Gannon University

PATRICIA MARSHALL, M.S.N., R.N., CCRN, Undergraduate Program Director

The Villa Maria School of Nursing, in cooperation with the School of Education, offers a school nurse certification program. The school nurse certificate program is open to registered nurses who have earned a BSN and to students who are crurently enrolled in Gannon University's Villa Maria School of Nursing's BSN program. The purppose of this 17 credit certificate is to prepare nurses to mee the health care needs of children of all ages in diverse school settings. Health promotion, risk reduction, and health education are emphasized. The program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Admission Criteria:

• Registered nurse currently holding a BSN degree.
  
• Individuals who are currently enrolled in a BSN program having a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 may apply to this certificate option.
  
• Submission of official BSN transcript
  
• Submission of proof of licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  
• Submission of completed health form, CPR certification, ACT 33 and 34 clearances (child abuse, state police).

Requirements for certification include:

• Successful completion of BSN program.
• Successful completion (C or higher) of the following courses:
  *Foundations of Teaching/EDCR 103 (3 credits)
  *Minority Groups/SOCI 230 (3 credits)
  *School Nursing/NURS 428 (5 credits, includes 100 hours of clinical practicum)
• Proof of Licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, child abuse clearance, criminal clearance, and Health Care Provider CPR are required prior to enrollment in NURS 428.
• Two College level mathematics courses from BSN (Statistics plus one other math course).
• Overall GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate and certificate coursework.
  

Nursing students currently enrolled in the BSN program may be eligible to pursue this certificate. Students must declare their intent to obtain the certification to the BSN program director and complete appropriate paperwork. Upon completion of the BSN program and proof of registered nurse licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the student must file a certification approval form. The School of Nursing will then initiate the formal School Nurse certification process.

Graduates from a BSN program other than Gannon's may apply to enroll in the certification program. The Program Director will review their baccalaureate nursing program to determine comparability. Specific and detailed course descriptions and official transcripts will be reviewed. Upon completion of the BSN program and licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the student must file a certification approval form. The School of Nursing will then initiate the formal School Nurse certification process.

Students who meet all of the above certification requirements must file a certification approval form with the Dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Health Sciences. Approved forms are forwarded to the Dean of the College of Humanities, Business and Education. The Dean of the College of Humanities, Business and Education will forward the Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification form to the applicant.
 

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