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Post-Master's Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certification, Certificate

Overview

The Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) program prepares experienced FNPs to meet the growing urgent and emergent needs of patients across the lifespan, including urgent primary care needs, critical illnesses, injuries, and trauma.

Graduates are prepared to diagnose and treat patients with emergent needs as well as perform procedures in a culturally sensitive manner. The direct care provided by the ENP focuses not only on physical symptoms but also on psychosocial and environmental factors as well as protection of vulnerable patients, families, and populations.

The ENP is qualified to treat emergency and trauma episodes across the lifespan in an Emergency Department, Trauma Center, Emergency Department Fast-track, and Urgent Care Center. Students will receive certification in ATLS as part of the program.

ENP graduates are eligible to take the Emergency Nurse Practitioner Specialty Certification Examination offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).  Graduates must hold certification as a Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner in order to apply and become eligible for the Emergency Nurse Practitioner board certification.

Important Program Information

  • This is a three semester program - Fall, winter, spring
  • This program is offered in a hybrid/Flex format
  • Students who are FNP certified but not currently in clinical practice will have to take three additional courses
  • ATLS certification as well as procedural training are held on campus

 

Admissions Requirements

Admission criteria for the ENP Certificate Program:

  • Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution with a Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Graduate degree in nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Current licensure as a registered nurse in the United States.
  • Current licensure as a certified registered Family Nurse Practitioner in the United States.
  • Two years of RN experience working in the Emergency Department
    • If no Emergency Department experience as an RN, need two years of experience as an FNP

* For applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement, completion of the GRE may be required to be considered for admission to the program.

* International applicants (regardless of citizenship) for whom English is a second language must submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, iBT, IELTS, or CAE) as part of their application. An official copy of test results must be sent by the testing agency directly to the Division of Nursing at DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034. Visit the following websites for up-to-date information:

* All exams must have been taken within two years of application to a DeSales program. The admission process and entrance requirements are rigorous; demonstrating minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

ENP Certification applicants are admitted on a rolling basis.

  • The deadline is August 1 for a fall semester start.

Apply

FNP certification is required for all ENP certification applicants.

Additional admission requirements for a Post-Master's Certificate program:

  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended 
    • Electronic official transcripts can be sent to: gradadmissions@desales.edu
    • Paper official transcripts can be mailed to:
      DeSales University Admissions Office
      ATTN: Graduate Programs
      2755 Station Ave.,
      Center Valley, PA 18034
    • All transcripts from any degree-granting institution outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES approved evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Inc., with the resulting report submitted directly to the address above. Please visit naces.org for additional information. DeSales University's institutional reporting code is 002021.
  • Copy of current nursing licensure
  • Current résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Graduate personal statement
    • Written in narrative format and addresses each of the following:
      • Why you chose your intended track
      • How this academic program will help you meet your career goals
      • Where you see your career 5 years post-graduation
      • Additional relevant information that may assist the Committee in the overall evaluation of your application
    • This statement should be 500-750 words in length.

Curriculum

Graduates of the ENP program will be prepared for advanced practice positions in critical access hospitals, emergency departments, trauma centers, and urgent care centers.

The curriculum for the Emergency Nurse Practitioner program combines a blend of theoretical and applied learning in order to address all emergent and traumatic needs.

Post-Master's Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program Summary

For current practicing FNPs

  • 4 Courses
    • 1 ATLS/procedures course, offered on campus in October
    • 3 lecture/clinical courses
  • 21 Credits
  • 750 clinical practicum hours

For non-current practicing FNPs

  • 7 Courses
    • 3 foundation courses/clinical lab (physical assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology)
    • 1 ATLS/procedures course, offered on campus in October
    • 3 lecture/clinical courses
  • 32 Credits
  • 750 clinical practicum hours

Academic Catalog

Facilities

DeSales University is home to some of the most advanced simulation technology in a university setting.

Simulation captures the key characteristics and behaviors of real life clinical events and gives students the opportunity to practice clinical skills, repeat procedures, fine-tune processes, and observe the impact of their choices — all without harm to patients. 

Human Patient Simulator Lab

The DeSales family of Human Patient Simulators (HPS)

HPS, also known as high-fidelity manikins, are life-like models of the human body with software/computer equipment components to mimic human bodily functions. The HSC maintains several HPSs, including a pregnant mother and new-born infant.

Clinical Skills Lab 

Our clinical skills suite provides both a 12 bed in-patient and a 12 bed out-patient practice environment. Students can practice a wide variety of clinical skills with low fidelity mannequins. Task Trainers help students gain expertise in technical procedures and clinical skills such as foley catheter placement or pelvic examination for undergraduate students and more advanced skills such as central line placement or peripheral IV insertion, for our graduate students.

Standardized Patient Program

This on-campus suite replicates a functioning healthcare office, complete with a waiting room, and 8 fully equipped examination rooms. Standardized Patients are real people who are specially-trained to portray different patient scenarios, where they are treated as real patients by DeSales students. They actively participate in the instruction, practice, and assessment of the physical examination skills of our students, nurses, and physician assistants. Become a standardized patient 

Education Management

Our Education Management Solutions, Inc. system (EMS) provides a comprehensive solution for the labs;. Digital AV software and hardware allow faculty to capture both the simulations and standardized patient environments for further review. The results provide a digital video record of individual and team performance, which assist in evaluating a student’s performance when faced with realistic clinical challenges.

Simulation Lab in Gambet Center at DeSales The labs in the Gambet Center are outfitted with audio-video technology as well as integrated simulation management and skills evaluation software to allow the instructors to manage clinical skills training and patient exam protocols.

Video: See the Sim Center in Action  

 

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) are as follows.

  • Tuition/credit hour: $975*
  • Laboratory Fee: $250**
  • Returned Check Service: $30
  • Graduation Fee: $120

*Tuition/credit hours listed are for 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are subject to change with notice.
**Average cost. Laboratory fees are due on registration.

View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and graduate program information sheets

Tuition Deferment

DeSales University offers graduate students the opportunity to defer payment of their tuition when they will be receiving reimbursement from their employer or when they are eligible to receive financial aid. A copy of your employer's tuition reimbursement policy must be forwarded to the Treasurer's Office and/or all necessary financial aid paperwork must be filed with the Financial Aid Office before tuition deferment is granted. 

Tuition deferment is a privilege given to graduate students at DeSales and can be revoked if this privilege is abused. Please note that you, as the student, are responsible for payment of your tuition balance in the event that your financial aid/loans or employer reimbursement is not received by the Treasurer's Office.

Tuition Reimbursement

When a student is eligible for tuition reimbursement from his/her employer, written evidence of eligibility is required. The student is responsible for requesting this reimbursement from his/her employer. In cases where reimbursement is contingent upon successful completion of the course(s) and the student either withdraws or does not achieve a grade sufficient to warrant maximum reimbursement, the student is ultimately responsible for payment for the course(s).

Refund on Withdrawal

A refund of tuition payments will be made to a student who withdraws from a course. In all cases, credits will be calculated from the date the student completed the official withdrawal form, and the rebate will be based on the schedule shown below. 

Refunds apply to tuition only. If a student is allowed to enroll by use of the deferred payment procedure, any funds due the University are immediately due and payable upon withdrawal.

Withdrawal during the add/drop period is 100% of tuition refunded. The schedule below is for withdrawal after the first class after the close of the add/drop period. 

The refund policy is based upon the number of classes held up to 
the date of withdrawal.

  • Withdrawal after 1st class: 80% of tuition refunded
  • Withdrawal after 2nd class: 65% of tuition refunded
  • Withdrawal after 3rd class: 50% of tuition refunded
  • Withdrawal after 4th class: 25% of tuition refunded
  • >Withdrawal after 5th class: No refund

Available Scholarship Opportunities

Veteran & Military Student Discount Program

Beginning Spring of 2023, DeSales University will match the Federal Military Tuition Assistance Program (T.A.) of $250/credit, or $750 for a three-credit course. The TA match discount program will be available to students who are currently serving on military active duty, National Guard, Reserve service members, and to eligible spouses or dependents. Adult Studies students eligible for TA match discount program will receive a combined $1,500 course credit against an approximately $1,600 course cost.

For more information, contact the Office of Veterans and Military Services

*Veteran & Military discount match is not applicable for the Accelerated BSN program nor combinable with additional DeSales University discount offerings.

CCNE Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at DeSales University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

CCNE - Accredited

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)