Advance your impact in healthcare practice
If you want to strengthen the knowledge and perspective you bring to your professional practice in healthcare, the Graduate Certificate in Health Science from Washburn University may be a strong fit for you.
The program is designed for health professionals who want graduate-level preparation in core health science competencies that support effective practice across clinical and organizational healthcare settings.
A flexible & online certificate
This 12-credit hour graduate certificate emphasizes ethical and legal decision-making, systems thinking, patient safety, research literacy and working with diverse and special patient populations. These areas are widely recognized as foundational to contemporary health care practice and applicable across a broad range of professional roles.
The certificate may be completed as a stand-alone credential or used to support future completion of the Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) degree.
The program is offered fully online and can be completed in as little as one year (fall/spring/summer) and entry into the program can occur at any semester, providing flexibility for working healthcare professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of health care systems and practice without committing to a full graduate degree.
Jobs & opportunities for health care certificate graduates
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow by 23% from 2024-2034, much faster than average! The BLS also predicts fields such as health specialties and nursing will experience better job prospects than others.
*Data reflect a range of roles and responsibility levels; outcomes vary based on health science specialty, educational background, experience, and geographic location.
Median Salary
$117,960*
Student/Faculty Ratio
15:1
Job Growth
+23%
(2024-2034)Admission requirements
To pursue this graduate certificate, the following is required:
- bachelor's degree and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in last 60 credit-hours*
- two years of professional healthcare experience
- GRE or GMAT not required
- open to residents of all U.S. states**
*conditional acceptance to candidates with bachelor's degree and cumulative GPA of 2.75-2.99 in last 60 credit-hours
**applicants residing in California can find information on the complaints process concerning out of state online schools through Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
More information about the health science certificate
Stated deadlines are preferred timelines; however, applications received after the preferred deadline will be considered.
- Summer Start: Apply by April 1
- Fall Start: Apply by June 1
- Spring Start*: Apply by October 1
*Since courses are offered only once per year, a spring start may disrupt sequencing. Inquire with the program coordinator.
- Complete the Washburn graduate program application.
- There is no fee to apply.
- When prompted select "Health Science" as your academic area of interest
- Select the "Graduate Certificate in Health Science" as the program
- Indicate your preferred start term
- Applicants will upload the following:
- Official or unofficial transcripts demonstrating completion of a bachelor's degree. Official transcripts are required only after being admitted, except when the bachelor's degree was earned at Washburn University. Official transcripts may be sent electronically to etranscripts@washburn.edu or via U.S. mail to: Admissions, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka KS 66621
- Resume demonstrating professional health care experience (undergraduate clinical education experience counts)
- One-page educational goals statement describing academic background, professional goals, and reasons for pursuing the MHS degree
All courses for this program are 8 weeks.
The certificate program does not qualify for Visa status. International students may apply for admission to this program by completing the admissions process through the Office of International Programs. Please submit the following:
- online graduate application form
- signed and completed Financial Disclaimer Form
- original financial supporting documents, such as a bank statement
- original transcripts of courses/grades from your undergraduate degree*
- Original iBT TOEFL or IELTS test score report. Go to English Proficiency Requirements for details.
- $70 international application/processing fee
*If your undergraduate degree was completed outside of the U.S., you must request a course-by-course evaluation of the transcripts by either ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.) or WES (World Education Services), and an original evaluation report must be sent to Washburn University by the evaluation service.
Ready to take the next step?
Start your application today. Applying is free.
This certificate is just the beginning
Whether you're looking to gain focused healthcare skills or continue toward a graduate degree, this certificate offers a flexible pathway. It can be completed on its own or applied toward the Master of Health Science (M.H.S.), giving you the option to expand your credentials and advance your career over time.
Program cost
No application fee is associated with this program. Tuition for in-state and out-of-state students is offered at the traditional online graduate rate of $643 per credit hour. The program requires 12 credit hours to complete. This program is eligible for financial aid.
GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Allied Health
Allied Health Department
School of Applied Studies, Room 201
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
785.670.2170
allied-health@washburn.edu
