Candidates must hold a master's degree or higher academic degree from an accredited U.S. institution or overseas post-secondary institution which is recognized by the Ministry of Education, in nursing, nutrition, physical therapy or other health related discipline. Professional experience within the past three years is required. If your graduate program did not include a research course, you will be required to complete a course in statistics.

According to U.S. immigration policy, if you require a student visa (F-1), you must be accepted to an academic program and be enrolled full time. This program is part time. Immigration rules also stipulate that any international student in the U.S with a student visa may only take one online course per semester. The program requires students to complete a certain curriculum in a specific sequence and three online courses must be completed in the first two semesters. Non-degree status is also not possible.

This certificate program will prepare you for a faculty position at the higher education level or a position as a health educator within a health care arena. The core foundation of this program will emphasize issues and trends in higher education as well as specific teaching strategies.

If admitted, you will need to possess or have access to a computer and the Internet with at least a 56K modem. You should be comfortable with the use of email, word processing, and internet searches. Self-motivation and working independently are key factors. To determine if your learning style is compatible with online learning (This is a hybrid course, combining online courses with on-site participation), please see our online learning tips.

The program consists of 7 courses, totaling 16 credit hours. The curriculum includes six didactic courses and one practicum. All courses are taught online. The practicum can be arranged on an individual basis with a Simmons faculty and an appropriate preceptor.

Yes, all courses are offered online so you will be able to fulfill the course requirements as they fit your schedule.

The curriculum is designed to be completed in one calendar year of full time study.

Currently these courses are only offered as a certificate program for graduate credit. Upon successful completion of each course you will be awarded graduate credit.

You will be able to take up to 3 courses each semester.

The clinical practicum only is offered in the summer semester.

Courses will be offered in sequence so entry to the program is September only.

Yes, all students must complete a 4 credit practicum course. Supervised application of teaching principles is an essential component of this program.

Yes, you will be able to complete the practicum requirement at your present location. You and your advisor will select an appropriate faculty mentor to guide you through this experience. All mentors must be approved by the Simmons College faculty.

You can arrange to work with a faculty mentor at an accredited higher education institution at the graduate or undergraduate level. The practicum will include both clinical supervision and classroom teaching. You could work with the Director of Continuing Education at a hospital or college in your area. You could work with the Director of Staff education at a hospital or college in your area.

No, certain courses are prerequisite to the practicum experience. If you have completed the prerequisite courses, the practicum can be arranged for spring or summer session.

If you have prior teaching experience, your faculty advisor will work with you to see if you can waive a component of this requirement.

The program begins each September and the application deadline is June 1.

You must complete and submit an application along with a check for $50 for application processing as well as other materials outlined in the application. Official academic transcripts for all courses and degrees completed must be sent directly by the institution and recommendations must be received by the designated application deadline date by the Office of Admission of the School of Health Sciences. It is very important that the materials are not addressed generally to the Office of Admission since there are five admission offices at Simmons. If courses were completed at institutions other than where the degree was earned, an official transcript must be sent for those classes, whether they were for non-degree status or study abroad.

If coursework and /or a degree were earned abroad, official academic records in the native language and an official English translation (if applicable) are required. Additionally, an evaluation of the overseas degree to determine equivalency to a U.S. degree may be required by a commercial agency at a cost to the student. Only overseas degrees from an institution authorized by the Ministry of Education in the home country will be considered for admission.

The only standardized test score which must be submitted is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for candidates whose first language is not English, even if the candidate attended an English-speaking institution. The requirement for TOEFL is based on native language, not citizenship or attendance at an English- speaking institution. Official scores from the past two years must be sent directly by the Education Testing Service (ETS) to the Office of Admission of the School of Health Sciences. Student score reports or photo copies of official score reports for other institutions are not considered official. Allow ample time to register and take this exam as it takes 5-6 weeks for the score to be received by institutions. Minimum TOEFL scores for consideration: 600 (paper based), 230 (computer based), or 100 (internet based).

Admission is based on several factors, including professional experience, previous academic performance (a 3.0 GPA in graduate study is required), and recommendations. Candidates must have a minimum of a master's degree in a health related area of study.

When your application for admission is complete, you will be notified via email that all materials have been received and the file will be reviewed by the Admission Committee. You should receive a letter from the Office of Admission regarding your candidacy within a few weeks. Accepted students who wish to enroll must submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit by the designated date to ensure a place in the class of a specific semester. Admission is for a particular start term and is not open-ended. If a student cannot start the program for the intended semester, it is imperative that the student request in writing to the Director of Admission of the School of Health Sciences a deferral to start the program in another semester. Enrollment is available for September only.

Non-degree status is not available since this is a formal certificate program, based on a specific sequential curriculum. Students must formally apply for and be admitted to the program. Since an official certificate will be awarded upon completion of the prescribed curriculum, it is considered an academic credential and thus formal application and admission is required.

The total cost of the program is $8,500.

Contact Dr. Carol Love at carol.love@simmons.edu