Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certificate

APU’s Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certificate program is a nondegree course credit option for nurses with a master’s degree in nursing. This program provides theory and clinical experiences to prepare nurses to apply to the state of California for certification as a CNS.

The Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Certificate program is a nondegree course credit option for nurses with a master’s degree in nursing.1 Pediatric clinical nurse specialists influence best-practice care of pediatric populations across the care continuum through direct care and as consultants and educators. This program provides theory and clinical experiences to prepare nurses to apply to the state of California for certification as a CNS. Graduates may also apply for national certification as a pediatric CNS through examination. Note: Students must be admitted to the university before registering for this program (see Admission section below). 

Advanced Practice Core Courses 112
GNRS 513Advanced Nursing Practice Role 22
GNRS 610Advanced Pathophysiology3
GNRS 611Advanced Pharmacology3
GNRS 612Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning4
Advanced Practice Specialty Courses20
GNRS 530Theory and Practice of the Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Care of the Pediatric Patient 36 (2/4)
GNRS 531Clinical Specialization in the Care of the Pediatric Patient6 (2/4)
GNRS 543Transitions Across the Care Continuum6 (2/4)
GNRS 548Health Promotion Across the Lifespan2
Specialized Option Courses2
Select from the following:
GNRS 589Adolescent Health Care2
-or-
GNRS 510Family Theory in Health Care2
Total Units34
1

Students may be given transfer credits for previous content completed in a master’s degree program.

2

This requirement is waived for 1992-96 APU master’s graduates, as the content was integrated in the clinical courses.

3

Units in parentheses are classroom/clinical units.

Admission

University graduate admission and program-specific requirements must be met before an application is complete (see Admission to the University). Program-specific application requirements are available online.

International students should contact Graduate and Professional Admissions for application procedures.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program shall be able to:
  1. Articulate a Christian worldview, demonstrating respect for the dignity and uniqueness of others, valuing diversity, and applying spiritual concepts.
    2.
  2. Engage in scholarly inquiry and critical thinking, including evaluation and application of evidence-based research.
    3.
  3. Appraise and apply knowledge to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions that promote health and prevent disease.
  4. Demonstrate thoughtful analysis of the legal, political, ethical, and/or financial factors impacting healthcare.
    5.
  5. Use information systems and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, promote quality, mitigate error and support decision-making.
    6.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to coordinate and collaborate with other health care team professionals.
  7. Engage in clinical reasoning, effective communication, and act as change agents to develop professional identity and practice skill.