Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)

Overview

If you have already earned a master’s degree and seek further preparation in a specialization to qualify for national certification, the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study is designed to meet your goal. The program is available in all of the specializations and areas of concentration offered within the Nursing master’s program. Please see below.

Curriculum

Courses are scheduled late in the day and in the evening to accommodate other demands on your schedule. For curriculum and more information about each program, visit their individual Web pages.

The curriculum meets the academic requirements of the national certificate examinations. Since requirements for the examinations differ for each specialization, you will need to contact the national certification association directly to find out what the eligibility requirements are for your specialization.

Admissions Requirements

  • Master’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE
  • Minimum graduate grade-point average of 3.300
  • Two years of post-master’s professional nursing practice
  • Current registration to practice nursing in the United States

And a completed application that includes:

  • A goal statement
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Official educational transcripts indicating an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.000 (B)

Experiential Learning

Because of Northeastern’s long experience and superb reputation in practice-oriented education, we are able to draw on a large array of affiliations, alumni, and professional connections to help place you in a healthcare setting that will enable you to reach your professional goals in whatever area of specialization you choose.

Practicum opportunities are available across all sectors of the healthcare system, including private, public, and nonprofit institutions and community programs. Some include…

  • Partner’s Integrated Delivery Systems
  • Tufts Medical Center
  • Care Group
  • Boston Medical Center
  • Cambridge Health Alliance
  • Neighborhood Health Centers in Boston & Cambridge
  • Long-term care, hospice, and rehabilitation centers