School Nurse
Care for Students. Support School Communities.
School nurses play a vital role in promoting student health, supporting academic success and creating safe learning environments. PennWest University's School Nurse Certificate prepares registered nurses with the specialized knowledge and clinical experience needed to practice in K–12 schools. Designed to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements, this 16-credit certificate equips you to address the medical, developmental and public health needs of children and adolescents while collaborating with educators, families and community partners.
This program is for you if...
- You're a registered nurse who wants to work in a K–12 school setting.
- You want to qualify for Pennsylvania school nurse certification.
- You're passionate about improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
- You desire to expand your nursing career into education and public health.
- You're interested in promoting healthy school environments through prevention, advocacy and collaboration.
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Global Online
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XX Credits for AA
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XX Credits for BS
What You'll Study
You'll explore the unique role of the school nurse while developing expertise in child and adolescent health, school health services, communicable disease prevention, mental and behavioral health, medication administration and emergency response. Coursework also addresses special education, individualized healthcare planning, school law, mandated reporting and collaboration with families, educators and community agencies. Two practicum experiences provide 120 hours of supervised clinical practice in K–12 school settings, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world environments.
Degrees, Certificates
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
Concentrations
There are no concentrations for this program.
How You'll Learn
Complete the School Nurse Certificate fully online while gaining hands-on experience through two supervised practicum placements. The curriculum combines flexible online coursework with 120 clinical hours, preparing you to deliver comprehensive school health services and meet Pennsylvania certification requirements.
What You'll Become
You'll be prepared to serve as a certified school nurse, providing healthcare, health education and care coordination for students in K–12 schools. Upon completing the certificate, your BSN program and the NCLEX-RN, you'll be eligible to apply for the Pennsylvania Department of Education School Nurse PK–12 Certificate (Educational Specialist I), opening opportunities to support student health and academic success across the Commonwealth.
Career Paths
- School nursing
- Student health services
- Public health nursing
- Community health
- Child and adolescent health
- School health administration
- Health education
- Special education support
- Pediatric nursing
- Educational health services
Colin Zerbe
Colin Zerbe came to PennWest Clarion with compassion and curiosity, and found the community, preparation, and hands-on experience to turn both into a nursing career.
120 Clinical Hours
Gain hands-on experience through two supervised school nurse practicums.
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Affordable Programs
Tuition & FeesDiscover quality education that fits your budget with our affordable programs at PennWest.
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Success Coaching
Success at PennWestAchieve your academic goals with personalized guidance from our dedicated student success coaches.
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Post-Graduation Support
Life After PennWestWe're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.