Become an effective healthcare teacher and leader
The graduate certificate in healthcare education from Washburn University is an 100% online program designed for healthcare professionals who want focused preparation for teaching, training and supporting learning in clinical and academic settings. The certificate may be completed as a stand-alone credential or used to support future completion of the Master of Health Science degree.
A flexible & online certificate
This 12-credit graduate certificate prepares you to design instruction, facilitate learning and evaluate outcomes across clinical, organizational and academic settings.
The certificate program is delivered fully online in eight-week courses and can be completed in as two semesters. This program is deal for healthcare professionals who want to focus specifically on teaching and training without committing to a full master's degree.
The curriculum is designed to address education-focused competencies commonly expected of educators in accredited health professions programs. For nurses who already hold a master's or doctoral degree, coursework may support preparation relevant to the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential, based on the National League for Nursing's current CNE eligibility requirements.
Jobs & opportunities for health care certificate graduates
Employment for postsecondary teachers is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It 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
$83,980*
Student/Faculty Ratio
15:1
Job Growth
+7%
(2024-2034)"...Truly a rewarding experience..."
"The MHS post-graduate certificate experience was truly a rewarding experience. I entered into the program, taking the Instructional Technology course first and it incorporated learning educational foundations while simultaneously learning about how to incorporate this with active learning and appropriate up-to-date instruction technology.
I utilized all of the information I learned in my courses within my physical therapy educational strategies. In addition, the courses were very well organized and easy to follow allowing for self-paced learning within each week. This was a vital piece, as I am a very busy educator and administrator for a physical therapy assistant program and efficient and organized ways to access and complete my additional responsibilities as a post-professional student were key for my retention and success."
- Ali, Physical Therapist & Associate Dean of Health Science and PTA Program Director
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 (undergraduate clinical education experience counts)
- 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 healthcare certificate program
Stated deadlines are preferred timelines; however, applications received after the preferred deadline will be considered.
- 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 Healthcare Education" 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)
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
Start with this certificate to build your teaching and leadership skills, then continue seamlessly into the Master of Health Science (M.H.S.) degree. Coursework from the certificate can be applied toward the master's program, helping you save time while advancing your career.
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
