School Nurse Certification
For information, contact Michelle Cawley, School Nurse Certification Program Advisor, at mecawley@cedarcrest.edu, 610-606-4606.
At Cedar Crest, students have the opportunity to practice leadership and problem-solving skills that are necessary to excel and advance in today’s professional fields. Cedar Crest College emphasizes an environment where individual growth and professional skills are integrated so that our students acquire the knowledge, attitudes and abilities that they need to succeed. The multi-disciplinary School Nurse Certification Program provides the necessary knowledge and practical skills to those who serve the health needs of school-age children.
An applicant to the school nurse certification program must hold an unencumbered active professional nursing license with one year of professional experience and a baccalaureate degree. An undergraduate GPA of 2.5 is required for admission. A GPA of 3.0 is required for progression in the program and Pennsylvania School Nurse Certification.
Courses Required for the School Nurse Certification Program
All courses are offered Online
EDU 559 Curriculum and Instruction for the English Language Learner (3 credits)
OR
EDU 516 Multicultural and Diversity Education (3 credits)
SPE 542 The Exceptional Child 3 credits
SPE 546 Collaborative Partnerships in Inclusive Settings (3 credits)
SNC 380 Methodology in School Health Services (3 credits)
SNC 381 School Nurse Practicum (5 credits /105 clinical hours)
All candidates for the school nurse certificate, both in state and out of state, must take SNC 380 and 381 in sequential order and within one academic year. Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires the following for certification in PA:
Six credits of college course work in mathematics; three credits in English composition; and three credits in American or British literature. It is a requirement of Cedar Crest College that the student earn a grade of C or higher in these courses.
For more information, contact the School of Adult and Graduate Education (SAGE) at sage@cedarcrest.edu.
Clinical Requirements
All students must provide proof of RN licensure from the state in which they will complete their practicum and to which they are applying for certification:
- Report of Health Evaluation and Medical History
- Immunizations, Titers, Current PPD and Influenza Vaccine
- Drug and Alcohol Screen
- CPR certification- Must be one of the following:
o American Red Cross CPR/AED for Health Care Providers
o American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers - Proof of Health Insurance
- FBI Criminal History Clearance
- Child Abuse History Clearance
- PA Criminal History Clearance
Prospective and current nursing students must submit criminal background checks that meet the requirements of the nursing program before beginning nursing courses and annually thereafter.
Prospective nursing students with criminal records must disclose their record and schedule a meeting with the Nursing Department Chairperson upon admission to Cedar Crest College.
Any student not clinically cleared for clinical courses by the last day of the add/drop period will be automatically dropped from the course. Late clearances cannot be accepted.
Expenses (in addition to comprehensive and special fees)
Students are responsible for all fees involved when obtaining the clinical requirements, secured electronic file management, books, professional and scholarly activities, and certification fees.
Departmental Review for Field Placement
Students majoring in Education, Nuclear Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition or Social Work are required to complete a field practicum or clinical experience. Because this requirement necessitates working with the public in a professional setting, it is important that the student has advanced interpersonal skills, mature judgment, and appropriate professional demeanor. Thus faculty in these programs will review students prior to the practicum and make appropriate recommendations up to and including removal from placement.
