Veteran and Military Health Care Certificate

Veteran and Military Health Care (VMHC) is an emerging healthcare 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 changes in federal healthcare 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 prepares 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. We also offer a master's specialty and post-graduate certificate (second MS in Nursing) and DNP Leadership with a veteran and military healthcare specialization. Students can also pursue a combination master's and PhD with a VMHC option or a PhD with a VMHC option. Students who earn their master's degree with VMHC emphasis can also continue on and earn their doctorate of nursing practice through the BS-DNP program.

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.

Important Dates

Summer 2023

Non-Degree Application Opens
March 27, 2023

Non-Degree Application & Enrollment Request Deadline
May 14, 2023

Certificate Program Enrollment Request Deadline
May 14, 2023

NEXus Enrollment Request Deadline
May 14, 2023

Summer Semester Dates
June 5 - August 18, 2023
(Including Finals Week)

Drop Deadline
June 9, 2023 at 5pm MT