Graduate Certificates Laddered Pathway to Master of Nursing

Graduate Certificates

Laddered Pathway to Master of Nursing

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Graduate Certificates in Advanced Nursing Practice I and II are designed to provide advanced nursing practice knowledge and practical experience for registered nurses who wish to acquire specialized skills.

The certificates strengthen nursing professionals’ knowledge and skills that are specific to their area of practice, and support them to integrate role dimensions that include advanced clinical skills, organizational leadership, research, education, professional development and consultation to impact patient, provider, and health system outcomes.

The certificates appeal to a wide audience of baccalaureate-prepared nursing professionals and other professionals from health-related disciplines who want to advance their careers in their current direct practice area, who want to transition into a new direct practice area, or who want to enter more senior education, leadership or management positions.

Each specialization certificate is a cohort-based, one-year, part-time program, offered via online delivery. The teaching and learning approaches will involve online content delivery and interaction (video-conferencing, webinars, and podcasts).

The delivery model will allow students to obtain graduate education at the Faculty of Nursing while continuing to work.

Contact the Graduate Programs office for more information.

Certificate Specializations

Important Notes on Admission

  • The Graduate Certificates are continuous programs with no scheduled breaks. Students who do not enrol in courses continuously will be withdrawn from the program for failure to register unless they are on an approved leave of absence.
  • Students must choose a different specialization in each of the two certificates. Applicants should indicate their first choice in specialization and an alternative second choice should their first choice be full.
  • Some specializations may not be offered every year, and may be offered in alternating years to meet course demand
  • Entry into specializations is on a first come, first served basis, with the following exception:
    • those who were unable to get their first choice of specialization for the Advanced Nursing Practice Certificate I will be guaranteed it if they re-apply for the Advanced Nursing Practice Certificate II and indicate that same first-choice specialization again.
  • All courses in this program require students to attend instructor-led Connect Days, which are delivered online at scheduled dates and times (as listed in course outline). Students who do not attend Connect Days will normally be withdrawn from the associated course, as per Graduate Calendar
  • Each student is expected to complete the online Academic Scholarly Writing and Academic Integrity modules within the first two weeks of the program.

Technology Requirements 

To successfully engage in learning experiences at the University of Calgary, students taking online, remote and blended courses are required to have reliable access to the following technology:

  • A computer with a supported operating system, as well as the latest security, and malware updates.
  • A current and updated web browser. 
  • Webcam (built-in or external).
  • Microphone and speaker (built-in or external), or headset with microphone.
  • Current antivirus and/or firewall software enabled.
  • Broadband internet connection.

 

Admission - Academic Requirements

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Admission Qualifications, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice l - Year ONE

The minimum admission requirements for the graduate certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice I are:

  • A four-year Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing baccalaureate degree preferred.
    • Other bachelor's degrees from recognized institutions will be considered on an individual basis.
    • Degrees and grades from foreign institutions are evaluated for their equivalency to those of the University of Calgary.
  • Evidence of active nursing registration in Alberta through the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) or active nursing registration in their province or territory of employment. Registered Psychiatric Nurses are expected to provide proof of active registration with the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) or equivalent.
  • Applicants holding a baccalaureate degree in another health profession may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
  • A minimum Grade Point Average of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two years of post-secondary study consisting of a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units.
  • In order of priority, preference will be given to applicants who:
    • 1) Hold an active nursing registration in the Province of Alberta;
    • 2) Hold an active nursing registration in a Canadian province or territory of employment;
    • 3) International students*.
  • For applicants required to provide proof of proficiency in English submit a minimum:
    • TOEFL score of 97 (Internet-based test);
    • IELTS score of 7.0;
    • PTE score of 68; or
    • CAEL overall score of 70 (no less than 70 on reading and writing sections).
    • This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of "A-" in writing courses.

*International students are eligible to apply for admission provided they meet the admission requirements and their local professional licensure requirements. However, they will not be eligible for a study permit as the program is delivered online and considered part-time.

 

Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice ll - Year TWO

The minimum admission requirements for the graduate certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice II are:

  • Completion of the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice I with a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system);
  • In order of priority, preference will be given to applicants who:
    • 1) Hold an active nursing registration in the Province of Alberta;
    • 2) Hold an active nursing registration in a Canadian province or territory of employment;
    • 3) International students*.

Students are only permitted to complete two Graduate Certificates.

Students who successfully complete one specialization in each of the Advanced Nursing Practice l & ll Graduate Certificates, could be eligible to apply for admission into the Master of Nursing Course-based program. 

Please note: To qualify for the Master of Nursing Course Based program, applicants must provide active registration in Alberta through the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) or active nursing registration in their province or territory of employment. Registered Psychiatric Nurses are expected to provide proof of active registration with the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) or equivalent.

All supporting documentation must be received by the deadline for applications to be considered complete for faculty review. Students who experience interruptions in their studies or require an alternative plan to complete their studies, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Transcripts for Application

All applicants are required to submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. This includes transcripts from any institution where the degree was awarded from, any institution where a transfer credit was received towards a program of study, or where any independent course work was completed. 

Official hard copy transcripts can be sent to the attention of:

Faculty of Graduate Studies
MacKimmie Tower, Second Floor
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada 
T2N 1N4

Electronic transcripts are being accepted by clicking button below.

Still have questions? Contact the Nursing Programs Office