Graduate Specialty Certificates prepare advanced practice registered nurses to critically evaluate and apply scientific evidence to clinical practice in order to provide high-quality health care and improve health outcomes. The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education program is designed to prepare nurses for teaching positions in educational and service settings. Admission to the College of Nursing's graduate programs is contingent upon admission to the Wayne State University Graduate School and the availability of College of Nursing resources.

Each program prepares its students to take the appropriate clinical specialty/APRN licensing exam for the State of Michigan. Graduates who want to practice in other states should review the Board of Nursing's Licensure Professional Requirements by State.

Graduate certificate programs are delivered on campus with an option for synchronous distance learning. Visit the College of Nursing distance learning site for requirements to be a synchronous distance learner.

Admission criteria

• Completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions must be sent directly from the institution to Wayne State University. If an unofficial transcript is provided, an official transcript must be submitted during the first semester of the program. A transcript/credential evaluation is required for all international transcripts (including Canada). WSU accepts World Education Services and Education Credential Evaluators.
• Resume or curriculum vitae that includes education, work and/or research experience, publications, certifications, licenses, grants, professional affiliations, awards, honors, presentations, and/or courses taught. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional.
• Two professional letters of recommendation on company letterhead that includes credentials and contact information. An example of a professional letter of recommendation includes prior faculty and/or unit manager.
• Current Michigan Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. Out-of-state or international students must submit current RN license with application, and after admission must submit Michigan licensure within two semesters. All applicants educated outside of the United States must be certified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to obtain Michigan licensure.
• Submission of current specialty certification. Only exception given is to students pursuing the graduate certificate in nursing education.
• A personal statement of goals for graduate study.
  • Provide a thoughtful, education-based statement about future teaching goals. Include in your goal statement:
    • A statement about nursing education and why you wish to pursue teaching.
    • Your future teaching goals and how you feel the GCNE could help you achieve them.
    • Describe previous teaching experiences and how the GCNE could help enhance your teaching skill set.
• If the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required, the minimum total score required is 101 (minimum 25 Listening, 25 Reading, 25 Writing and 26 Speaking). Or, students can submit IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores, with a required minimum overall score greater than 7 (minimum of 8 in Speaking, minimum of 7 in Writing, and greater than 7 in Reading and Listening).
• Complete an interview.
• For information on program costs, please refer to the WSU tuition and fees schedule.

Each of the specialties may have additional requirements.

Application information

• Apply online to the Wayne State University Graduate School.

Contact

Director of Advanced Practice and Graduate Certificate Programs  
Leanne Nantais-Smith PhD, RN, NNP-BC
313-577-5934

Academic Services Officer
Chelsea Smith, MA 
313-577-4080