Devoted to Caring for the Mental and Emotional Needs of All Patients
Carlow University’s Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP) is for ethical healthcare professionals working professional nurses seeking to create a better healthcare system by contributing to fair and just mental health care – and all healthcare – for everyone.
Designed for working professional nurses is another distinguishing factor for our NP programs.
With more than 26 million individuals with a mental illness going untreated, our nation is in dire need of compassionate, ethical mental health leaders. Carlow’s PMHNP program is for students devoted to providing specialized assessment and treatment for a full range of mental health disorders, including counseling and medication management. Within this program, it is possible to specialize in certain types of patients, such as children, families, or those with substance abuse problems.
Credits Required:
- 19 courses for the MSN
- 14 courses for the Post MSN
- 9 courses for the Post MSN NP
Cost Per Credit:
$918
Time to Degree:
As few as 28 months
Delivery:
100% online
PMHNP Curriculum
The greater demand for PMHNPs coincides with a dramatic increase in reported cases of depression and anxiety, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring that get the treatment they need remains a key concern. With such an unmet need for service providers in this specialty to care for existing patients and help new ones, the demand for more nurses to pursue this specialty will likely only grow.
Quick Facts
- The ideal student is a nurse with compassion, sensitivity, and exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. It requires someone who can be objective and empathetic who understands that a person isn’t defined by their mental health condition.
- Graduates of Carlow’s nursing programs are prepared to be innovative, caring, compassionate, ethical members of a healthcare team. The opportunity for interdisciplinary education with psychology and social work peers is a distinct advantage.
- Carlow has 75 years of experience in educating nurses and the nurse practitioner programs have had 97-100% pass rates for certification boards over the past eight years.
- Carlow offers certification for nurses who already possess an MSN in another field of study.
- Upon completion of the degree or certification, the graduate can sit for a national certification exam, and upon passing, is given a professional, advanced practice license by the state board.
- Each state has a different licensing board, but they all require and accept the national certification. We utilize a board review course in the student’s final semester to help them successfully prepare and pass the certification exam.
75 Years of Nursing Excellence
For 75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.
Alternate Degree Completion Options
Online Degree
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
Accelerated
Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count towards both degrees. Apply for this option after your sophomore year.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
- 3.0 GPA Minimum for Admission
- Apply anytime, start date in the Fall Semester.
- It is possible to transfer up to 18 post-Masters credits.
- This program accepts international students.
- Current CV, graduate transcript, and an essay are required to apply.
- Three (3) professional recommendations are required.
Apply:
Any time
Start Terms:
Fall
Applicants for this program are eligible for the Anne Kisak endowed scholarship, upon acceptance and enrollment.
Contact Admissions
If you would like to learn more about the program, schedule an on-campus visit or attend an upcoming event.
Faculty & staff
Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor
Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor
Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor
Bernadette Sherman DNP, FNP-C, CRNP, GS-C Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor
Be the first to earn a Practical Nurse Certificate from Carlow University
You can become a part of the change needed in healthcare with a Practical Nurse Certificate from Carlow University. In just 16 months, you will be immersed in a nursing education that includes clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Direct patient care, community engagement and cultural experiences are integral to the program, as students will have the opportunity to explore intellectual endeavors, responding ethically and compassionately to diverse communities.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX) PN in Pennsylvania.
Credits required:
44
Cost per credit:
$559
Time to Completion:
As few as 16 months
Delivery:
On campus
Practical Nurse Certificate Program Curriculum
The Practical Nurse Certificate Program serves as the ideal foundational model for a career-building pathway in the healthcare field. The Practical Nurse Curriculum provides an environment that enhances the creativity of the learner who contributes freely as a valued team member. Various clinical and non-clinical-based projects and learning modalities will be incorporated into the educational model.
Quick Facts
- After completing the program, students will be able to provide competent, holistic care by applying relevant knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of the patient.
- The Pittsburgh metropolitan region is the state’s second largest employer of LPN’s accounting for 5,700 employed LPN’s.
- On-campus facilities include classroom settings, biology labs, nursing skills lab, and nursing simulation lab
Career Opportunities for Practical Nurse Certificate Program
Students who graduate from the program will be career ready and prepared to practice in healthcare settings that include long-term care, home care, rehabilitation facilities, physician offices, and community agencies.
By the year 2030 PA is expected to have a deficit of 18 ,700 FTE LPN’s.
75 Years of Nursing Excellence
75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutionsyou’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply:
Anytime
Start Term:
Fall
Nursing faculty
Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean
Angela Simmons DNP, MSN-NCEL, RN Founding Director Practical Nurse Program
Christin Smerkol Administrative Assistant II
Emma Ranft, MSN, RN, OCN Instructor
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Enhance your career opportunities in the biotech industry
Designed for the biotech working professional who is looking to effect change in the health sector, our Quality Control and Assurance Certificate program offers a pathway to new and impactful career paths in healthcare and the life science fields. Designed in partnership with industry leaders, this online certificate will equip you with employable skills that you can take into the workforce at any time.
- Gain knowledge of therapeutic and medical device life cycle management
- Learn how financial risk and regulations play a part in discovering and developing healthcare and medical products.
- Understand the integration of supply chain management and how it intersects with the healthcare sector
Credits required:
12 credits
Cost per credit:
$875/credit
Time to completion:
As few as 8 months
Delivery:
100% online
Quality Assurance and Control online courses include:
- Quality Assurance in Health Sector
- Pharmaceutical Business Lifecycle Management
- Supply Chain Management in Pharmaceutical Industry
- Financial Processes & Risk in Pharmaceutical Industry
Pittsburgh, a force in the biotech industry
The Pittsburgh Region, already known for its innovation and excellence in healthcare, is now a force in the biotech industry, one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. Here at Carlow, innovation is what drives us. We are partnering with industry leaders who share a vision for the future of Pittsburgh to provide solutions to meet the next great need.
“As an industry expert- Pittsburgh is committed to building the infrastructure needed to support those working in the biomedical and life science fields.”
— Patrick Bailey, BioTech Professional
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to answer any questions or assist you with the next steps.
Help students improve their literacy skills
As a reading specialist, you can help students identify their reading difficulties and develop methods to overcome those struggles by providing remedial instructions. The Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist prepares you to teach reading programs at various educational levels.
Credits required:
25 credits
Cost per credit:
$600/credit
Time to completion:
As few as 12 months
Delivery:
Online
In-Person Practicum
Graduate Certificate in Reading Specialist Curriculum
Interested in pursuing a a graduate certificate in Reading Specialist with an embedded Dyslexia Certificate from Carlow University?
Carlow Univeristy is a LEADER in the field of evidenced-aligned reading instruction. Carlow Reading Specialist candidates learn how to deliver systematic, explicit, multi-modal, diagnostic and intensive instruction.
At Carlow University, our Reading Specialist program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). We are in an elite crowd, as one of only a small number of universities nationwide with IDA accreditation! Best of all, Carlow’s Reading Specialist certificate program is available online, with class meeting times occurring synchronously (virtually) and asynchronously.
At Carlow all of our coursework is aligned to IDA and Structured Literacy, and we are proud to have been awarded IDA accreditation for our MEd in Reading Specialist program!
Unique options exist, that meet various needs:
1. Four Course Dyslexia Certificate, 12 credits
- READ 721 Dyslexia and Structured Literacy
- READ722 Critical Components of Phonological Awareness
- READ723 Structures of Language & Linguistics I
- READ 724 Data Integration and Instruction
2. Reading Specialist Certificate, 25 credits
The four courses in the Dyslexia Certificate, plus:
- READ 725 Teachers as Writers
- READ 726 Critical Analysis of Text
- SE 711 Disciplinary and Digital Literacy
- READ 729 Structures of Language & Linguistics II
- READ 740 Evaluating Literacy Curriculum
3. MEd in Reading Specialist, 31 credits
All courses in the Dyslexia Certificate and the Reading Specialist Certificate, plus:
- READ 727 Adolescent and Adult Literacy
- ED 731 Creative Inquiry
International Dyslexia Association’s Accredited Universities
Center for Effective Reading Instruction, Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist
Quick facts
- International Dyslexia Association, IDA Accredited
- Practioner oriented equipping teachers of reading and writing with Structured Literacy and evidenced-aligned teaching practices
- Faculty instructors who serve as national LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainers, Certified Orton-Gillingham Fellows, and literacy leaders and practitioners in the field
- Connected to Carlow’s Campus Laboratory School where Reading Specialist candidates have the unique opportunity of working directly with students with dyslexia in the school’s multi-sensory learning lab
- Partnerships with regional schools that enhance professional development
- No student teaching required
- Approved provider for the federal TEACH Grant
Career opportunities for reading specialists
Highly qualified Reading Specialists who possess a deep knowledge in the body of research known as the Science of Reading are in high demand. As NAEP, National Assessment of Educational Progress continues to report, nearly two-thirds of our nation’s 4th and 8th graders are reading below proficiency. Teacher knowledge is key in resolving this literacy crisis. Carlow’s rigorous coursework equips literacy practitioners with the essential knowledge and critical skills needed to support students, systems, and stakeholders in closing literacy achievment gaps for students across our county.
Work as a Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach, Interventionist, Consultant, Specialized Dyslexia Tutor, or Independent Literacy Contractor in a variety of settings!
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall and Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Follow us on social media
Follow us and stay up-to-date on events and opportunities to learn more about our program and faculty.
Testimonials
“Carlow’s Dyslexia Certificate is exceptional! The knowledge gained throughout my experience has helped me to better support and understand evidence based practices that are beneficial for all students and vital for students with dyslexia. In addition to the coursework and learning, I found valuable relationships in the Carlow faculty! The professors were excellent in their knowledge base, course structures, and accessibility. Knowing that all our students deserve instruction rooted in what the collective science says about how the brain learns to read, working through Carlow’s Dyslexia Certificate program was a must for me!”
-Tanya Lewis is a principal in the Butler Area School District, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Carlow’s Educational Leadership Program and Dylslexia Teaching Certificate track
“I recently completed the accelerated, one-year MEd Reading Specialist and Dyslexia Certification program at Carlow University. I was initially attracted to Carlow because of the IDA accreditation, course offerings, and virtual instruction. Each course in the MEd Reading Specialist program and accompanying texts expanded my knowledge of reading science and structured literacy. The practicum experiences allowed me to put my new learning into practice. My fondest memories of Carlow are the classes taught by enthusiastic, expert instructors in the field of literacy. I am proud to be a Carlow graduate, reading specialist, and a CERI Certified Structured Literacy Interventionist!”
-Laurie Gibbons is a Reading Specialist in Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program with embedded Dyslexia Certificate
“I highly recommend Carlow University’s MEd Reading Specialist program to anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction and structured literacy. The professors are knowledgeable educators who have a wealth of experience in the field of education. The coursework helped me dive deeper into how children learn to read, the difficulties they may experience, and how to facilitate learning for students who struggle with reading. The embedded practicum allowed me to use the skills I was learning and provided opportunities for feedback and discussion with my professors and peers.”
-Sarah Seyler is a Reading Coach in Sussex County Public Schools, Virginia and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program with embedded Dyslexia Certificate
“My courses in the Reading Specialist program at Carlow have been career-changing. I have been an elementary teacher for 17 years and have learned more about teaching reading in courses I’ve taken than I have in my previous combined eight years of higher education. Already having an MEd, obtaining another was not my original plan. Being introduced to the Science of Reading and getting a taste of the research changed my mind. I want to keep learning and growing as a teacher and soak up as much knowledge as I can from the amazing professors and education department at Carlow.”
-Samantha Buterbaugh is a teacher in South Butler County School District, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program with embedded Dyslexia Certificate
Prepare to help meet the educational needs of students with disabilities
Carlow University’s Special Education program at the graduate level prepares teachers to meet the needs of children with a wide variety of mental, physical, social, emotional and behavioral disabilities in multiple settings. You will learn to adapt general education lessons and prepare specifically designed instruction to effectively teach students with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities including intellectual disabilities, other health impaired, phsycial disabilities, emotional disorders, and specific language disabilities. You will learn about adaptive and assistive technology, positive behavior inteventions, autism, and dyslexia supports.
This certificate program and resulting PreK-12 special education certification can be added to an existing PA teaching license, or it can be completed by those individuals with no previous teaching experience or licensure.
Credits required:
26 credits
Delivery:
$600/credit
Time to completion:
As few as 18 months
Delivery:
Online
Student Teaching In-Person
26 credits for those with an existing general teaching license. Additional courses are required for initial teacher certification in PA.
Graduate Certificate in Special Education curriculum
You will experience an accelerated program with eight-week online courses .The graduate Special Education program includes 23 credit hours of coursework focusing on the practical application of research-based special education theoretical constructs and methodology and 3 credits of student teaching. Coursework includes methods in mild/moderate disabilities, methods in severe and profound, adaptive and assistive technology, dyslexia, and positive behavioral supports.
Additional coursework is required for those seeking initial teacher certification in PA.
Quick facts
- Emphasizes meeting needs of students with a wide range of disabilities and positive behavior support
- Specialized training in Dyslexia
- Latest special education technology
- Approved provider for the federal TEACH Grant
Career opportunities for special education teachers
Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students at the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels. Others work in private schools, child care services and other institutions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029. Demand for special education services and teachers should rise as disabilities are being identified earlier and as children with disabilities are enrolled into special education programs.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
Expand your knowledge
Carlow made life easy for Jennifer Do, MEd as she earned a master’s and then a graduate certificate in special education while maintaining her full-time job. “I needed them to understand I worked in the field already, that I had years of experience, and that I wanted to learn more. They challenged me and made me think about the world around me. They helped me to grow into a leadership position. Carlow fit into my life, and to this day I still reach out to the staff.”
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Transform lives, transform your career.
This evidence-based Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program uses a trauma-informed lens to prepare you for future advanced-level social work practice. Our experienced faculty continually provide opportunities and individualized coaching to provide you pathways into your preferred social work setting.
Carlow University’s MSW program includes interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration with three distinct tracks – direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.
This program is offered in an online modality.
Quick Facts
- Be prepared for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master’s exam and for professional licensure.
- You can complete your MSW degree with respect to your unique lifestyle. A faculty advisor will assist you with this planning.
- Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline.
The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Carlow University is to educate and prepare ethical, compassionate professionals committed to a more just and merciful world. The MSW program promotes a trauma and research informed approach to professional social work practice to promote human and societal well-being and human rights. The program is committed to preparing exemplary leaders to critically engage in service to and advocacy for diverse populations and complex systems using a cultural humility lens to promote racial, social, economic, and environmental justice.
Credits required:
39-60+ credits
Cost per credit:
Varies
Time to degree:
As few as 24 months
Delivery:
Online
Master of Social Work Program Specializations
Direct Practice
Direct Practice specialization focuses on teaching best practices for a range of assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups. It is grounded in:
- the person-in-the-environment framework
- trauma-informed approaches
- human rights
- social and economic justice for a more merciful world
This specialization is designed for students seeking careers providing direct services to clients experiencing various challenges across their lifespan within a variety of settings, including:
- hospitals
- health and mental health agencies
- public safety organizations
- correctional facilities
- community counseling centers
- various social service organizations
Macro Practice
Macro Practice specialization is designed to develop strengths-based and trauma-informed ethical leaders and managers of human services organizations and social change leaders who advance human well-being. Students are taught best practices for working with larger systems, including communities, organizations, and societies.
The macro curriculum is grounded in a commitment to human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. It is designed for students seeking a future in:
- human services leadership and management
- policy analysis and advocacy
- social change leadership at the local, state, and national levels
School Social Work
School Social Work specialization builds on key components of the MSW program’s direct practice track, teaching best practices for various assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups in schools and school-based settings.
The school social work curriculum is grounded in the person-in-the-environment framework, trauma-informed approaches, human rights, and social and economic justice.
This specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills required for ethical leadership within:
- schools
- across larger educational programs and systems
- for policy practice related to public and private preschool, elementary, and secondary schools
Carlow also offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Social Work (MBA/MSW) dual degree program. This is a unique interdisciplinary degree, which offers the opportunity to examine both the theoretical and practical aspects of business administration while also studying social work.
Who can apply?
You do not need a BSW to enter the MSW Program. People with a wide variety of undergraduate degrees can enter the MSW program to become a social worker. Traditional MSW students can earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 60 credits.
Advanced Standing track
If you already have a BSW from an CSWE-accredited program, you will qualify for application for advanced standing. This track allows you to complete this degree at Carlow in as few as 18 months (39 credits).
Students who have earned an undergraduate social work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the past 7 years qualify for advanced standing status. Advanced standing students are able to earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 39- credits (an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for advanced standing status).
Career opportunities for MSW Graduates
Graduates find employment and become leaders in many practice settings. These include integrated behavioral health settings such as hospitals, community mental health centers, substance use facilities, school systems and criminal justice facilities. Graduates work with underserved populations including children, adults, elders, individuals with disabilities and those experiencing a crisis. They are also prepared to work in the policy arena and to serve and lead in larger systems such as NGO’s, non-profit entities and governmental organizations as well as engaging in community advocacy.
Be supported at Carlow
What stood out for MSW graduate Brandy Patterson ’20 was how supportive Carlow’s faculty and staff were, especially in the Social Work Program. “I always felt like I was able to reach out to whomever I needed at the time to get the help that I needed. If I were to give a yelp review for the Masters of Social Work program I would say it is very supportive and flexible which is great for adult students. You will never feel alone or lost in this program.”
Accreditation
Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program is proud to announce that it has received Initial Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation following the June 2020 program review. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensuring that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and program reviews.
Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.
Resources
- View or download the Master of Social Work Student Handbook [pdf]
- View or download the Master of Social Work field manual [pdf]
- View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall & Spring*
*Summer start is possible for advanced standing only
MSW faculty
Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline. Our six full-time faculty have a combined total of 100+ years of experience in the practice of teaching or in the field of social work
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Pamela C. Twiss, PhD, MSW Chairperson and Associate Professor
Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Ashley Soske, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Earn your graduate certificate in forensic accounting online
You can pursue a new career or seek promotion in the field with a graduate certificate in fraud and forensics. The program combines case-based learning with top anti-fraud resources from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to help prepare you to investigate, remediate and prevent fraud.
Credits required:
11 credits
Cost per credit:
$929/credit
Time to completion:
As few as 2 semesters
Delivery:
100% Online
Forensic accounting certificate curriculum
You will learn key strategies to minimize fraud, build an understanding of required personal ethics and hone the skill of financial statement examination. Courses include lectures and videos from experts in the forensic accounting field.
Upon completion, you will be prepared to pursue ACFE certification. Credits earned in this certificate program can be used toward a master’s in fraud and forensics.
Quick Facts
- Learn through case-based learning
- Be prepared for ACFE certification
Career opportunities for forensic accounting
Heightened awareness and growing intolerance of fraudulent activity has increased demand for forensic accountants, according to the ACFE. Once certified, forensic accountants can hold positions in governmental departments, accounting firms, corporate security and risk management, and law firms.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Fraud & Forensics faculty
Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Department Chair, Program Director of MA in Psychology and MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Earn a certificate in Addiction Counseling
Carlow University’s Post-Masters Addiction Counseling certificate is a four-course sequence for new as well as experienced clinicians who want to enhance their knowledge and understanding of addictions. The Post-Master’s Addiction Counseling certificate is housed within the Professional Counseling Program in the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Criminology, College of Arts & Sciences. The Professional Counseling Program offers a variety of CACREP-accredited programs: 60-credit Masters of Science in Professional Counseling Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Addictions Counseling; 12-credit Post-Masters Certificate in Addictions Counseling; 9-credit Post-Masters Certificate in School-Based Mental Health Counseling; and the Accelerated Masters Professional Counseling Program for Carlow Undergraduates.
The Post-Master’s Addiction Counseling certificate (12 credits) meets the Addictions-specific education requirements for the IC&RC Examination for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselors (AADC exam) and PA Certification Board – Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Through this program, students will build the foundation for competency in Addiction Counseling.
Credits required:
12 credits
Cost per credit:
$1,015/credit
Time to completion:
3 semesters
Delivery:
100% online
Curriculum for Addictions Counseling Certificate
The four certificate courses are:
- PRC 738 Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling
- PRC 739 Substance Abuse Counseling Theories and Interventions
- PRC 741 The Biological Bases of Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction
- PRC 743 Co-occurring Disorders: Counseling Clients with Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Disorders.
Quick facts
- Complete in one year
- Accumulate 180 hours of addiction-specific coursework needed for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification
- Degree program centered around multicultural and social justice
Career opportunities for Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Employment of substance abuse and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Admission requirements and application process
Admission Criteria
- Master degree in Counseling or related profession from an accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Evidence of work and/or volunteer experience in a helping field
- Ability to perform all the program’s essential standards required to practice as a professional counselor
- Ability to demonstrate professional dispositions and behaviors
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Admission Criteria
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- A professional essay describing your professional career goals in Addiction Counseling
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.
Counseling faculty
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Pamela C. Twiss, PhD, MSW Chairperson and Associate Professor
Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Ashley Soske, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Advance your career as a women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP)
The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate allows students who already have a Master’s of Science in Nursing to be certified as nurse practitioners for women’s health. The post-master’s nursing certificate will prepare you for advanced practice nursing in OB/GYN offices, hospital-based women’s clinics, inpatient prenatal and postpartum settings, and clinics in both urban and rural medically underserved communities.
Graduates are eligible to be certified as women’s health nurse practitioners across the life span.
Once certified, women’s health nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings where they provide preventive care such as well-woman exams, breast cancer screenings, Pap tests or contraceptive care. WHNPs may also provide adolescent health care, pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, prenatal visits, after-pregnancy care and menopausal care.
Credits required:
35 credits
Cost per credit:
$918/credit
Time to completion:
As few as 27 months
Delivery:
On campus or online
Post-master’s nursing certificate curriculum
You will complete 35 course credits as well as 600 clinical hours, which may take place in a variety of urban and rural health care agencies in the Pittsburgh region.
Quick facts
- Position yourself for an in-demand career
- Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab (CSCIL)
- Take classes in Oakland, Westmoreland or Cranberry
- Prepare for WHNP certification
Alternate certificate completion option
Online Certificate
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
Career Opportunity
Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
75 Years of Nursing Excellence
For 75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a supervisor) that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Also, you must have:
- A current, valid and unrestricted license as a registered nurse
- Completed an approved undergraduate statistics course
Apply
anytime
Start term:
Fall
An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required.
Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner faculty
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Pamela C. Twiss, PhD, MSW Chairperson and Associate Professor
Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Ashley Soske, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Empower patients as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate allows students who already have a Master’s of Science in Nursing to be certified as nurse practitioners for individuals and families. The post-master’s certificate will prepare you for advanced practice nursing in home health agencies, physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, family health centers, and clinics in both urban and rural communities.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to be certified as family/individual nurse practitioners across the life span.
As a certified nurse practitioner, you’ll diagnose and treat acute, episodic or chronic illness, working with a physician and as part of a health care team. Nurse practitioners may order, perform or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays and may prescribe medication.
Credits required:
36 credits
Cost per credit:
$918/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 27 months
Delivery:
On campus or online
Post-Master’s Certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum
You will complete 36 course credits as well as 600 clinical hours, which may take place in a variety of urban and rural health care agencies in the Pittsburgh region.
Quick facts
- Prepare for FNP certification
- Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
- Take classes in Oakland, Westmoreland or Cranberry
Alternate certificate completion option
Online Certificate
Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.
Career opportunities for Family Nurse Practitioners
Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
75 Years of Nursing Excellence
For 75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.
Admission requirements and application process
You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:
- Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
- Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a supervisor) that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Also, you must have:
- A current, valid and unrestricted license as a registered nurse
- Completed an approved undergraduate statistics course
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall & Spring
An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required.
Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.
Family Nurse Practitioner faculty
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Marsha Frank, PhD, LCSW Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Pamela C. Twiss, PhD, MSW Chairperson and Associate Professor
Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Ashley Soske, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
© Copyright 2025 Carlow University. All rights reserved.
Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.