For the third consecutive term, the National League for Nursing (NLN) has designated Kent State University’s College of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in the category of Advancing the Science of Nursing Education. This new cycle of designation will extend from 2022-2026.
As an R1 research university, Kent State is a leader in developing the science of nursing education through innovative nursing and interdisciplinary technologies, including mixed reality, haptics, and simulation, developing clinical judgment. This research addresses the transition to practice challenges for entry- and advanced-level students, prioritizing a culture of care with diversity, inclusivity, and outreach. The college was among three universities to receive this particular designation.
Read more about Kent State’s College of Nursing Redesignated a Center of Excellence.
Kent State’s Master of Science in Nursing Program
Kent State’s Master of Science in Nursing program was rated as the university’s highest-ranked program in the 2023 edition of Best Graduate Schools. Kent State ranks No. 38 among the nation’s public institutions on the Best Nursing Schools: Master’s Programs list, jumping up an impressive 23 spots compared to last year. Kent State’s ranking makes it the highest-ranked public institution in northern Ohio for this program.
Kent State’s Master of Science in Nursing program thoroughly prepares registered nurses for roles in advanced practice, education, research, and healthcare administration. Students develop a strong foundation for further postgraduate and doctoral-level study in nursing, with the College of Nursing helping them during every step of their education and professional practice.
Learn more about the Online Portfolio of Programs offered by Kent State’s College of Nursing below.
Kent State’s Online Graduate Degrees in Nursing
Kent State University Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
The online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Nursing is the terminal degree for nurses who want to advance their knowledge of nursing practice, gain exceptional leadership and technology skills and become clinical scholars. Students develop leadership skills to improve health outcomes for individuals and populations by translating scientific evidence into clinical interventions, managing healthcare systems, and collaborating with other healthcare providers.
The DNP degree in Nursing at Kent State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
For more information on Kent State’s Online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/doctor-of-nursing-practice.
Kent State University Online Master of Science in Nursing
The online Master of Science in Nursing degree prepares nurses for advanced clinical roles while making them eligible for national certification as clinical nurse specialists (CNS), nurse practitioners (NP), or to serve as nurse educators, health care management, or leadership roles.
This degree meets the educational eligibility requirements for national certification in the respective area of study. The degree program can be completed in four to five semesters (two full academic years) for full-time students. Part-time students typically take three to four years to complete the program.
For more information on Kent State’s Online Master of Science in Nursing degree, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/master-of-science-in-nursing.
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Graduate Certificate
The online Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist graduate certificate provides nurses who already have a graduate nursing degree the additional specialized knowledge for the adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist role. The certification meets the educational requirements for the national certification examination. All post-graduate nursing certificates are offered as space and faculty are available.
For more information on Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Graduate Certificate, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/certificate-adult-gerontology-clinical-nurse-specialist.
Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate
The online Nurse Educator graduate certificate provides nurses who already have a graduate nursing degree the additional specialized knowledge and experience for the nurse educator role. The certificate meets the educational requirements for the national certification examination. All post-graduate nursing certificates are offered as space and faculty are available.
For more information on the Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/certificate-nurse-educator.
Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership Graduate Certificate
The online Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership graduate certificate provide nurses who already have a graduate nursing degree the additional specialized knowledge for nursing administration and health systems leadership.
This certificate program at Kent State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and recognized by the National League for Nursing (NLN) Center of Excellence in Nursing Education 2013 - 2022.
For more information on the Nursing Administration and Health Systems Leadership graduate certificate, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/certificate-nursing-administration-and-health-systems-leadership.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
The online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner graduate certificate prepares nurses who have a graduate nursing degree for the additional specialized knowledge for the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role. The certificate meets the educational requirements for the national certification examination.
This post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and recognized by the National League for Nursing (NLN) Center of Excellence in Nursing Education 2013 - 2022.
For more Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner graduate certificate, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/certificate-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
The online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduate certificate provides nurses who already have a graduate nursing degree the additional specialized knowledge and clinical experience for the women’s health nurse practitioner role. The certificate meets the educational requirements for the national certification examination.
This post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and recognized by the National League for Nursing (NLN) Center of Excellence in Nursing Education 2013 - 2022.
For more information on the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/certificate-womens-health-nurse-practitioner.
Kent State’s Online Undergraduate Degrees in Nursing
Kent State University’s Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN)
Kent State’s Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN) is for registered nurses (RN) with a diploma or associate degree who are seeking an accredited bachelor’s degree in nursing. The completer program is offered fully online for part- and full-time students. Expert faculty and administrators work closely with students to equip them to meet the future challenges of professional nursing and influence the future of health care.
Students may apply early to the M.S. degree in Health Informatics and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.
For more information on Kent State’s Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN), visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-for-registered-nurses.
About Kent State University’s College of Nursing
Kent State’s College of Nursing is a recognized leader in nursing education. Faculty members have conducted research on innovative and emerging areas of educational priorities. Their contributions to advancing the science and practice of education have led to transformative strategies that influence student learning and student engagement. Likewise, faculty participation in national-level efforts has strengthened student engagement in nursing education with an emphasis on developing critical thinking and transitioning to critical action.
In existence for more than 50 years, the College of Nursing at Kent State University is one of the largest and most comprehensive nursing programs in the nation, with nearly 16,000 alumni worldwide. As part of Kent State’s eight-campus system, the college provides nearly 3,000 nursing students courses of study annually at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. To learn more about nursing programs at Kent State, please visit www.kent.edu/nursing.
About the National League for Nursing
Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The National League for Nursing offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 40,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members. Its members represent nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and healthcare organizations and agencies. For more information about the National League for Nursing, visit www.nln.org
