2026 Best Kentucky Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of Louisville offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner (APRN) with a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration. This hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus components for flexibility. Designed for nurses with a master's degree, it prepares graduates for advanced practice roles in pediatric acute care settings. The curriculum focuses on clinical decision-making and specialized pediatric care. Admissions require a current RN license and master's degree in nursing. Tuition rates vary by residency status. Application deadlines occur multiple times yearly.

• Hybrid program format.
• Pediatric Acute Care concentration.
• Post-graduate certificate program.
• Requires master's degree.
• Current RN license needed.
• Multiple application deadlines.
• Tuition varies by residency.
• Advanced practice preparation.
• Clinical decision-making focus.
• Specialized pediatric care.

The University of Louisville offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) for registered nurses with a master's or terminal degree. This program prepares nurses for national certification and licensure as advanced practice registered nurses. The FNP concentration focuses on caring for individuals and families across the lifespan, with clinical training in primary care settings. The curriculum includes 31 credit hours with extensive clinical experience. Applicants need an MSN or higher, RN license, transcripts, recommendations, and a goal statement. This hybrid program combines online and on-campus learning for flexibility.

• Post-graduate certificate program.
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Hybrid program format.
• 31 credit hours required.
• Minimum 672 clinical hours.
• Requires MSN or terminal degree.
• RN license required.
• Two recommendation letters needed.
• Goal statement required.

The University of Louisville offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner - APRN with a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. This program prepares registered nurses for national certification in advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing. Students focus on assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health disorders across the lifespan. The hybrid program combines online coursework with clinical experiences. Applicants need a Master of Science in Nursing or terminal degree, an unencumbered RN license, and must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a goal statement. The curriculum includes specialized courses in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and clinical practicums with extensive hands-on training. This certificate helps nurses advance their careers in mental health care settings.

• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Post-Graduate Certificate program.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Requires Master of Science in Nursing.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• Holistic admissions review process.
• Two letters of recommendation required.
• Current resume or CV submission.
• Goal statement for application.

The University of Louisville offers a Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This hybrid program prepares nurses for national certification and advanced practice. It requires a Master of Science in Nursing or terminal degree for admission. Students attend campus 4-6 times per semester with online coursework. Clinical hours range from 504 to 672 depending on prior APRN experience. The program focuses on acute critical care management for adolescents through aging adults. It includes prerequisites in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse healthcare settings.

• Post-graduate APRN certificate program.
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialty.
• Hybrid program format.
• On-campus classes 4-6 times per semester.
• Online coursework delivery.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Requires MSN or terminal degree.
• 504-672 clinical hours required.
• Advanced pathophysiology prerequisite.
• Advanced pharmacology prerequisite.

The University of Louisville offers a Post-Graduate APRN Certificate with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration. This hybrid program prepares nurses for national certification and advanced practice. It requires 504-672 clinical hours depending on prior experience. Applicants need an MSN or terminal nursing degree and must complete prerequisites like advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology. The curriculum combines online learning with on-campus classes 4-6 times per semester. This program helps nurses expand their skills to serve adolescents through aging adults in primary care settings.

• Hybrid program format
• 504-672 clinical hours required
• MSN or terminal degree required
• Advanced pathophysiology prerequisite
• Advanced pharmacology prerequisite
• Advanced physical assessment prerequisite
• On-campus classes 4-6 times/semester
• Thursday in-person class schedule
• Online course delivery available
• Prepares for national certification

The University of Kentucky offers a Graduate Certificate in Professional Nursing with a Pediatric Acute Care concentration for licensed nurse practitioners seeking a specialty change. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person clinical rotations and campus immersions. It requires 16-31 credit hours at $1,002 per credit, with a flat tuition rate regardless of residency. Admission needs a 3.0 GPA, an advanced nursing degree from an accredited program, and includes application via NursingCAS with a $80 fee, CV, recommendations, and a personal statement. Designed for career advancement, it prepares graduates for national certification and licensure in their state.

• Hybrid online and in-person format.
• Pediatric Acute Care concentration available.
• 16-31 total credit hours.
• $1,002 cost per credit.
• Flat tuition rate for all students.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• MSN, DNP, or PhD in nursing required.
• Application via NursingCAS system.
• $80 application fee.
• CV or resume needed.

The University of Kentucky offers a Graduate Certificate in Professional Nursing with a Family Care concentration. This program is designed for licensed nurse practitioners who already hold an advanced practice graduate degree. It helps them expand their knowledge to support a role change in their career. The hybrid format includes online coursework with required in-person clinical rotations and immersion activities on the Lexington campus twice each semester. Students complete 16 to 31 credit hours, depending on their specialty track and previous coursework. The cost is $1,002 per credit. Admissions require a graduate GPA of 3.0 and an MSN, DNP, or PhD in nursing from an accredited program. Application requirements include a current CV, two recommendations, a personal statement, and proof of licensure. The program prepares graduates for licensure and national certification in their population foci.

• Family Care concentration available.
• Hybrid online and in-person format.
• Cost per credit: $1,002.
• 16 to 31 total credit hours.
• Graduate GPA requirement: 3.0.
• MSN, DNP, or PhD required.
• In-person immersion twice per semester.
• Clinical rotations required.
• Prepares for licensure and certification.
• Designed for licensed nurse practitioners.

The University of Kentucky College of Nursing offers a Postgraduate APRN Certificate with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration. This hybrid program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across the lifespan. Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat complex psychiatric conditions using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The curriculum includes advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment courses. Clinical training occurs in diverse settings like hospitals, clinics, and community facilities. Graduates gain eligibility for PMHNP certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The program requires campus immersion sessions in Lexington while offering flexible hybrid learning. It's designed for nurses with existing graduate degrees seeking specialization change.

• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Hybrid immersion format.
• Requires Lexington campus attendance.
• Up to six days per semester.
• For nurses with advanced degrees.
• Prepares for PMHNP certification.
• American Nurses Credentialing Center exam.
• Provides mental health care across lifespan.
• Uses pharmacological interventions.
• Uses nonpharmacological interventions like psychotherapy.

The University of Kentucky offers a Graduate Certificate in Professional Nursing with an Executive Leadership concentration. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person clinical rotations and campus immersions. It is designed for licensed nurse practitioners with advanced degrees seeking career transitions. The cost is $1,002 per credit, with 16–31 credits required. Admissions require a 3.0 GPA, an MSN, DNP, or PhD from an accredited program, and a NursingCAS application. This program prepares graduates for executive roles and certification exams.

• Hybrid format with online classes.
• In-person clinical rotations required.
• Campus immersion twice per semester.
• 16–31 total credit hours.
• $1,002 cost per credit.
• Graduate certificate credential.
• Executive Leadership concentration available.
• For licensed nurse practitioners.
• Requires advanced nursing degree.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.

The University of Kentucky offers a Postgraduate APRN Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, designed for nurses with an advanced practice graduate degree seeking to specialize in acute care for adults. This hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus immersions in Lexington, requiring attendance up to six days per semester. Graduates are prepared to assess, diagnose, and manage acute health problems in settings like intensive care units and specialty clinics, and are eligible for national certification exams. Admissions require prerequisite courses in advanced physiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment, with a Gap Analysis to determine transfer credits. Application opens September 15 and closes January 15 for fall/spring enrollment, with costs and specific requirements available through the university's resources.

• Hybrid immersion format.
• On-campus attendance required.
• Up to six days per semester.
• Lexington, KY campus.
• For advanced practice nurses.
• Requires MSN, DNP, or PhD.
• Specializes in acute care.
• Focus on adult gerontology.
• Eligible for certification exams.
• ANCC or AACN certification.

Frontier Nursing University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) for nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. This flexible hybrid program combines online coursework with clinical experiences in your home community, allowing full- or part-time study. It includes two on-campus immersion experiences for hands-on learning and networking. The curriculum focuses on primary care, health promotion, and chronic disease management, preparing graduates for certification with high pass rates. Admissions require a master's degree in nursing, and tuition is affordable with scholarship opportunities available. The program emphasizes rural and underserved populations, supported by experienced faculty and extensive clinical placement services.

• Post-Graduate Certificate available.
• Family Nurse Practitioner specialty track.
• Hybrid format with online coursework.
• Clinical practicum in home community.
• Full- or part-time study options.
• Two on-campus immersion experiences.
• 750 clinical hours for MSN track.
• Focus on rural and underserved populations.
• Distance education since 1989.
• Flexible course scheduling every term.

Frontier Nursing University offers a flexible Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) for advanced practice nurses. This online program allows full- or part-time study, with coursework delivered remotely and clinical practicums completed in your local community. It focuses on serving diverse, rural, and underserved populations, emphasizing mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The program includes two brief on-campus immersion experiences for networking and support. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, and the curriculum involves 750 clinical hours. Tuition is affordable, with scholarship opportunities available. Graduates benefit from high certification exam pass rates and extensive clinical placement services.

• Online coursework.
• Full- or part-time options.
• Clinical practicum in home community.
• 750 clinical hours.
• Two on-campus immersion experiences.
• Focus on rural and underserved populations.
• Affordable tuition.
• Scholarship opportunities available.
• High certification exam pass rates.
• Distance education model.

Frontier Nursing University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery, preparing students to become Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs). This hybrid program combines online coursework with two brief on-campus stays and clinical practicum in your home community. Full or part-time options are available. Graduates provide gynecologic and family planning services, including prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care. The program requires RN licensure and certification as a nurse-midwife or nurse practitioner for admission. Costs vary, and financial aid options are available.

• Post-Graduate Certificate program.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Two brief on-campus stays.
• Clinical practicum in home community.
• Full or part-time options.
• Prepares for CNM certification.
• Online didactic coursework.
• Serves women of all ages.
• Provides gynecologic and family planning.
• Includes prenatal and postpartum care.

Frontier Nursing University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP). This online program is designed for registered nurses who hold a master's or higher degree in nursing from an accredited program. The curriculum focuses on advanced acute care skills for adult and geriatric populations. Admission requires a current RN license, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and completion of prerequisite courses like Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Physical Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology. The program uses a rolling admissions process, allowing for flexible application timelines. It emphasizes distance education with clinical requirements completed within the continental United States, including Hawaii. This certificate prepares nurses for specialized roles in acute care settings, enhancing their clinical expertise and career opportunities.

• Online program delivery.
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Requires current RN license.
• Master's degree in nursing needed.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Prerequisite courses required.
• Rolling admissions process.
• Clinicals in US and Hawaii.
• Background check required.
• TOEFL for non-English speakers.

Northern Kentucky University offers an online Nurse Practitioner to Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate, designed for NPs seeking advanced mental health specialization. This CCNE-accredited program covers the full scope of psychiatric practice, including diagnosis, treatment, and management across the lifespan. It emphasizes advanced psychopharmacology and integrates evidence-based approaches with considerations for lifestyle, culture, and genetics. The program requires 20 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, with a total tuition of $12,385. Admission requires an MSN degree with a 3.0 GPA, valid NP license, national certification, and 1,000 clinical RN hours. Courses are 100% online and accelerated, with multiple start dates per year.

• 100% online coursework.
• Accelerated 14-month completion.
• 20 credit hours required.
• 750 clinical hours included.
• Total tuition $12,385.
• Pay-by-the-course tuition.
• CCNE-accredited program.
• Eligible for ANCC certification.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.

Northern Kentucky University offers an online Post-Master's Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate. This program prepares nurses for certification and advanced practice in acute care settings like ICUs and emergency departments. It requires 35 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 20 months. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making. Admission requires an MSN degree with a 3.0 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and 1,000 clinical hours. Total tuition is $21,505, with financial aid available. Courses are seven weeks long and include 750 clinical hours and a capstone project.

• Online program format.
• 35 credit hours required.
• Total tuition $21,505.
• Per credit hour $592.
• Program duration 20 months.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for certification exam.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.

Northern Kentucky University offers an online Post-Master's Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certificate with a Primary Care concentration. This program prepares MSN graduates for certification, focusing on adult and geriatric patients from adolescence through end-of-life care. Coursework includes 31 credit hours over 20 months, covering advanced practice nursing roles, pharmacology, and primary care. Admissions require an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and 1,000 clinical hours. The curriculum includes 500 clinical residency hours and a capstone project, equipping nurses for in-demand primary care roles in various healthcare settings.

• Online program format.
• Primary Care concentration.
• 20-month completion time.
• 31 total credit hours.
• 13 courses in curriculum.
• 500 clinical residency hours.
• Capstone project required.
• MSN with 3.0 GPA required.
• Active RN license needed.
• 1,000 clinical hours prerequisite.

Spalding University offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) for nurses with a Master's in Nursing. This hybrid program enhances clinical skills in family-centered care across the lifespan. It focuses on wellness promotion, disease management, and health equity. Students gain 750 clinical hours through tailored placements. The program features rolling admissions and flexible scheduling, allowing completion while working. Faculty bring weekly clinical practice expertise. Graduates are prepared for roles in primary care settings like clinics and emergency departments. The program is accredited by CCNE, ensuring quality education for career advancement.

• Post-Master's Certificate in FNP.
• Hybrid program format.
• 750 clinical hours required.
• Three clinical rotations included.
• Rolling admissions available.
• Cohorts start every May.
• Flexible weekly class schedule.
• Faculty in weekly clinical practice.
• Tailored clinical site placements.
• Focus on family-centered care.

Spalding University offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for nurses with a Master's degree. This hybrid program enhances expertise in mental health care, focusing on diverse and underserved populations. It integrates advanced nursing practice with interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based decision-making. The program prepares graduates to improve health outcomes across the lifespan. Admissions are rolling, with classes starting every six to eight weeks. Costs and specific application dates are not detailed, but the program includes clinical placements in Louisville's medical community. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring high-quality education.

• Post-Master's Certificate available.
• Hybrid program format.
• Focus on diverse populations.
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasized.
• Evidence-based decision-making taught.
• Advanced healthcare technologies used.
• Improves health outcomes.
• Rolling admissions offered.
• Classes start every six to eight weeks.
• Clinical placements guaranteed.