Post-Master's Certificates : School of Health Sciences : Simmons College

The School of Health Sciences offers three C.A.G.S. tracks:

For M.S.N.s who wish to become Nurse Practitioners

This program was developed for individuals who have acquired their masters degree in nursing and wish to become nurse practitioners. The program of study allows students to focus on the essential content and role development of the nurse practitioner. The number of credits will depend on the concentration area selected. Two courses can be challenged: NUR 404, Normal and Abnormal Human Physiology; and NUR 422, Clinical Pharmacology. Courses in the research sequence will not be required for those students who have completed a master's thesis that meets the program's criteria. The elective courses are optional.

C.A.G.S. in Family Health for M.S. in Nursing-prepared Adult or Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

A unique program of study allows the masters-prepared practicing nurse practitioner to complete a course of part-time study to qualify for the American Nurses Association family nurse practitioner exam. For certified adult nurse practitioners, the curriculum includes the primary health care of the parent-child health sequence, the family health courses, and clinical practice. For certified pediatric nurse practitioners, the curriculum includes the primary health care of the adult sequence, the family health courses, and clinical practice. Download a C.A.G.S. sample curriculum for practicing nurse practitioners.

Admission Requirements for the C.A.G.S. Program
Applicants to the C.A.G.S. program must meet each of the general admission requirements with the exception of the Graduate Record Exam. Applicants must have earned a 3.0 grade point average in their graduate study.

The C.A.G.S. (Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study) Program in Health Professions Education

This program offers post-master's prepared health professionals (health care administrators, nurses, nutritionists, and physical therapists) with recent clinical experience within the past three years, the opportunity to gain critical skills in educational strategies and technology.

This academic option is in response to the growing need for health professionals to be effective educators within their respective fields of practice. Recent trends in the health care delivery system highlight the need for a cadre of health care professionals who will teach the next generation of health care providers.

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