Post-Master's Overview
At UCSF School of Nursing, the Post-Master’s certificate program is a special studies program for Master’s prepared nurses pursuing State certification in a specialty area, or seeking a program of study that may lead to a change in role (e.g.a CNL or CNS seeking an NP specialty certificate). UCSF offers Post-Master's options for specialized study as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner or health policy specialist. The curriculum meets state and national credentialing requirements, and provides a certificate upon completion. Successful students are eligible to apply for national certification examinations.
Specialty areas are available on a year to year basis, depending on faculty and funding resources. For details on which specialty areas offer post-master's options, and supplemental specialty-specific details and requirements, see each specialty area on the following list:
- List of MS Specialty Areas: Specialties Page
General Requirements
Applicants must have a Master’s in the discipline of Nursing (MS), MSN, or MN. If accepted, applicants must become licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing and the license must be recognized as valid for practice within the State of California during the complete course of study. Before beginning their studies, students must complete a background check and obtain any necessary immunizations.
Application
The Post-Master’s application form and instructions can be downloaded here.
- Post-MS Application: post-ms-app.pdf
Do NOT use the on-line application for the regular Master of Science degree program.
In addition to the completed application form and résumé/c.v., applicants are required to submit letters of recommendation, transcripts, a goal statement, and fee. Check specialty area webpages for supplemental prerequisites and document requirements.
Completed applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Specialty Area Director/Coordinator.
- MS Specialty Area Coordinators/Directors: coordms.pdf
Below is general information relevant to all specialties that offer the Post-Master’s option. For additional questions please contact the Specialty Director/Coordinator of the program to which you are applying.
Funding / Scholarships / Financial Aid
- Information: Funding Your Post-Masters
Deadline
February 1st is the standard due date for filing applications. Only those applications submitted and complete with all supplemental information by the applicable deadline will be reviewed by faculty. Availability and capacity will differ between specialty areas, and will fluctuate from one year to the next. Several specialty areas may review applications submitted beyond the due date, so check the applicable specialty area webpage for additional information. Do not assume that your preferred specialty will remain open if your application is still incomplete as of February 1st.
Applicants seeking admission to the Family NP (FNP), Adult-Gerontology NP (AGNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AG ACNP), Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG CNS), Nurse Midwifery (CNM)/WHNP, Acute Care Pediatric NP (ACPNP), or Pediatric NP (PNP) specialty areas should make a particular effort to meet the February 1st deadline. Demand for these areas often exceeds available capacity. It is likely that many or all of these specialty areas listed above will fill their available slots immediately after the regular deadline. It is possible that new applications will be accepted after February 1st, however only by those specialties which still have available space. Some specialty programs may include an interview as part of the application process, either in person or by phone.
Individuals admitted or accepted to one specialty area Post-MS program will not be allowed to “transfer or change” to another specialty area.
Post Masters Enrollment
Program Length and Time Commitment
The average time commitment is 4 - 8 quarters depending on the specialty area selected. Students are required to attend classes at UCSF an average of two days each week and attend clinical a minimum of 1 - 2 days each week. Students are not required to find their own clinical placements. Post-master's programs cannot be taken through on-line or distance learning options.
Tuition/Fees
For 2012-13 the resident/in state and out of state tuition per quarter for post-master’s students is $7,500.00. Financial aid opportunities are available to post-master’s students. UCSF employee fee reduction policies are not applicable to the Post-Master’s certificate program. The application fee is $80.00 for each specialty area application form submitted. All fees are subject to change without notice.
Background Check and Immunization requirements
Post-Master's students must verify immunizations, carry professional liability insurance, and complete a Criminal Background Check prior to their first clinical experience. Details will be provided after acceptance. For further information, application, and admission guidelines, access the link for your preferred specialty area.