Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Cardiovascular Nursing, GC


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The Graduate Certificate in Cardiovascular Nursing provides advanced training in cardiovascular health and disease management to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), specifically certified nurse practitioners (NPs). The graduate certificate program prepares students to practice in a focused area and build on the APRN role/population-focus competencies. 

The 12-hour program is comprised of three courses, with 8 graduate credit hours of didactic content delivered in online, accelerated eight-week terms, and 4 graduate credit hours earned in 120 contact hours of clinical practicum experiences in various healthcare settings. 

The graduate certificate is designed to be an enhancement, not a substitute, for a graduate degree. Students who complete the program will earn a graduate certificate that will appear on their permanent transcript. The certificate program may be pursued in conjunction with a Master’s of Science in Nursing Degree, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration. 

Admission Requirements


To be considered for application and admission to the Graduate Certificate program in Cardiovascular Nursing, the following are required: 

  • Graduate School online application;
  • Application fee;
  • Official transcripts from all universities attended*;
  • Proof of Immunization;
  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited undergraduate Nursing program and either
    1. Current enrollment MSN or BSN to DNP program and, for those matriculating in the FNP concentration in the Master of Science in Nursing Program through one of the four universities {UL Lafayette, McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, and Southeastern Louisiana University) that collaborate to form the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing (ICMSN), including current enrollment in or completion of NURS 583/683 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Family Health II or
    2. Completion of an accredited nurse practitioner program (in the role of FNP, adult/gerontology, NP or acute care NP population foci);
  • An overall undergraduate Grade Point Average of at least a 2. 75 (on a 4.0 scale) or an overall undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or an overall graduate GPA of not less than 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale);
  • Two letters of recommendation*; and
    • One recommendation must be from someone who can attest to the clinical competencies of the applicant at an Advanced Practice level.
    • One recommendation must be from a former faculty member in a nursing program, a current or former nursing supervisor, or a nursing leader who can speak to the applicant’s potential for success in the graduate certificate program.
  • Evidence of current, unencumbered Louisiana RN licensure and current, unencumbered Louisiana APRN Nurse Practitioner nursing license for current APRNs.

*If an applicant is a current student in the UL Lafayette MSN or BSN to DNP program in good academic standing, the application requirements of new official transcripts and letters of recommendation are waived.

Course Requirements


Students must successfully complete the three courses listed below with a grade of “B” or better to receive the Graduate Certificate in Cardiovascular Nursing: 

Program Duration and Schedule of Course Offerings


Students are admitted to this program only in the Spring B Term each year and they progress through the program as a cohort. Course work is delivered in two eight-week terms and one three-week session. The program is designed to be completed in six months as follows: 

Spring B Term


Spring Intercession


Summer Term


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