Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
The Graduate Certificate in Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist at Kent State University is an online program that prepares nurses to provide specialized care for older adults. This certificate equips you with advanced skills in assessment, intervention, and management of age-related health issues. Whether you’re seeking to expand your clinical expertise or pursue leadership roles in gerontological care, this program offers a convenient pathway for professional growth in the nursing field.
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Graduate Certificate Program Overview
The 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 certificate meets the educational requirements for the national certification examination.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State’s website for professional licensure disclosure.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Meet standards for advanced practice certification or other advanced professional distinction.
- Demonstrate competencies based on professional standards to assume advanced roles in nursing and for leadership and career advancement, including doctoral study.
- Communicate, integrate and apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to provide equitable, evidence-based and inclusive nursing care and to promote quality outcomes in nursing and health care.
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Graduate Certificate Program Admissions Requirements
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
- Master’s degree in nursing or a doctorate in nursing practice from an accredited nursing program
- Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s) of all previous graduate coursework1
- Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which practicum hours will be completed
- Curriculum vitae
- Goal statement (no more than 250 words) describing reasons for seeking the certificate in the identified specialty and professional goals (starting with spring 2026 admission term, goal statement is no longer required)
- Admission essay is required starting with spring 2026 admission term responding to the following questions (two pages, double spaced, 500 words):
- How do you plan to contribute to the nursing profession and healthcare community after earning your M.S.N. degree?
- How has your experience, professional development and service within the profession contributed to your readiness for graduate education?
- What experience do you have working as a nurse caring for the underserved, high-risk or vulnerable populations?
- Syllabi of all courses to considered for transfer in the gap analysis
- Three professional letters of reference from healthcare professionals, either a supervisor and/or an advanced practice nurse who can speak to the applicant’s professional capabilities
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:2
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
1For applicants who have not practiced as an advanced practice registered nurse within the two-year period preceding application to the certificate, completion of graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment must not be greater than five years old at the time of the student’s first semester of course registration in the certificate.
2International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Requirements | ||
| NURS 60015 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT 1 | 3 |
| NURS 60045 | PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE 1 | 3 |
| NURS 60441 | PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE 1 | 3 |
| NURS 60506 | CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES | 3 |
| NURS 60110 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST I | 3 |
| NURS 60210 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST II | 3 |
| NURS 60310 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST III | 3 |
| NURS 61192 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST I PRACTICUM | 2 |
| NURS 62192 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST II PRACTICUM | 2-3 |
| NURS 63192 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST III PRACTICUM | 2-3 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 28 | |
1This course may be waived or transferred if it was previously completed with a grade of B or better. Please refer to the Transfer of Graduate Credit Policy for more information.
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Graduate Certificate Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $594.78 | $1,784.34 | $16,600 part-time1 $13,100 full-time2 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $604.78 | $1,814.34 | $16,900 part-time3 $13,300 full-time4 |
1The $594.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester. The amount was calculated at students completing the certificate in 2 semesters.
3The $604.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.
4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180). This amount was calculated at students completing the certificate in 2 semesters plus the surcharge.
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
Related Reading from the Kent State Online Blog
