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 post-graduate certificate in nursing education program is designed to prepare nurses for teaching positions in educational and service settings.

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 through in-person courses with an option for synchronous distance learning. Visit the College of Nursing distance learning site for requirements to be a synchronous distance learner.

Step 1: Apply to Wayne State University

Apply to the Wayne State University College of Nursing and submit all supplemental materials through NursingCAS.

If you are interested in receiving a graduate degree in nursing from one of the nation's premier public, urban research universities, please apply through the AACN-operated universal application system NursingCAS. Applicants are not required to submit a separate WSU application.

Step 2: Submit supplemental materials

Upon applying to the Wayne State University Graduate School, applicants must provide the following supplemental materials: 

• Transcripts from all postsecondary institutions showing completion (or in-progress) of a bachelor of science in nursing with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
  Please note: An official transcript/credential evaluation is required for all international transcripts (including Canada). Review of your application cannot begin without the international transcript evaluation. WSU accepts World Education Services, Education Credential Evaluators and SpanTran: The Evaluation Company. If an unofficial transcript is provided, an official transcript must be submitted during the first semester of the program
• 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.
• 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 are welcome to apply but must submit a current RN license with application. After admission, an admitted student must submit Michigan RN 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 — documentation is required from CGFNS with your application.
• If you are seeking a specialty-track certificate, a copy of the current specialty certificate must be provided.
• A personal statement of goals for graduate study.
• If proof of English proficiency is required (for most applicants whose BSN was earned outside the United States), one of the following must be submitted with the application:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum total score requirement of 101 (minimum 25 Listening, 25 Reading, 25 Writing and 26 Speaking).
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A minimum overall score greater than 7 (minimum of 8 in Speaking, minimum of 7 in Writing, and greater than 7 in Reading and Listening).
• Application fee is waived for fall 2024 and winter 2025. Wayne State University College of Nursing is proud to offer a free application coupon code for our graduate programs. Email gradnursing@wayne.edu to request your unique coupon code today.

Once all application materials are submitted and reviewed, qualified applicants will be invited to complete an interview. For information on program costs, please refer to the WSU tuition and fees schedule.

Each of the clinical specialties may have additional requirements, including specialty RN work experience prior to the start of the APRN clinical courses.

Step 3: Accept your offer and watch your email

Check your personal email for updates regarding your application. Once admitted, accept your offer of admission and check your Wayne State email regarding information on registration, important meetings and more.

Contact

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

Director of Graduate Admissions and Continuous Quality Improvement
Chrissy Seaver
313-577-1363
gradnursing@wayne.edu