Education

Education Programs

The Center for Global Nursing (CGN) offers global health educational opportunities for those interested in exploring the field of global health sciences.

Instructor and three students looking at a laptop screen.

Certificate in Global Nursing

The CGN Certificate in Global Nursing Program is a comprehensive 12-session virtual course designed to deepen your understanding of global health sciences. You’ll explore global nursing practices, health systems, cultural humility, and building equitable partnerships through sessions led by renowned experts. This program is ideal for nurses and advanced practice providers eager to expand their knowledge of global health. With classes held via Zoom, participants from across the world can easily engage and collaborate.

Upcoming Course Dates

  • January 13th, 2026- March 31st, 2026 
  • All courses will be held online from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. PST/4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CET. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM


Global Nursing Impact Series

Nurses and advanced practice providers have historically been undervalued and underutilized in global health, yet they comprise the majority of the global health workforce. The Global Nursing Impact Series aims to provide a platform for leading nurses and advanced practice providers to share the impact that they are making in the field of global health through research, advocacy, collaboration, innovation, and more. Invited speakers will present for 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. Registration is open to the general public. 

 WATCH IMPACT series PRESENTATIONS


Community Meetings and Journal Club

Join CGN's Community Meetings to participate in an open forum for nursing professionals to connect, collaborate, and engage with the latest developments in global health nursing. Our meetings are held virtually and are open to all members of the global nursing community, whether you are currently engaged in global health work or looking to expand your knowledge and network. Be a part of the conversation and help drive meaningful change in global health nursing!

learn MORE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY Meetings and journal club


CGN Introduction to Cultural Humility

CGN’s Cultural Humility Course provides an introductory exploration of cultural humility within the context of nursing, advanced practice and global health sciences. This course raises awareness of personal biases and offers tools to reduce power imbalances and optimize cross-cultural collaboration. After this training, participants can apply the principles of cultural humility in their approach to global health collaborations to create more equitable partnerships. There is no cost for the course at this time. Three CEUs will be awarded. Currently, this course is open to UCSF faculty and staff only. 

learn more about the intro to cultural humility course 


Global Nursing Scholars Program

The Global Nursing Scholars Program is designed for UCSF nurses and advanced practice providers enrolled in the CGN Global Nursing Certificate Program, offering a unique opportunity to gain international experience by collaborating with global partners to improve nursing care quality. Selected participants will engage in hands-on learning, problem-solving, and cross-cultural exchange in a healthcare setting abroad.

READ MORE ABOUT THE global nursing scholars PROGRAM


Opportunities in IGHS and Global Health Sciences

The Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS) offers a variety of educational opportunities designed to advance your career in global health. Open to all, our programs cater to diverse backgrounds and career stages, providing comprehensive education and hands-on experience.  Learn more about these exciting opportunities and how to apply on our website:

  • Master’s in Global Health: The MS in Global Health offers both part-time and full-time tracks, preparing students for careers in research, policy, academia, organizational leadership, and program management and evaluation.
  • PhD Program: Prepare for a career in research, policy, organizational leadership, or academia during your four-year course of study.
  • Global REACH: Global Research, Education, Action, and Communities for Health (Global REACH) supports students, trainees, and early-career investigators from diverse backgrounds through teaching, mentoring, and financial support.
  • Training Programs: IGHS offers four specialized training opportunities that provide the education and hands-on experience needed to excel in global health.

Opportunities in School of Nursing

  • BSN Entry to DNP — Advanced Nursing Focus: The pathway prepares nurses who hold a BSN to become experts and leaders in an advanced practice specialty and health policy-public health. This 11-quarter, hybrid program combines in-person and online courses with hands-on training at clinical sites throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
  • Post-Master's Entry to DNP — Leadership Focus: The pathway prepares innovative clinical experts and leaders to be at the top of the nursing profession in advancing patient care and policy in an increasingly complex health care environment. The first to be established in the University of California system, the seven-quarter hybrid program combines online learning with select in-person immersions. 
  • PhD, Nursing Doctoral Program: Embrace your scientific curiosity and help advance the field of nursing research with a doctoral degree from the UCSF School of Nursing. Students engage in four years of academic work, culminating in an original research-based dissertation.