The Post-Master's Graduate Certificates in the Mary Black College of Nursing are designed to provide greater knowledge for practicing nurses with a Master of Science from an accredited school. 

The Post-Master's in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader is based on the competencies from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Upon completion of the requirements, the students will be qualified to become nationally certified as Clinical Nurse Leaders. 

At the completion of the program, the graduate will be able to: 

1. Integrate critical reasoning, theoretical and evidence-based knowledge, and nursing skills in information and healthcare technology to improve patient outcomes. 
2. Employ skilled communication to develop and lead patient centered, interprofessional teams and advocate for patient centered and culturally responsive care among diverse patient populations. 
3. Demonstrate transformative leadership by blending strong evidence and clinical expertise in the provision of safe high-quality advanced nursing practice. 
4. Analyze the effect of policy across healthcare organizations and systems and act as a change agent to advocate for health policies focused on improving the wellbeing of the community. 

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Admission Standards for Students Seeking Post-Master's Graduate Certificate

Individuals seeking admission to USC Upstate as a candidate for a post-master's certificate must have a Master of Science in Nursing Degree from a college or university that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency.

For full admissions, all required material must be received by the USC Upstate Admissions Office. Students must submit the following Application Requirements:

• Application, application fee, residency form with all requested information and supporting documents.
• Transcripts: Individuals seeking admission must provide official transcripts showing all post-secondary coursework attempted and the award of the MSN degree by an accredited college or university. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommendations should be from professionals with knowledge about the applicant's academic and nursing leadership potential. 
• Validation of current RN license
• Current CV or resume
• Completion of agency requirements needed for clinical practice. 
• Personal statement: Applicants are required to submit a 1-2 page personal statement that describes career goals and how this post-graduate certificate will be utilized as a practicing Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), a Nursing Educator and a Nursing Leader.

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(Part-time study is also possible; students should seek guidance regarding required sequencing.)

Full-Time Plan of Study

Required Courses¹

You may also specify acceptable substitutions.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year		Hours
NURS U712	Role of the Nurse as Leader	3
NURS U713	CNL Practicum I	1
NURS U721	Quality and Risk Management in Health Systems Leadership	2
NURS U722	Data Analysis in the Healthcare System	2
NURS U723	Evidence Based Practice Project I	1
NURS U724	CNL Practicum II	1
	Hours	10
Second Year
NURS U730	Outcomes Evaluation in Healthcare Systems Leadership	3
NURS U731	Evidence Based Practice Project II	2
NURS U732	CNL Practicum III	4
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	19

¹

Minimum grade of C is required for all coursework.

Graduate certificates must be a minimum of 12 credits.