This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The 12-credit Certificate in Health Care Quality will prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote the delivery of high-quality, safe and patient-centered care. Students will gain specialized skills in technology and informatics to manage and communicate patient information. Students will be able to analyze and interpret data to make evidence-based decisions that improve the quality and safety of patient care. Students will implement evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes. By aligning the certificate's curriculum with the industry-recognized Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality competency model and Virginia's state-level quality improvement imperatives, the program ensures a direct and measurable positive impact on patient outcomes, system efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Program Goals
The VCU School of Nursing graduate certificate in healthcare quality aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote the delivery of high-quality, safe, and patient-centered care.
Student learning outcomes
Graduates will:
- Assess the quality and safety of healthcare delivery
- Utilize technology and informatics to manage and communicate patient information
- Analyze and interpret data to make evidence-based decisions that improve the quality and safety of patient care
- Implement evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes
VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs
The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.
It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.
Graduation requirements
As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.
Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.
Admission requirements
| Degree: | Semester(s) of entry: | Deadline dates: | Test requirements: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Summer | Rolling admissions made on a space-available basis |
Note: No admissions test is required for this program.
To be considered for admission to the School of Nursing, applicants must:
-
Meet the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School
-
Be eligible for readmission or be in good standing at the last college or university attended
-
Submit a completed application with all required materials to the School of Nursing
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Be a baccalaureate (or higher) graduate of an accredited program
-
Provide additional information with the application according to the English language proficiency guidelines for applicants who are international or non-native English speakers without a degree from a U.S. high school, college or university (additional information can be found on the ‘Required materials' tab of the VCU International Admissions website)
Note: Requests for exceptions to the above criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Degree requirements
Students will complete course work to develop specific knowledge and specialized skills necessary to promote the delivery of high-quality, safe, and patient-centered care.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| NURS 744 | Foundations in Knowledge and Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 748 | Advanced Specialty Practice Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 757 | Health information Technology and Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 764 | Scientific Foundations for Healthcare Safety and Improvement | 3 |
The minimum total of graduate credit hours required for this certificate in 12.
Students who complete the requirements for this program will receive a Certificate in Healthcare Quality.
Contact
Tammy Williams, Ph.D., RN
Clinical assistant professor and undergraduate program director
tewilliams@vcu.edu
(804) 828-3388
Additional contact
Teri Smith
Academic affairs operations coordinator
tjsmith3@vcu.edu
(804) 828-9278
Program website: nursing.vcu.edu