KCON Updates
KCON Adds to Offerings with New Certificate in Child/Adolescent Acute Care
April 16, 2026
Announced earlier this year, Grand Valley State’s Kirkhof of College of Nursing (KCON) is adding a Certificate in Child/Adolescent Acute Care option for professional nurses looking to expand their knowledge and advance their careers.
This new certificate is designed for those who are already board-certified nurse practitioners. To best serve working professionals, courses are delivered in an online/asynchronous format with students coming to campus for only three days for high-impact learning experiences. All courses are taught by faculty with experience and who are certified in pediatric acute care.
“We have heard from hospital partners across the region a need for this type of training, and we are responding”, shared KCON’s Program Director of Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs and Certificates, Nicole Harpold, noting the positive response that news of this new option has sparked.
KCON Dean, Linda Lewandowski, agrees and shares in Harpold’s excitement, adding that the addition of the certificate was an easy decision. “At KCON, we work hard to connect with CNOs and other health system leaders, carefully listening and responding to their needs. The information we receive is so valuable and helps us continue to add and shape our programs.”
This new offering joins other post-graduate certificate options including: Interprofessional Health Informatics, Interprofessional Palliative and Hospice Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Applications for the Certificate in Child/Adolescent Acute Care are open now. Learn more by visiting KCON Graduate Program website.