B series) and a PPD or T-Spot (or documentation of appropriate follow up for PPD positive results).
  8. Initiate and pay for any additional security checks and drug screenings required for placement into agencies for clinical experiences. Some agencies require annual screening and affidavits.

Required courses 17 hours

Course Code Course Title Credit hrs
NUR 703 Population Health: A Local to Global Perspective 3 hrs
NUR 704 Population Health Practicum 2 hrs
NUR 705 Population Health Management I 3 hrs
NUR 706 Population Health Management II 4 hrs
NUR 880 Leadership and Innovation in Nursing Practicum 3 hrs
NUR 896 Independent Study in Community and Population Health Leadership 2 hrs

Retention requirements

To remain in the Post-Master's Population Health Certificate program, the students must:

  1. Maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher, with no more than one course with a grade of “C”; and no course with a grade of “D+" or lower. Receive a "pass" in all clinical evaluations
  2. Complete all requirements for the program by the 3rd year after admission to the Post-Master's Population Health Certificate program.
  3. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of professional nurses in advanced nursing roles.
  4. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge throughout the program.
  5. Maintain current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, RN licensure, health and professional liability insurance, and all immunizations required by clinical agencies throughout the program.
  6. The student must notify the School of Nursing within five (5) days in the event of any legal infractions or any actions taken against their nursing license, or any investigation of such incidences.

Technological requirements

The Missouri State University MSN Program uses a combination of online and on-campus modalities. Didactic online content may be delivered using asynchronous and synchronous formats. Applicants to the MSN program must be proficient using online learning management systems, word processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation graphics software. Students are expected to be able to manage files, navigate the internet, access resources, locate scholarly references from the library, and use a headset/microphone, computer camera, scanner and fax machine. Students who have deficiencies in these areas must seek training before the start of the program.

The School of Nursing uses a Blackboard management system for all courses. Additionally, web conferencing software may be used for synchronous course offerings and other experiences. Specific information on web conferencing software used in class will be provided in the course syllabus. Access to a personal computer/laptop with broadband/high speed internet connections, a web camera, and a headset with microphone are required.