Nurse Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate

Aug. 20, 2025

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$797

Cost Per Credit Hour

Total Credit Hours

Online Courses, Low Residency

Learning Formats

Prepare For Leadership In A Range of Healthcare Settings

The Nurse Executive Leadership (NEL) post-MSN certificate, offered by the School of Nursing, is for professional nurses who have an MSN degree and are interested in leadership positions within health care. The program prepares nurses for careers in administration and management and includes educational concepts such as finance and budgeting, quality measures, improving the client experience, interprofessional collaboration, advanced information technology, and systems-based thinking. It will provide you with skills to pursue administrative or managerial positions and leadership roles in a range of health care settings. You will gain valuable hands-on experience in a clinical practicum with experienced nurse leader preceptors. Graduates of this program will meet all requirements to sit for national certification.

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Program Details

This is a 22-credit hour program, consisting of six didactic and two three-credit clinical courses. All didactic courses are offered via a mix of synchronous and asynchronous, web-based modalities. Two semesters of clinical practicum are required for a total of 300 clinical hours. These hours will be completed with a nurse leader mentor in a healthcare setting. Preceptors will be selected based on direct experience with human resource management, budget and finance responsibilities, quality and safety responsibilities and inter-professional collaboration.

Graduates will be prepared for Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or to become Certified Nurse Executive Practice (CNEP) through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL).

At the completion of the Nurse Executive Leadership Post-Master’s Certificate, the graduate will be prepared to demonstrate the following outcomes:

Design innovative changes in the structure, delivery, and evaluation of healthcare for diverse Individuals, families and communities by applying scholarly inquiry, clinical judgement, financial analysis, and leadership theories from nursing and other disciplines.
Evaluate leadership strategies in the delivery of clinical prevention and health promotion interventions and/or services to that are inclusive, equitable, ethical, compassionate and encompass the SDOH to individuals, families, communities, and aggregates/clinical populations.
Critique health policy and leadership initiatives from communities, public health, industry, academia, health care, and local government entities to improve population health outcomes.
Develop evidenced-based leadership strategies to reduce risks and improve health outcomes in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards by evaluating outcome data using current communication technologies, information systems, and statistical principles.
Collaborate with interprofessional teams to support the acquisition of new knowledge, nursing expertise, and leadership talents.
Utilize complexity science and systems theory in the design, delivery, and evaluation of system-wide strategies that improve cost- effectiveness considering organizational leadership, and workforce needs.
Model accountability, leadership qualities, compassion, ethical practice and values of the Nurse Leader.
Participate in activities and self-reflection that foster personal health, resilience, well-being, and promote professional growth, lifelong learning and development in the role of the Nurse Leader.

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Contact

Email: Jessica.Carr1@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-6841
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Nurse Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

Qualifications

Eligible applicants are those who:

Hold a degree of Master of Science in Nursing (or higher) from a nationally accredited nursing program and regionally accredited institution.
Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on graduate degree work (Provisional admission may be considered if the overall GPA is 2.75-2.99 depending upon space available and other qualifications).
- A minimum overall nursing GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Hold an active, unrestricted RN license in the state where the student plans to complete clinical hours.
Transfer students must provide a letter of good standing from the Nursing program in which currently enrolled or left incomplete.

In addition, applicants must have two years of practice experience at the RN level or higher.

To be considered, applicants will be required to meet all WVU admission requirements in addition to program-specific admission criteria.

Students must satisfactorily complete background checks and drug screens upon admission.

New program applicants with a positive drug screen will be ineligible for admission to the program and will forfeit their admission “seat.” Please see the WVU SON Drug and Alcohol Screening Policy and the Health Information and Credential Documentation Policy.

Note: Any student who has been dismissed from the West Virginia University School of Nursing or any other nursing program may be considered for readmission if the dismissal was academic and was followed by successful completion of an additional degree. Any student who has withdrawn from the WVU School of Nursing program may be considered for readmission. Students may apply for readmission in accordance with the following guidelines and criteria but must follow the standard admission procedures. Students must meet all original admission requirements.

Apply To WVU

Depending on prerequisites completed, entry term into the program will vary from student to student. Students will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis until July 1. Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions as they are reviewed.

Click on the Apply Now below above.
Please select the following options on the New Application screen:
- Type of Student: Certificate
- Which Program: Select your Post-MSN Program
You will be asked to select a Progression Plan on the Nursing Application. The Post Graduate certificate is only offered as a full-time program.
On the Supplemental Materials screen, you will upload the following:
- Current curriculum vita or resume

Apply Now

Request Official Transcripts from All Colleges and Universities Attended

It is preferred that official transcripts be sent via an online, secure service such as eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment to graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu.
Alternatively, sealed, untampered, physical official transcripts can be sent directly to:
WVU Hub
P.O. Box 6004
Morgantown, WV 26506
Applicants who completed prior education outside of the U.S. must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES). Please request a "course-by-course" International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP).

Note: Certificate seeking students, with approval from the certificate program, may transfer up to 6 of the required credits for a graduate certificate from a different institution or applied from another previous or concurrent WVU degree or certificate. Individual course credits may be applied to no more than two degrees, majors, or certificates. Courses applied to a certificate must have been completed no more than seven years prior to certificate conferral.

Acceptance

Candidates for admission are evaluated on the entire admission packet. The WVU School of Nursing accepts new Post-MSN Certificate students on a rolling admission basis and will review all qualified applications based on admission criteria. Acceptance is dependent upon space available in the program with the most qualified applicants being accepted at the time of review. Decisions will be emailed to students. Accepted students will receive information regarding orientation and course registration. Students will be evaluated based on the following:

Nursing GPA
Work Experience
Overall GPA

Enrollment in nursing courses is based upon readiness, availability of space and other essential resources.

Clinical rotations with approved preceptors in the final year of your program must be arranged with course faculty. Due to potential preceptor limitations, students may have to travel out of their local areas to their clinical sites and are required to provide their own reliable transportation.

Gap Analyses

Some students applying to certificate programs may have accrued direct patient care hours prior to admission. Upon request, the student’s program of study will be personalized via gap analyses to determine the number of clinical practicum hours required of each student. Any hours accrued prior to admission must have been academically supervised and completed in a setting and population appropriate to the certificate program in which the student is enrolled. Students must obtain a completed Verification of Qualifying MSN Clinical Hours and Gap Analysis form from the director of their previous program within the first semester of enrollment.

In programs with limited capacity and competitive admissions, the most qualified students are selected among those that meet the minimum requirements. Students who want to appeal the Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions Committee decision as unfair, arbitrary, or capricious may contact the director of Admissions and Enrollment for the School of Nursing. The request will be forwarded to the program director for consideration, and the student will receive detailed information regarding the formal appeal process.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your future in Nursing Management and Executive Leadership

This certificate program is specifically designed for current nursing professionals holding a master’s degree or higher in nursing who may be in advanced practice, education, leadership, and/or direct patient care roles. This program will prepare nurses for careers in administration and leadership. The certificate program includes educational concepts such as finance & budgeting, quality measures, improving the client experience, interprofessional collaboration, advanced information technology, and systems-based thinking. It provides the nurse skills to pursue administrative or managerial positions and leadership roles in a range of health care settings. The student will gain valuable hands-on experience in a clinical practicum with experienced nurse leader preceptors.

The Benefits of Choosing Our Program

Graduates of the NEL certificate program will be able to:

Conduct a comprehensive and systematic assessment of organizational systems and/or communities and/or population groups to identify aggregate health or systems needs, incorporating diverse and culturally sensitive approaches.
Collaborate with diverse stakeholders for inter- or intra-organizational achievement of health-related organizational or public policy goals.
Utilize complexity science and systems theory in the design, delivery, and evaluation of health care.
Develop the leadership skills required to guide, mentor, and support other nurses to achieve excellence in nursing practice.
Evaluate outcome data using current communication technologies, information systems, and statistical principles to develop strategies to reduce risks and improve health outcomes in systems, communities, and/or identified population groups.
Advocate for the value and role of the professional nurse as member and leader of interprofessional healthcare and organizational teams.

Why Choose A Career In Nursing Management and Executive Leadership

It's important to note that pursuing a career in nursing management and executive leadership requires strong leadership skills, effective communication, and a commitment to lifelong learning. However, for individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on patient care, shaping healthcare organizations, and leading teams, it can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career path.

Career Outlook for Nursing Management and Executive Leadership

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Nurse Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Nurse Practitioner Projected Growth: 8% or higher *Bright Outlook
Acute Care Nurse Projected Growth: 11% higher *Bright Outlook
Nursing Professor Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook
Clinical Nurse Specialist Projected Growth: 5-7% *Bright Outlook
Medical and Health Services Manager Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA)

Course	Title	Credit Hours
NSG 600	Financial Management in Healthcare Organizations	3
NSG 611	Systems-Based Decision Making	2
NSG 616	Role Seminar in Leadership	2
NSG 617	Leadership Practicum I	3
NSG 618	Leadership Practicum II	3
NSG 704	Health Care Leadership	3
NSG 724	Health Statistics 1	3
NSG 754	Transforming Health Care through Information Technology	3

Total Hours: 22

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Nurse Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate program differ from a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree?

A Nurse Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate program:

Is more focused and specific to leadership and management in nursing. It provides concentrated coursework and training specifically designed to develop leadership competencies.
Is typically shorter in duration, ranging from a few months to a year, depending on the program.
Is specifically tailored to prepare nurses for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, such as nurse manager, director of nursing, chief nursing officer, or executive-level positions.
Is a certificate program. It demonstrates focused competency in leadership but may not carry the same weight as an academic degree.

How will I complete the practicum or other hands-on requirements of the program if I am completing the program online?

Two semesters of clinical practicum are required for a total of 300 clinical hours. These hours will be completed with a nurse leader mentor in a healthcare setting. Preceptors will be selected based on direct experience with human resource management, budget & finance responsibilities, quality and safety responsibilities and inter-professional collaboration.

What kind of networking opportunities are available to students in a Nurse Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate program?

Common ways to network include:

Alumni Networks
Professional Organizations
Conferences and Workshops
Local and Regional Networking Events
Online Communities and Social Media
Mentoring Programs

Networking is not just limited to formal events/programs. It can also occur informally through personal connections, introductions from colleagues or professors, and participation in online forums or interest groups. Building and nurturing relationships with professionals in your field can lead to career opportunities, collaborative projects, and ongoing professional growth.

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