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Nurse Leader Post-Master’s Certificate
Foster greater collaboration and help build effective teams with a Post-Master’s Certificate in nurse leadership.
8 Weeks
8-week course sessions allow for start dates throughout the year
24/7 Access
All-hours access to your coursework, online library, and tech support
CCNE-Accredited
This nursing track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1 (for the MSN and RN to MSN programs only)
Nurse Leader Track Highlights
Education that focuses on a balance of clinical, managerial, and business concepts
Opportunities to learn about leadership models, management of healthcare systems, and more
Flexible coursework you can complete online while gaining hands-on experience through precepted clinical hours
Professional development opportunities through our Career Services team
Why Choose a Post-Master’s Certificate - Nurse Leader?
As a nurse leader, you’ll spearhead initiatives to drive positive change, foster collaboration, and optimize patient care outcomes. WCU’s online Post-Master’s Nurse Leader Certificate program combines advanced coursework in leadership theories, healthcare systems management, strategic planning, and financial acumen with hands-on experiences in leadership roles.
Whether you aspire to lead clinical teams, implement innovative healthcare solutions, or influence policy decisions, the Nursing Leadership Post-Master’s Certificate helps equip you with the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful impact
Explore the Nurse Leader Track program at WCU!
Overview: Online Nurse Leader Track
Program Details: Post-Master’s Certificate – Nurse Leader
Accelerated Plus Pace
Distance Education/Online
18 Credits
8 Months
2 Trimesters
Accelerated Pace
Distance Education/Online
18 Credits
16 Months
4 Trimesters
Curriculum
Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Number | Name | Hours |
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management | 3 | |
Business Management for Advanced Nursing Practice | 2 | |
Leading Change in Complex Healthcare Systems | 2 | |
Leadership Communication & Conflict Management | 2 | |
Financial Management for Advanced Practice Nursing | 2 | |
Healthcare Quality, Safety, Policy, and Ethics | 2 | |
Entrepreneurship for Advanced Nursing Practice | 2 | |
Nurse Leader Practice Integration Experience | 3 | |
Total Credit Hours: | 18.0 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
How Much Does the Post-Master’s Nurse Leader Program Cost?
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of post-master’s Nurse Leader online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the post-master’s Nurse Leader certificate program costs at ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬.
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
Post Master's Nurse Leader Certificate
Tuition and Fees
Accelerated*
Degree Type | Certificate (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) | Certificate (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) |
Total Program Credits | 18 | 18 |
Program Length(full time) | 2 Trimesters | 2 trimesters |
Tuition Cost(per credit) | $680 | $680 |
Total Tuition Cost | $12,240 | $12,240 |
STRF1 | $35 | $0 |
Technology Fee2 | $1,000 |
$1,000 |
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $525 | $525 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $14,765 |
$14,765 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $14,802.50 |
$14,765 |
Working Professional*
Degree Type | Certificate (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) | Certificate (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) |
Total Program Credits | 18 | 18 |
Program Length(full time) | 4 trimesters | 4 trimesters |
Tuition Cost(per credit) | $680 | $680 |
Total Tuition Cost | $12,240 | $12,240 |
STRF1 | $37.50 | $0 |
Technology Fee2 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $525 | $525 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $14,765 | $14,765 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $14,802.50 | $14,765 |
Indirect Costs
8 Month Academic Year4 | ||||
Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
Federal Student Loan Fee | $220 | $220 | $220 | $220 |
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $2,384 | $7,936 | $2,496 | $8,328 |
Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 | $1,728 | $1,728 |
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 | $5,656 | $5,656 |
Total | $9,644 | $15,196 |
$10,100 | $15,932 |
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree.
1 Effective April 1, 202, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
- The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
- The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
- The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
- You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
- You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.
4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the program must meet the following requirements (Post-Master’s Certificates All Track Options):
- Completion of the application for admission.
- Completion of all university admissions requirements.
- Completion of a Master of Science (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program, with a 3.0 GPA or better.
- Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period to be admitted to the program.
- A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
- Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
- An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
- A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.
*Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the .
For additional requirements, please visit .
Academic Calendar
New academic sessions begin, on average, every eight weeks. The number of trimesters needed depends on the program and pace selected for the Nurse Leader track. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.
Clinical Placement
Clinical Placements Team Providing Support
At WCU, we want to give you all the tools you need for success. That’s why we have a Clinical Placements team that provides you with assistance for getting set up with your preceptor and clinical practice site. We’ll help you find the right preceptor and site for your needs and assist with getting the approval process completed.
And if you need any guidance during the course of your practicum, all you have to do is schedule a coaching call with your assigned coordinator of clinical relations. It’s that easy!
We have partnerships with healthcare providers so we can provide more resources to our students for their clinical placements.
Career Services
Helping You Explore Career Opportunities
Our dedicated Career Services team can help you find a position that utilizes your leadership skills and knowledge. They provide a range of services designed to aid you throughout your job search, including help locating open roles, resume writing assistance, interview coaching, and more.
As a WCU graduate, you get access to our Career Services resources — through graduation and beyond.2
Faculty
Meet the Dean
Dr. George Byron Peraza-Smith, DNP, RN, A-GNP-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP
Dean/Director, MSN – AGPCNP & Graduate Specialty Programs
Dr. George Peraza-Smith is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). He obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Case Western Reserve University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nursing administration from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has both a gerontological nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate from the University of South Florida and an adult nurse practitioner post-doctoral certificate from Brandman University.
Dr. Peraza-Smith is board-certified as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), a gerontological nurse practitioner, an APRN gerontological specialist, and a certified nurse educator. He is the immediate past president of the Florida Nurses Association and the immediate past inaugural president of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC) for which he remains a trustee on the board. The GNCC offers an APRN gerontological specialist certification to distinguish APRNs who possess expert knowledge, experience, and skill in managing the complex health needs of older adults.
Dr. Peraza-Smith has been teaching in MSN and DNP online and hybrid programs for over 10 years. He has held academic leadership positions such as professor, program director, department chair, and associate dean. Dr. Peraza-Smith resides in Zephyrhills, Florida with his husband and two children.
FAQs
Will my previous coursework transfer into the Nurse Leader track programs?
We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. Your advisor will work with you to determine which credits can transfer into your chosen program.
How long does it take to complete the Nurse Leader post-master’s certificate?
Time to completion will vary depending on which pace you choose:
- Accelerated pace – 8 months
- Working Professional – 16 months
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Our financial aid advisors can help you determine which option is right for you. WCU institutional scholarships include the WCU Performance Scholarship, WCU Health Services Partner Grant, and the Alumni Pathway Grant for WCU alumni.
For additional information and eligibility requirements, please visit our on our online catalog.
How will WCU support me in my online journey?
Your WCU education includes access to a variety of tools and resources designed for student success, including:
- Technical support available 24/7
- No-cost tutoring
- An assigned Student Success advisor you can contact whenever you need support
- Access to LinkedIn Learning
- Dedicated financial aid advisors
- Career Services for life
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 ().
The ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ Post-graduate Certificate in Nursing program holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
1 The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at ÊÖ»ú¿´Æ¬ are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,