Nursing in School Health Services Certificate
November 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
Overview
The Nursing in School Health Services Undergraduate Certificate is designed for Registered Nurses with any degree who are interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in promoting school health services in grades K-12. This 100 percent online certificate prepares you to examine services and strategies to promote health in schools*. Core content will cover the roles, responsibilities, and skills needed to promote health in schools. Assignments will promote a state, national and global understanding of the scope and resources to promote school health based on existing standards and evidence-based practice. There is no field experience for this certificate.
The Nursing in School Health Services Certificate prepares you to administer school health services, however it does not lead to School Nurse licensure. If you are an Ohio RN interested in earning an Ohio Department of Education School Nurse license, consider our School Nurse Professional Pupil Services Licensure certificate program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers we hope you find helpful. Please know that our team is ready to connect and answer any questions that are specific to your unique needs.
The Nursing in School Health Services Certificate prepares you to administer school health services, however it does not lead to School Nurse licensure. If you are an Ohio RN interested in earning an Ohio Department of Education School Nurse license, consider our School Nurse Professional Pupil Services Licensure Certificate program.
Applicants must have an active and unrestricted RN license, have completed a nursing degree program accredited through ACEN or CNEA, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
No, the Nursing in School Health Services Certificate program does not admit international students.
State authorization refers to regulations that impact online and on-ground education offered across state lines and programs that lead to state licenses or certifications. Compliance with these regulations ensures that an Ohio State degree will be recognized. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review each state’s educational requirements for licensure or certification. Each state has unique authorization requirements, so Ohio State must review each state’s laws to ensure that the university is in compliance. At Ohio State, we have a team dedicated to researching regulations, seeking and maintaining compliance, communicating changes in authorization status, and disclosing state licensure and certification information. For more information on your specific state’s licensing board, please refer to State Authorization.
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Academic Calendar
For the convenience of online students, the online Nursing in School Health Services Certificate program admits new students twice per year (spring and summer terms).
Academic Calendar
For the convenience of online students, the online Nursing in School Health Services Certificate program admits new students twice per year (spring and summer terms).
Admission Criteria
To apply for this online nursing certificate program, you must have the following:
- 2.5 Cumulative GPA
- Cumulative GPAs include all coursework attempted at the undergraduate level and are calculated by Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions office.
- Active and unrestricted RN License
- You must have an active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the state where you practice. Students may apply to the certificate before receiving their license, but must have it prior to beginning enrollment in the certificate coursework.
- Completion of a nationally accredited nursing program (Diploma, 2-year associate degree or a 4-year BSN)
- Reside in an authorized state
- To participate in the Nursing in School Health Services Certificate, you must reside in an authorized state.
How do I apply?
- Apply online
- You can complete an application online on Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions website.
- Submit a summary of your RN license
- Applicants are required to submit the Board Action from the state board of nursing licensure verification website from the state where the student is licensed. The form must indicate whether the license is unencumbered. Submit this summary document as a PDF file at the time of application or after by way of the Admissions Uploader. We will not accept documentation that does not provide the following information:
- Student’s Full Name
- License Number
- Expiration Date
- State of Authorization
- Board Action Status
- Applicants are required to submit the Board Action from the state board of nursing licensure verification website from the state where the student is licensed. The form must indicate whether the license is unencumbered. Submit this summary document as a PDF file at the time of application or after by way of the Admissions Uploader. We will not accept documentation that does not provide the following information:
- Submit all college transcripts
- Applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have previously attended at both either the undergraduate or graduate levels. This includes transcripts for any post-secondary courses taken during high school or of coursework that appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts from The Ohio State University do not need to be submitted
Applications for certificate programs are not reviewed until after the application deadline.
Admission Timeline
You can download an overview of the admissions timeline here. This admissions timeline covers what you can expect throughout the application process, including an anticipated timeline for when admissions decisions will be released and next steps if you are offered admission.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Ohio State’s online Nursing in School Health Services Certificate prepares registered nurses to become school nurses, school health services coordinators, and health educators in schools, focusing on the unique needs of students within educational settings. This online certificate can also lead to career opportunities in public health and healthcare administration.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.
Work Activities
Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice or organizational systems. Collaborate with other health care professionals and service providers to ensure optimal patient care. Develop and maintain departmental policies, procedures, objectives, or patient care standards, based on evidence-based practice guidelines or expert opinion.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $66,030
- Mid Level: $93,600
- Senior Level: $135,320
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Acute Care Nurses
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Critical Care Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Registered Nurses
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Biology
- Psychology
What They Do
Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.
Work Activities
Observe patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, and taking any necessary action. Measure and record patients' vital signs, such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration. Administer prescribed medications or start intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patients' charts.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $47,960
- Mid Level: $62,340
- Senior Level: $80,510
Job Outlook
Average
Related Careers
- Acute Care Nurses
- Critical Care Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Paramedics
- Registered Nurses
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Psychology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Administration and Management
What They Do
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Work Activities
Record patients' medical information and vital signs. Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects. Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $66,030
- Mid Level: $93,600
- Senior Level: $135,320
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Acute Care Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Critical Care Nurses
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
Job Sectors
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Administrative
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
Work Activities
Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies and students' behavioral or learning problems. Monitor students' progress and provide students and teachers with assistance in resolving any problems. Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate primary and supplemental staff and recommend personnel actions for programs and services.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $37,060
- Mid Level: $56,270
- Senior Level: $96,400
Job Outlook
Below Average
Related Careers
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Psychology
What They Do
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
Work Activities
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations. Counsel students regarding educational issues, such as course and program selection, class scheduling and registration, school adjustment, truancy, study habits, and career planning. Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $43,580
- Mid Level: $65,140
- Senior Level: $105,870
Job Outlook
Average
Related Careers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- School Psychologists
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Therapy and Counseling
- Education and Training
- Psychology
What They Do
Provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. Use data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. May link health systems, health providers, insurers, and patients to address individual and population health needs. May serve as resource to assist individuals, other health professionals, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.
Work Activities
Prepare and distribute health education materials, such as reports, bulletins, and visual aids, to address smoking, vaccines, and other public health concerns. Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with agencies and organizations interested in public health care. Maintain databases, mailing lists, telephone networks, and other information to facilitate the functioning of health education programs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $42,210
- Mid Level: $63,000
- Senior Level: $112,900
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Community Health Workers
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administrative
- Psychology
What They Do
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Work Activities
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts. Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences. Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $51,760
- Mid Level: $105,620
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Health Education Specialists
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Sectors
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Biology
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Psychology
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
Through this 100% online certificate program, you’ll learn about the role of school health providers and the skills needed to promote of a healthy school environment. All required courses are asynchronous, meaning you can attend classes on your own time. Additional elective coursework may have synchronous sessions.
Introduction to the scope of roles and responsibilities of individuals providing school health services locally and globally within school and community settings. Consideration of regulatory directives, health goals and resources. Analysis of skills and factors used to promote healthy school environments.
Overview of the strategies for promoting school health on a daily, weekly and annual basis focusing on health promotion and disease prevention.
School health services for children with special needs based on best evidence. Interdisciplinary, legislative and professional aspects considered.
Elective determined from an approved list of courses. Students may take one (or more) of the online electives on the approved list of courses to enhance their understanding of the role of the nurse in the school setting:
- NRSADVN 3110 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
- NRSADVN 3430 Cultural Competence in Health Care: US and Global Contexts (2 credit hours)
- HW 2102- Optimizing Personal Health, Happiness, and Well-being
- HW 2200 Introduction to Health Literacy
- HW 2210 Dimensions of Wellness and Resilience
- HDFS 2200 Family Development
- HDFS 2410 Child Development
- SOCWORK 1140 Issues in Social Justice: Race, Gender, Sexality
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
Learn More
Program Faculty
The faculty of the Ohio State Nursing in School Health Services certificate program are distinguished professionals who bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication to the field of school health and nursing education.
Jeanie Bochenek, DNP, RN, NCSN | Evidence-based Practice (CH)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Jeanie Bochenek, DNP, RN, NCSN | Evidence-based Practice (CH) is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice within our College of Nursing that teaches online courses for the School Nurse Professional Pupil Services Licensure Certificate and the Undergraduate Certificate of Nursing in School Health Services.
Susan Praeger, EdD, APRN-CNP, FNASN
Associate Professor of Practice
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student, or either 8 credit hours (for graduate programs) or 12 credit hours (for undergraduate programs) each semester as a full-time student. Actual costs may vary.
| Tuition and Fees | Fee per credit hour (unless otherwise noted) | Part-Time – (per semester, based on approx. 6 credit hours/semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $522.71 (summer only – $392.04) | appx. $3,136 (depending on summer credits) |
| General Fee | $23.79 | $142.74 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 (per semester) |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 (per semester) |
| International Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 (per semester) |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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