Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Programs
Overview
The Post-Master’s Certificate Program is a non-degree, certificate program for nurses with a Master’s Degree in Nursing who are seeking Nurse Practitioner certification in New York and nationally. Post- Master’s students are considered matriculated students in the SON. They are subject to the same rules of the University of Rochester as outlined in the Regulations and University Policies Concerning Graduate Studies. The Post-Master’s Certificate Program is registered with the New York State Education Department and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.
Subspecialty Programs
Plans of study are developed on a case by case basis using the student's prior coursework to determine what will be needed. a minimum of 9 credits is necessary for the post master's certificate. The following links will take you to the regular MS requirements in each specialty.
The following specialties offered in the Master's Program are available for Post-Master's study:
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Cardiovascular or Critical Care)
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
- Care of Children and Families/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Care of Children and Families/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Care of Children and Families/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with Pediatric Behavioral Health Specialization
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Adult/Family
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Child/Adolescent
The minimum number required is applicable only to those individuals who have considerable prior course work in the area of specialization.
The following core courses are part of the program:
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NUR 407A Physiological and Pathophysiological Bases of Advanced Nursing Practice
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Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Child/Adolescent)
Content includes New York State and federal laws and regulations related to prescription and record keeping as required for NYS certification as a nurse practitioner. Post-Master’s students must complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours in the specialty program, either via supervised clinical hours in the post-master’s specialty, or by transferring in clinical hours from their prior master’s programs. Some specialties may require more than the minimum of 500 clinical hours. The Post-Master’s student’s prior clinical and academic background in advanced practice nursing will determine the exact number of clinical hours required at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Nurse practitioners and/or physicians serve as clinical preceptors in the specialty courses. In the Post-Master’s Certificate Program, completion of course work is recorded on an official UR transcript. The SON awards a certificate of completion.
Admission Criteria
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Completion of a Master's Degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing.
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RN licensure within the United States or U.S. territory.
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Cumulative GPA of 3.0 in baccalaureate nursing program preferred.
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Statistics course with a grade of C or above.
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Professional goal statement.
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Two letters of reference.
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Personal interview with faculty member is at the discretion of the program faculty.
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Clinical experience: 1 year ACNP (med/surg experience required); CCF (pediatric experience preferred), PNP/NNP (2 years NICU experience required).
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Declare specialty area when applying.
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For international students, TOEFL with a minimum score of 560 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based) or 88 (“i-based”)
Related Links
Top 10 Reasons for Choosing this Program
Instructions and Application for Admission to the Master's Program
Contact Us
University of Rochester 
School of Nursing
Box SON
Helen Wood Hall
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14642
(585) 275-2375
