School Nurse Wellness Coordinator Endorsement Program Overview
This program requires advanced skills in school nursing that include wellness coordination, health service delivery system coordination, emergency preparedness, and leadership. A SNWC endorsement may be added to The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) professional pupil services school nurse license upon evidence of three years of successful experience as a licensed school nurse. The approved program of preparation for the endorsement shall include a practicum experience during which the candidate shall be required to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions for the SNWC. Applicants applying for the SNWC endorsement to the ODE Pupil Services License must hold a master's degree by the time the application is submitted.
The School Nurse Wellness Coordinator Endorsement curriculum is currently being revised, and the program is scheduled to be offered again in the fall semester of 2025.
How Do I Know if This Program Is Right for Me?
If you are a registered nurse with a master's degree, a minimum of three years of experience as a licensed school nurse and aspire to play a pivotal role in promoting health and wellness within educational settings, this program aligns with your professional aspirations. Through rigorous coursework and a practicum experience, you'll gain the knowledge, skills and credentials necessary to excel as a School Nurse Wellness Coordinator, making a significant impact on the well-being of students, families and communities.
Curriculum
The School Nurse Wellness Coordinator Endorsement curriculum is currently being revised, and the program is scheduled to be offered again in the fall semester of 2025.
This endorsement is an option for registered nurses (RN) holding a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least 3 years full-time experience as an ODE Licensed School Nurse (LSN). The SNWC endorsement curriculum satisfies the College of Education CAEP accreditation (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), Ohio Department of Education School Operating Standards, Professional Development Standards, and the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Standards for School Nurse Licensure preparation. The curriculum is also aligned with the American Nurses Association and National Association of School Nurses Scope and Standards of Practice. Upon completion of the program, students will meet the requirements to be eligible to apply to the Ohio Department of Education for the Professional Pupil Services License endorsement as a School Nurse Wellness Coordinator.
| Licensure Disclosure: This program is for students who intend to seek employment in Ohio and only prepares students for licensure in the state of Ohio. |
Can You Give Me a Glimpse of My Future?
With the Online School Nurse Coordinator Endorsement, your future as a school nurse leader is promising and impactful. Equipped with advanced skills in wellness coordination, emergency preparedness, and leadership, you'll play a vital role in promoting health and well-being within educational communities.
As a School Nurse Wellness Coordinator, your daily responsibilities would encompass a range of tasks aimed at promoting health, safety and wellness within the school community. These may include:
- Coordinating health services: Overseeing the delivery of healthcare services to students, ensuring accessibility and quality care.
- Implementing wellness programs: Developing and implementing initiatives to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being among students and staff.
- Emergency preparedness: Developing and implementing emergency response plans, conducting drills, and ensuring the readiness of the school community in the event of crises or disasters.
- Collaboration and leadership: Collaborating with school administrators, teachers, parents, and community stakeholders to address health-related concerns and advocate for policies that support student wellness. Additionally, providing leadership, guiding and supporting other school nursing staff.
- Health education: Providing health education to students, staff, and families on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Documentation and record-keeping: Maintaining accurate health records, documenting health assessments and interventions, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
As a School Nurse Wellness Coordinator with an endorsement in Ohio, you would primarily work within the educational system, typically in K-12 public or private schools. Your workplace may vary depending on the specific school district or educational institution where you are employed. You could work in elementary, middle or high schools, as well as in specialized schools or educational programs serving students with unique needs.
Your role may involve collaborating with school administrators, teachers, counselors and other support staff to promote student wellness and safety. Additionally, you may work closely with parents, community organizations and healthcare providers to coordinate healthcare services and resources for students.