Veteran and Military Health Care Certificate

Honoring all who served

Veteran and Military Health Care (VMHC) is an emerging health care specialty based on the unique attributes of the veteran and military service member population. Specific needs of this population include an understanding of veteran and military culture, family dynamics, the invisible and visible consequences of war, service-connected conditions, environmental exposures, diversity, resiliency, reintegration, and making change in federal health care delivery systems. This program is a first of its kind in the nation and has been featured in US News and World Report as part of a constellation of initiatives to serve our veteran population.

At the University of Colorado College of Nursing, we believe in helping those who care for our military and veterans. This Graduate Certificate program prepare nurses and other health care professionals to be leaders, care coordinators, and innovators in the Veterans Administration, Military Health System, and civilian community for this vulnerable population.

The Graduate Certificate curriculum consists of four of the six VMHC specialty courses. All courses are online and are available as stand-alone courses to non-degree students in all professions, as well as current CU degree seeking students. Each course is worth 3 graduate-level credits.

Competencies

Upon completion of the Veteran and Military Health Care Certificate program, students will be prepared to:

  • Participate in an interdisciplinary healthcare team as a leader and an active member to promote quality and safe care at the patient, family, population, or system levels for veterans and service members.
  • Develop a professional, ethical, caring, and culturally sensitive approach when working with veteran and military patients, families, populations, or systems.
  • Integrate patient care technologies to improve patient, family, population, or system outcomes for veterans and military service members.
  • Use theoretical frameworks to address patient, family, population, or system needs for veterans and military service members.
  • Integrate evidence-based knowledge into managing the care of patients, families, populations, or systems to improve and protect health and wellness for veterans and military service members in Colorado and beyond.
  • Formulate strategies to advocate for patients, families, populations, systems, or the nursing profession in Colorado and beyond.