By completing the School Nurse Certificate you will learn to meet the healthcare needs of children of all ages in diverse school settings. Health promotion, health risk reduction and heath education are emphasized across the curriculum. This program of study offers the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and maintain a comprehensive school health program.

The Villa Maria School, in cooperation with the School of Education, offers a post-baccalaureate

degree in nursing (BSN) certificate for school nursing. The school nurse certificate program

is open to registered nurses who have earned a BSN. Students who are currently enrolled in

Gannon University’s Villa Maria School of Nursing’s BSN program may take the courses for

the certificate during their undergraduate program, but do not qualify for enrollment in the

certification until licensed as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The purpose of this post-BSN certificate is to prepare nurses to meet the health care needs of

children of all ages in diverse school settings. Health promotion, risk reduction, and health

education are emphasized. The program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department

of Education.

Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan university dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Gannon’s faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and professional specializations. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, The University offer a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility. Gannon is located in Pennsylvania's fourth largest city and one of the busiest ports on the Great Lakes. Gannon’s urban campus, in the middle of downtown Erie, is within a two hour drive of Cleveland, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh. The unique location and facilities create a special atmosphere conducive to learning, scholarship, research, service, and personal growth. With approximately 20,000 students within a 20-mile radius, Erie, Pennsylvania is a college town. Right next door to Gannon's downtown campus, you'll find internship opportunities and co-op jobs with government agencies, local businesses and hospitals. When your school day is done, you'll have plenty of fun as well. Explore museums, galleries, theaters and restaurants right in the heart of the city, all steps away from Gannon-and seven miles of Lake Erie beaches close by. Gannon University and the Office of Campus Police and Safety are committed to providing a safe living and learning environment for its campus. Gannon’s goal is to create an environment that focuses on crime prevention and problem solving through awareness and education.