Secondary Keyword 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

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.

Faculty & staff

Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair, Graduate Nursing Department

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Foreman, DNP, RN, APRN, FNP-BC Assistant Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Bernadette Sherman Director, Clinical Education, Associate Professor

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

Nursing faculty

Diana Kozlina-Peretic, DNP, CRNP, MSN, RN Associate Dean

Angela Simmons, DNP, MSN-NCEL, RN Assistant Professor, Founding Program Director, Practical Nurse Program

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.

Quality Assurance and Control online courses include:

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

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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.

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 

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

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.

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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.

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 

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

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.”

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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.   

Curriculum for Addictions Counseling Certificate

The four certificate courses are: 

Quick facts

• Learn at your own pace
• Apply earned credits toward a master’s or doctoral degree
• Gain required CEUs for licensure

Admission requirements and application process

Admission Criteria

Admission Criteria

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

Fawn Robinson, PHD, NCC, ACS, LPC Field Coordinator, Associate Professor, Professional Counseling

Travis Schermer, PhD, LPC Adjunct Lecturer

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.

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, Greensburg 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.

Admission requirements and application process

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

Fawn Robinson, PHD, NCC, ACS, LPC Field Coordinator, Associate Professor, Professional Counseling

Travis Schermer, PhD, LPC Adjunct Lecturer

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.

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, Greensburg 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.

Admission requirements and application process

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

Fawn Robinson, PHD, NCC, ACS, LPC Field Coordinator, Associate Professor, Professional Counseling

Travis Schermer, PhD, LPC Adjunct Lecturer

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.

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

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Fraud & Forensics faculty

Joseph Roberts, PhD Professor, Program Director of MA in Psychology, MS in Fraud and Forensics, and Undergraduate Criminology

Become a health care leader: Certificate in Healthcare Management

You can build the skills needed to become a dynamic leader responsible for overseeing management of small- and large-scale health organizations with a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management from Carlow University. You’ll build the exceptional, organizational, financial and communication skills necessary for success in this field.

You’ll learn the ins and outs of strategic planning, project and inventory management and patient administration and cultivate an understanding of management practices and professional standards, as well as finance and ethical leadership.

Upon completion of the Healthcare Management certificate program, you will be prepared to work for doctor’s offices and in hospital administration. Health care professionals who seek this degree are often looking to move up in hospital organizations.

Healthcare Management certificate curriculum

The Healthcare Project Management course covers concepts and strategies to facilitate effective project management, including project selection and initiation, identifying teams and time management. In Healthcare Innovation and Quality, you will learn about innovations in health promotion, disease prevention and patient safety; you will examine measurement systems, data collection and medical informatics usage. Fiscal Management focuses on managerial accounting, cost analysis and budgeting.

Quick facts

• Build an understanding of fiscal management in health care
• Give your health care career a competitive edge
• Apply earned credits toward an MBA degree

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Healthcare Management faculty

Howard A. Stern, PhD, MA, MPA, MSIS Professor, MBA Program Director, Director of The Center for 21st Century Innovation and Workforce Development