Post-Masters Certificate in Health Systems Leadership

The Post-Masters Certificate in Health Systems Leadership in the College of Public Health at Temple University is 12-credit graduate program designed to empower current and emerging nurse leaders to drive organizational excellence, appreciate the ethical and legal aspects of practice, and lead transformative change across healthcare systems. Graduates are prepared to move into roles with the formal training required for leadership across complex organizations and systems. All applicants must have an active RN license. 

Who should apply? 

This program is tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who hold a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral); nurse managers, supervisors and executives; advanced practice nurses (APRNs); and nurse educators, who want to meet the growing demand for professional leaders who can navigate complicated healthcare ecosystems, implement quality initiatives, manage interprofessional teams and contribute to policy development. 

Why study health systems leadership in the College of Public Health? 

• Professional development: Nurses who have obtained a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, future DNP graduates at Temple and nurses with a graduate degree can pursue a curriculum in health systems leadership to further their professional careers.
• Workforce demand: Health systems are actively seeking nurse leaders able to navigate complex systems, implement quality initiatives, manage interprofessional teams and contribute to policy development. This program prepares nurses for advancement in those areas.
• Specialized leadership training: Many frontline nurses move into leadership roles without formal training in systems thinking, finance or organizational leadership, leading to gaps in performance and outcomes. Healthcare organizations are under pressure to meet quality benchmarks, manage cost, and integrate equity and population health strategies—requiring leaders with strategic and operational knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the certificate program, graduates will have expertise in the following areas. 

• Creating an environment of safe care through quality improvement initiatives and national safety standards
• Directing diverse, inclusive interprofessional teams and initiatives
• Constructing systemwide strategic plans and innovations that address complex healthcare challenges, incorporating best evidence and cost-effective solutions
• Modeling participatory communication while fostering accountability and advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion in healthcare
• Engaging in ongoing personal, professional and leadership development through lifelong learning and mentoring while advocating for social justice and the nursing profession

Apply to the Program

All applicants must have an active RN license. Applicants must apply through NursingCAS. Any required documentation will be submitted through NursingCAS.

Program Format & Curriculum

the Health Systems Leadership Certificate (Graduate) is a 12-credit hybrid post-master’s program offered over four semesters of continuous study. Courses include the following.

• Organizational Theory and Leadership Perspective 
• Human Resource Management in Healthcare
• Executive Leadership in Complex Health Care Systems
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare 

Program Contact

Shawn Frapp, associate professor of nursing in the College of Public Health
Phone: 215-204-6373 
Email: [click-for-email]