Advancing School Nursing Practice: Evidence-Based Leadership, Clinical Decision-Making, and Student Health Management in Educational Settings - EDC-X758AA

Course Description

Credit Validation for DoWEA Participants Only

This graduate-level course examines advanced concepts and practices in school nursing through the integration of evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, care coordination, public health principles, and educational leadership. Participants will explore the legal, ethical, regulatory, and professional standards that guide school health services while strengthening competencies in health assessment, emergency preparedness, chronic disease management, mental health support, special education collaboration, and student-centered care planning.

Through asynchronous learning modules, case studies, reflective practice, policy analysis, and applied learning activities, participants will develop the advanced knowledge, clinical judgment, and leadership skills necessary to deliver safe, equitable, and effective school health services that support student well-being and academic success.

Emphasizing the school nurse's role as a healthcare leader, advocate, educator, and collaborative member of multidisciplinary teams, the course prepares participants to integrate evidence-based nursing practice with educational priorities and public health principles; respond confidently to student health needs, emergencies, and complex care situations; and lead comprehensive school health programs that improve health and academic outcomes for children and adolescents. This course is aligned with the professional competencies and responsibilities of contemporary school nursing practice.

Learner Outcomes

• Apply evidence-based school nursing practices to assess, plan, implement, document, and evaluate health services that promote student health, safety, well-being, and academic success in educational settings
• Demonstrate advanced clinical decision-making and leadership skills in the prevention, identification, management, and evaluation of acute and chronic health conditions, public health concerns, and school-based emergencies affecting children and adolescents
• Integrate legal, ethical, regulatory, educational, and professional standards into comprehensive school health programs that support equitable access to education, interdisciplinary collaboration, emergency preparedness, and improved student health outcomes

Course Details

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours.

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for DoWEA Participants.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization 
Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Step 2: Complete the Course 
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments. (Some courses, specifically DoDEA courses, may require participants to purchase units before the course ends; please check the enrollment window for details.)

Step 3: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization and completing your program, return to USD’s website.

• Locate the same course on our listings page
• Click Add to Cart
• Click Check Out
• You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 4: Partner Organization Submits Grades
After you finish, the partner organization will submit your final grade to USD.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
No further action is needed. Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned university credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Once we receive your certificate of completion, we will begin processing your transcript. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.

Need additional university credit or CEUs? Visit the Credit Validation Course Catalog to explore available credit options.