University launches online nursing certificate program

University launches online nursing certificate program

Authorities at Oakland University, an online education provider, have announced that their School of Nursing has created a post-baccalaureate nursing education certificate program.

The online offering is designed to train practicing nurses who are interested in becoming clinical instructors or patient nurse education specialists, according to the Daily Tribune. Certificate holders will be prepared to conduct staff orientation and staff development activities within the healthcare delivery system.

"This new certificate program offers everything necessary for a nurse who wishes to advance and expand their education and professional opportunities," said program director Mary Mittelstaedt, quoted by the news source. "This three-course program can make great nurses great educators."

Students who obtain their certificate through the university and who wish to earn their masters of science in nursing education can put the credit hours toward that degree after being accepted into the program.

Today, nearly 4 million students are taking online courses and earning online college degrees. At the secondary school level, more than 700,000 high school students are taking one or more courses online and nearly 40 states have established state-led virtual schools.

By Mark Danson