The NAU Patient Safety and Quality Improvement graduate certificate prepares physician assistants (PAs) to lead system-level initiatives that enhance safety, efficiency, and quality across the continuum of care. Rooted in health systems science and aligned with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) best practices, the program integrates theory and practice from healthcare systems management, health informatics, and organizational change to cultivate advanced competencies in analyzing, designing, and implementing evidence-based safety and quality interventions.
Students study foundational concepts of healthcare delivery systems and quality measurement, informatics in clinical decision-making and outcomes analysis, error prevention, human factors, and systems redesign, fostering the ability to translate safety science into practice, and apply change management frameworks to drive organizational improvement.
Through facilitated discussions, case-based learning, written analyses, and applied projects, students develop the analytical, leadership, and communication skills needed to identify healthcare system vulnerabilities, promote a culture of safety, and lead sustainable healthcare quality improvement initiatives.
Federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 12 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
Purpose Statement
The NAU Patient Safety and Quality Improvement graduate certificate prepares physician assistants (PAs) to lead system-level initiatives that enhance safety, efficiency, and quality across the continuum of care. Rooted in health systems science and aligned with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement¿s (IHI) best practices, the program integrates theory and practice from healthcare systems management, health informatics, and organizational change to cultivate advanced competencies in analyzing, designing, and implementing evidence-based safety and quality interventions.
Students study foundational concepts of healthcare delivery systems and quality measurement, informatics in clinical decision-making and outcomes analysis, error prevention, human factors, and systems redesign, fostering the ability to translate safety science into practice, and apply change management frameworks to drive organizational improvement.
Through facilitated discussions, case-based learning, written analyses, and applied projects, students develop the analytical, leadership, and communication skills needed to identify healthcare system vulnerabilities, promote a culture of safety, and lead sustainable healthcare quality improvement initiatives.
Student Learning Outcomes
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.