2026 Best Louisiana Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-MSN Certificate) at UL Lafayette provides advanced specialized training for experienced nurses seeking to enhance their mental health care expertise. This comprehensive online program prepares nurses to provide holistic psychiatric care, with a curriculum focusing on diagnostic considerations, psychopharmacology, and advanced practice techniques. Students complete 20 credit hours and 510 direct patient care hours, making them eligible for national certification. The program costs approximately $9,600, with a competitive flat-rate tuition of $480 per credit, and requires applicants to have an MSN from a CCNE-accredited program and a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA.

• 100% Online Graduate Certificate
• 20 Total Credit Hours
• 510 Direct Patient Care Hours
• Flat-rate Tuition $480/Credit
• Requires Prior MSN Degree
• 4 Semester Completion Track
• National Certification Eligible
• Advanced Practice Specialization
• Minimum 3.0 Graduate GPA
• Clinical Preceptor Experiences

Loyola University's Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery is a specialized pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking to expand their professional expertise. Designed for nurses with existing MSN or DNP degrees, this program prepares healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care across the women's health lifespan. Students complete synchronous online coursework and 910 supervised clinical hours, developing advanced skills in gynecologic, reproductive, and primary care. Pre-accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, the program offers a flexible, individualized curriculum tailored to each student's academic background.

• Synchronous online coursework
• 910 supervised clinical hours
• Individualized study plan
• Pre-accredited program
• Advanced practice focus

Northwestern State University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner equips experienced registered nurses with advanced skills to provide comprehensive care for adult patients in acute settings. This specialized program enables nurses to develop expertise in complex medical interventions, differential diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment strategies. Graduates gain comprehensive knowledge to manage acute health conditions, prescribe interventions, and prepare for national certification examinations. The flexible curriculum allows completion in as few as four semesters, with personalized course planning based on previous graduate-level education.

• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Hybrid program format
• Personalized curriculum planning
• National certification preparation
• Acute care nurse practitioner focus

Grambling State University's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program provides a comprehensive graduate pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. This twenty-one month Master of Science in Nursing degree requires 49 credit hours, combining rigorous didactic learning with extensive clinical experiences. Students gain advanced assessment skills, primary care management techniques, and specialized knowledge in family health dynamics. The program uniquely emphasizes rural and community health perspectives, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare environments. Clinical training includes over 700 hours under professional preceptors, ensuring robust practical preparation for national certification and advanced practice licensure.

• 21-month graduate program
• 49 graduate credit hours
• 700+ clinical training hours
• On-campus weekly classes
• Advanced primary care focus
• National certification preparation
• Rural health emphasis
• Flexible clinical experiences
• Post-Master's options available