School nursing as defined by the National Association of School Nurses, is a specialized practice of public health nursing that protects and promotes student health, facilitates normal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders that bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potentials. (National Association of School Nurses [NASN], June 2016)

The overarching aim of the graduate-level school nurse certificate program is to educate nurses to be change agents and health thought leaders in diverse school populations and communities. The program is grounded in theory that prepares students to advocate for their schools and communities and provide evidenced-based, student-centered care. By utilizing NASNs framework for 21st-Century School Nursing Practice and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDCs) Whole School Whole Child Whole Community (WSCC) model, students are given a model of practice that is grounded in theory to support their practice. The students will enhance their nursing practice and provide care coordinationsteeped in a core set of values that reflect integrity, accountability, and responsibility for ethical practice.

Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden school nurse certificate program utilizes an accelerated format to prepare the professional nurse for the specialized practice of school nursing that advances the well-being, academic success, and lifelong achievement of students. In combination with clinical practicums, our students learn the theory and skills necessary to keep children healthy, fit, and ready to learn. Through service learning the students will appreciate the impact social determinants and health inequities exert on health. Students will understand the pivotal role of school nursing in building and sustaining healthy communities through engagement with community partners and stakeholders.