Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Quality Safety and Risk Management

Certificate Level: Graduate
Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
Number of Credits to Completion: 9.0
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 51.3801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 11-9111

About the Program

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Quality, Safety, and Risk Management prepares nurses to build foundational competencies in advancing safe, high-quality, and equitable care across healthcare settings. Designed for nurses seeking specialized knowledge in QSRM without committing to a full graduate degree, this certificate offers focused coursework from the MSN: Quality, Safety, and Risk Management curriculum.

Students gain applied skills in quality improvement science, patient and workforce safety, risk mitigation, regulatory and accreditation standards, and data-driven decision-making. The program emphasizes systems thinking, high-reliability principles, and interprofessional collaboration to support organizational performance and patient safety outcomes. Through case-based learning and applied assignments, learners translate evidence into practice and contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Upon completion, graduates are prepared to support and lead improvement efforts, participate in safety and risk mitigation initiatives, and contribute to regulatory readiness and quality assurance activities in diverse healthcare environments.

This certificate also offers a pathway for continued graduate study. Students who successfully complete the PBC in QSRM and are admitted to the MSN program may apply certificate credits toward degree requirements, accelerating educational progression and career advancement.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a fully accredited program.

3.0 GPA or above on all previous coursework.

Official transcripts from all previous educational institutions are required.

Personal statement (no more than two and no less than one page, double-spaced) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of the following:

• Why you are choosing this particular program of study.
• Your plans upon completion of the certificate.
• How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this program.

Curriculum vitae or resume.

Two professional letters of recommendation from either a previous or immediate supervisor or a former faculty member who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill and potential aptitude for graduate study.

References will not be accepted from colleagues or family members.
The letters of recommendation requirement is waived if GPA is 3.0 or higher.

Degree Requirements