Are you a registered nurse (RN) looking to specialize in wound care? The San Jose State University (SJSU) Wound Care Program offers a comprehensive Nursing Specialty Advanced Certificate, designed to equip you with the expertise and skills needed to excel in this vital field of healthcare. This program is ideal for RNs seeking to advance their careers and provide specialized care to patients with wounds, ostomies, or foot and nail conditions. SJSU’s program is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and experienced faculty, making it a top choice for nurses aiming for certification in wound care.
Eligibility and Prerequisites
To be eligible for the San Jose State University Wound Care Program, applicants must meet specific prerequisites to ensure they have the foundational knowledge and experience necessary for advanced study. The program requires applicants to be:
-
A Registered Nurse (RN) with a Nursing Baccalaureate Degree or Higher: This includes degrees such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. This pathway is for applicants who have already completed a comprehensive nursing education at the baccalaureate level or beyond.
-
Alternatively, for RNs without a Nursing Baccalaureate Degree:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Another Field: Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing are eligible.
- One Year of RN Clinical Nursing Experience: Following RN licensure, applicants must have accumulated at least one year of practical clinical nursing experience. This ensures a baseline of real-world nursing skills.
- Current Clinical Nursing Experience or Refresher Course: Applicants must demonstrate current engagement in clinical nursing practice. If not currently practicing, completion of a nurse refresher course or a clinical performance examination within five years prior to application is required. This ensures that all admitted students possess up-to-date clinical skills and knowledge.
How to Apply
The application process for the San Jose State University Wound Care Program is structured and straightforward, with application windows for both Spring and Fall admissions. Be sure to note the deadlines and apply early to allow sufficient time for transcript processing and document submission.
Application Windows
- Spring 2025 Admission (Wound Care & Ostomy Care): Application window opens August 1, 2024, and closes November 1, 2024.
- Fall 2025 Admission (Wound Care, Ostomy Care, & Foot and Nail Care): Application window opens October 1, 2024, and closes May 1, 2025.
Applying early is highly recommended, especially because requesting and receiving official transcripts from academic institutions can take time.
Application Process – Three Main Steps
The application process is broken down into three key steps to ensure all necessary information is submitted for a complete application.
Step 1: Create an Application in Cal State Apply
The central application portal for all California State University (CSU) programs, including San Jose State University, is Cal State Apply. This online system allows you to apply for multiple CSU programs and manage your application process efficiently.
- Access the Cal State Apply Portal: Navigate to the Cal State Apply website.
- Select the Application Term: On the main page, locate the dropdown menu to select the term you wish to enroll in and click the red “Apply” button.
- Indicate Degree Goal: During account creation, when prompted to indicate your degree goal/type, select “second bachelor’s degree and beyond and certificate.” This is crucial for accessing the certificate programs.
- Find the Program: After being directed to the program search page, type “San Jose” in the “Filters” search bar. This will narrow down the results to programs offered by San Jose State University Extension.
- Select the Program: Locate and select the “Wound and Ostomy Nursing Specialty Advanced Certificate”. This is the umbrella program through which you will apply for any of the specialty certifications: Wound Care, Ostomy Care, and/or Foot & Nail Care.
For further assistance with the graduate application process, you can visit the Admissions’ Office page for Graduate programs. If you encounter technical difficulties with Cal State Apply, their customer service team is available at 857-304-2087 for support.
Step 2: Program Specific Documents
In addition to the general Cal State Apply application, the San Jose State University School of Nursing requires specific documents to be uploaded directly to the Cal State Apply website. These documents provide the program with detailed information about your professional background and qualifications.
- Resume/CV: Upload your most current Resume or Curriculum Vitae. This document should detail your nursing experience, education, certifications, and any relevant professional activities.
- Application Information Sheet: Download and complete the Application Information Sheet [pdf]. This form gathers specific information required by the School of Nursing for program admission.
Step 3: Official Transcripts Submission
After you have successfully submitted your initial application through Cal State Apply, the next crucial step is to ensure your official transcripts are submitted to the Graduate Admission Office.
- Application Confirmation Email: Following your application submission, you will receive a confirmation email from the Graduate Admission Office.
- SJSU Account Setup Instructions: This email will contain detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to set up your San Jose State University (SJSU) account.
- Application Status Monitoring: Your SJSU account will allow you to monitor the status of your application, including the receipt of your transcripts and other required documents. Follow the instructions in the confirmation email carefully to ensure your transcripts are correctly submitted and your application is processed efficiently.
After Program Acceptance
Upon acceptance into the San Jose State University Wound Care Program, there are a few additional steps to finalize your enrollment and prepare for the program.
Program Specific Application Fee
All three specialty certification programs (Wound Care, Ostomy Care, and Foot and Nail Care) require a program-specific application fee of $100.00. This fee is in addition to the initial Cal State Apply submission fee and is required to be paid before the program begins.
- Payment via Transact: The $100.00 application fee must be paid online through the Transact payment system, accessible via this link: Transact Payment Portal. Ensure you complete this payment to finalize your program acceptance.
Background Check
Clinical agencies mandate that all students participating in clinical rotations have undergone and cleared a criminal background check and a negative urine drug screen before commencing clinical practice. As a student in the RN program, you are responsible for obtaining these clearances upon notification of your acceptance into the program.
- Instructions Upon Acceptance: Detailed information and instructions on how to obtain the required criminal background check and urine drug screen will be provided in your notification of acceptance.
- Santa Cruz, Bakersfield, or Employment Facility Practicum: If you intend to complete your wound and/or practicum in Santa Cruz, Bakersfield, or at your current employment facility, it is imperative to consult with the program coordinators before obtaining your background check, urine drug screen, and any other required tests. Specific requirements may vary depending on the clinical site.
Pre-Clinical Documents
Prior to the first day of class, several pre-clinical documents and further instructions will be communicated to you as part of your acceptance package. These documents are essential for ensuring you meet all health and safety requirements for clinical practice.
- CastleBranch Upload: These pre-clinical documents will need to be uploaded to the CastleBranch online platform. CastleBranch is a service used to manage student health and compliance documents for many healthcare programs. You can access the CastleBranch platform here: CastleBranch. Detailed instructions on document requirements and the upload process will be provided in your acceptance communication.
Questions Regarding the Program
Do you still have questions about the San Jose State University Wound Care Program or the application process? We are here to help! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any inquiries.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (408) 924-3183
We look forward to assisting you with your application and welcoming you to the San Jose State University Wound Care Program!
