Registered nurses have expansive skill sets that make them ideal candidates for several types of roles. However, for RNs planning to pursue healthcare leadership positions, the requisites can be a significant roadblock. A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Administration is a condensed program that provides nurses the opportunity to advance their understanding of key leadership strategies and prepare for a career in management.
Who Is a Post-Bacc Certificate Program Designed For?
A Post-Bacc in Nursing Administration program, like that at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), is designed for BSN-prepared nurses who are seeking to expand their skill sets for entry into leadership and management. It is considered a step beyond the BSN and is ideal for those who do not want to commit to a longer and more expensive master’s degree program at this point in their careers. The focused curriculum allows nurses to quickly learn important healthcare leadership concepts and transition to those roles while maintaining the option to complete a master’s degree in the future.
What Do Students in a Post-Bacc in Nursing Administration Program Learn?
Because of the streamlined nature of most post-baccalaureate programs, students jump right into relevant coursework and hands-on learning. UTA’s 12-credit certificate program utilizes both didactic and clinical application hours to help students gain a deeper understanding of the following:
- Nursing leadership and healthcare organizational strategies
- Administrative and managerial roles for healthcare organizations
- Financial management concepts including planning, budgeting and reimbursement models
- Potential challenges that complex healthcare systems may encounter, such as workforce supply and demand as well as the implementation of evidence-based decision-making
Why Should Nurses Consider a Post-Bacc Certificate?
A Post-Baccalaureate in Nursing Administration offers even more opportunities and benefits beyond the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) level. Nurses should consider this option for the following reasons:
Growing demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 32% from 2019 to 2029 — a rate much faster than the average for most occupations, including RNs, which is estimated to increase just 7%. Nurses who combine their clinical expertise with a deeper understanding of administrator responsibilities may have more job prospects.
Targeted, up-to-date skill sets. Certificates facilitate the rapid development of specific in-demand skill sets so that graduates can rapidly seek a career change or advancement. The clinical application component of the certificate program allows nurses to hone their understanding of current leadership strategies.
Improved earnings. Nurses in managerial positions frequently earn higher wages. The 2020 median pay for an RN was just over $75K per BLS data, while medical and health services managers earned approximately $104K.
Convenient and cost-effective. Because of their streamlined nature, post-baccalaureate certificate programs usually require minimal time and financial commitment. UTA’s program has established a 100% online format, which is ideal for nurses juggling personal and professional schedules. Students can complete the program in as few as seven months, and the total tuition is less than $6K. Expenses may be further offset by employers’ tuition reimbursement programs.
Preparation for higher degree. A post-baccalaureate certificate is an excellent transitional pathway for nurses. The short time commitment makes it possible to pursue managerial jobs in less than a year as well as retain the ability to apply completed credits toward a future degree. For example, UTA’s curriculum is composed of graduate-level courses that students can transfer to an online Master of Science in Nursing Administration (MSN) program.
A Short-Term, High-Value Option
While a bachelor’s degree opens many doors, nurses who are interested in leadership positions will likely benefit from the specific coursework offered in a Post-Bacc Certificate in Nursing Administration program. With a convenient online format, short timeline and manageable financial commitment, nurses can quickly pivot into the leadership career they desire.
Learn more about The University of Texas at Arlington’s online Post-Bacc Certificate in Nursing Administration program.
Sources:
Forbes: 2 Reasons Why a Certificate Is Better Than an Expensive Graduate Degree
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook:
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
