Micro-Credential on Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement

The Micro-Credential in Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Quality Improvement is a two-semester graduate-level pathway within the Master of Science in Nursing Program at Nazarbayev University School of Medicine. It is designed for nurses and healthcare professionals who wish to strengthen their competencies in nursing theory, research, statistics, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement.

Comprising 18 ECTS, the micro-credential includes three graduate courses: Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing, Statistics for Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Quality Improvement, and Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Quality Improvement. Together, these courses equip learners with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate nursing theories, apply statistical methods, appraise research evidence, design research-informed solutions, and lead evidence-based and quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Credits earned from this micro-credential may be stacked toward the 120 ECTS Master of Science in Nursing degree, subject to university and program regulations. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a micro-credential badge and a digital credential recognizing their graduate-level achievement in nursing research, evidence-based practice, statistics, and quality improvement.

Upon successful completion of the Micro-Credential in Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Quality Improvement, learners will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate and apply nursing theories, health behavior models, and evidence-based approaches to guide advanced nursing practice, research, education, leadership, and healthcare improvement.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of nursing research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and statistical concepts relevant to nursing, health, healthcare, and nursing education.
3. Design appropriate research methods, data collection strategies, and statistical approaches to address relevant nursing, health, and healthcare problems.
4. Critically appraise, analyze, interpret, and synthesize research evidence and statistical findings to support evidence-based nursing practice, quality improvement, healthcare innovation, and improved patient outcomes.
5. Apply ethical principles in nursing theory application, research, statistical practice, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement.
6. Communicate, collaborate, and lead effectively within interprofessional and multicultural teams to support research, evidence-based practice, quality improvement initiatives, data-driven decision-making, and dissemination of scholarly and practice-based outputs.

• Earn 18 ECTS credits that can be transferred toward the full Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), creating a flexible pathway for your future academic advancement.
• Accelerate your professional growth through graduate-level education in research, evidence-based practice, statistics, and quality improvement.
• Strengthen your leadership and research capabilities by gaining the knowledge and confidence to design and lead your own research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop practical, career-relevant skills in evidence appraisal, data analysis, and translating research into improved patient care and healthcare outcomes.
• Study within an internationally aligned MSN curriculum designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice, leadership roles, research, and further graduate education.
• Balance study with professional commitments through a focused two-semester format tailored for working nurses and healthcare professionals.
• Gain formal recognition of your achievement with a micro-credential badge and digital credential that showcase your graduate-level competencies.
• Make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery by advancing competencies in patient-centered, evidence-informed, and quality-driven nursing practice.

A. Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Applicants who can Speak the Kazakh or Russian Language

• Complete application form
• Scanned copy of a valid national ID for the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan or scanned copy of a valid passport for international applicants.
• Scanned copy of official document confirming name changes (if applicable). This document can be in Kazakh, Russian or English.
• Official Diploma and Transcript of Record for an academic bachelor's degree in nursing (or equivalent). Final year students may submit the current transcript for consideration. Minimum CGPA 2.50 out of 4.00 (or equivalent).
• Evidence of eligibility to practice nursing in Kazakhstan or in country of origin (i.e., Certificate of Specialist in Nursing or active nursing license). This document can be in Kazakh, Russian or English. This requirement is not applicable for Kazakh nationals graduated from a medical doctor program (or equivalent).
• For applicants graduated from a medical doctor program (or equivalent), official confirmation of at least 1 (one) year experience in any area of practice in nursing (i.e., teaching in a nursing program or working as a nurse in a hospital) is required.
• 075—É medical certificate (for Kazakhstani applicants) or a similar medical certificate with indication of general health (for international applicants). This document can be in Kazakh, Russian or English.
• A document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record. This document can be in Kazakh, Russian or English.

B. Foreign Citizens or stateless individuals who do not speak the Kazakh or Russian language

• Complete application form
• Scanned copy of valid passport.
• Scanned copy of official document confirming name changes (if applicable).
• Official Diploma and Transcript of Record for an academic bachelor’s degree in nursing (or equivalent). Final year students may submit the current transcript for consideration. Minimum CGPA 2.50 out of 4.00 (or equivalent).
• Test certificates of IELTS or TOEFL (Electronic version from a test administrator with the obligation to submit a scanned copy or electronic copy (if not exempted). An overall IELTS test score of 6.0 or higher (with no sub-score less than 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in other sections) or the equivalent TOEFL score (except home edition) as posted on the ETS website.
• Official confirmation about the language of instructions (if applicable)
• Evidence of eligibility to practice nursing in their country of origin (i.e., Certificate of Specialist in Nursing, active nursing license)
• Two official letters of reference in English.
• Medical certificate with indication of general health.
• A document stating the presence or absence of a criminal record.

Start of Classes: Every August for the Fall semester and every January for the Spring semester.

The tuition fee for Micro-Credential on Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement is 185 USD per ECTS (3,330 USD).

To learn more about tuition fees, please contact us at bursars_office@nu.edu.kz.