Patient Safety
Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Patient Safety provides the next generation of patient safety experts with the knowledge and practical skills needed to design safer systems of care and promote a culture of safety.
Program overview
Leading with care
The Graduate Certificate in Patient Safety program seeks to train the next generation of patient safety experts with the knowledge and practical skills needed to design safer systems of care and promote a culture of safety.
The program follows the vision and mission of the Institute of Healthcare Improvement and empowers learners to work toward being Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) through the institute.
The program was created and is taught by an interdisciplinary team through partnerships within Bouvé and with other colleges at Northeastern, collaborating for safe, cohesive systems of care. It serves as an excellent educational foundation for certification (CPPS) through the Institute of Health Improvement (IHI).
The Graduate Certificate in Patient Safety program seeks to train the next generation of patient safety experts with the knowledge and practical skills needed to design safer systems of care and promote a culture of safety.
The program follows the vision and mission of the Institute of Healthcare Improvement and empowers learners to work toward being Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) through the institute.
The program was created and is taught by an interdisciplinary team through partnerships within Bouvé and with other colleges at Northeastern, collaborating for safe, cohesive systems of care. It serves as an excellent educational foundation for certification (CPPS) through the Institute of Health Improvement (IHI).
- Use systems theory and concepts to design and/or evaluate safety improvement strategies that advance healthcare quality and safety.
- Analyze the impact of national regulatory and policy decisions on patient safety in healthcare.
- Describe high-reliability strategies and discuss how they can be adapted for healthcare systems.
- Explain the role of communication errors in undermining patient safety.
- Analyze the concept of safety culture on healthcare delivery.
- Analyze the impact of adverse events and medical errors on clinician wellness.
- Demonstrate how effective data collection and measurement tools advance patient safety.
- Analyze the effectiveness and limitations of a quality improvement model.
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Application Submission Deadlines
| Fall Term Deadline | July 1 |
| Spring Term Deadline | December 1 |
Application
Application fee
Three letters of recommendation
Minimum of a baccalaureate degree or equivalent
Transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
Personal statement
Resumé
TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Students receive an education that explicitly integrates the study of patient safety as well as clinician and staff wellness and burnout prevention.
Students use systems theory and concepts to design and/or evaluate safety improvement strategies that advance healthcare quality and safety.
Students analyze the impact of national regulatory and policy decisions on patient safety in healthcare, the concept of safety culture on healthcare delivery, and quality improvement models.
Degree building
Stack your certificate
Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.
Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:
Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$23,352Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidYour education, your way
Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
53.5%
Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses
(NCES, 2022)
97%
Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education
(BestColleges, 2024)
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.