2026 Best Minnesota Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers an online-focused hybrid Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care specialty certificate for advanced practice registered nurses. This three-semester program specializes in managing complex healthcare needs for patients up to age 21 in emergency, inpatient, and subspecialty settings. Through partnerships with top pediatric hospitals like Children's Minnesota, students receive comprehensive training in culturally competent acute care. The program is designed for experienced professionals and offers flexible options for nurses with or without a DNP degree. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's certificate program.

• Three-semester post-graduate certificate
• Care for patients up to 21
• Multiple hospital partnerships
• Advanced practice nurse specialty
• Interprofessional team training
• Emergency and inpatient focus
• Options with/without DNP

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides a hybrid Post-Graduate Certificate Midwifery Program that combines online learning with intensive on-campus sessions. This ACNM-accredited program prepares advanced healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive women's health services, including primary care, prenatal support, and newborn care. The 3-4 year curriculum emphasizes women-centered, culturally sensitive approaches and requires 1,000 clinical training hours. Graduates develop leadership skills for independent midwifery practice and are prepared for national certification. No entrance exam is required for this doctorate-level program, which is available only to US citizens.

• Fully ACNM Accredited Program
• 3-4 Year Program Option
• 82 Total Credit Hours
• 1,000 Clinical Training Hours
• $1,100 Per Credit Cost
• 3.0 Minimum Admission GPA
• Hybrid Learning Format
• Twin Cities Campus
• Doctorate Level Credential
• US Citizens Only Eligible

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a hybrid Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate program with significant online components. This post-graduate certificate enables Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to enhance their clinical expertise in managing complex acute health conditions for adults and older adults. The one-year, three-semester program includes 240-600 clinical hours in Twin Cities hospitals and prepares graduates for national certification in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and critical care. No entrance exam is required for this specialized certificate program designed for DNP-prepared nurses.

• Post-graduate certificate for DNP nurses
• One-year, three-semester program
• 240-600 clinical hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Prepares for national certification
• Focuses on acute care specialties
• Clinical experiences in Twin Cities hospitals

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides a hybrid Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with substantial online delivery. This program enables licensed APRNs with DNP or Master's degrees to gain specialized skills in adult and geriatric primary care. Students develop advanced clinical competencies and evidence-based intervention strategies for diverse age groups, preparing for specialty certification examinations. The program requires a 3.0 minimum GPA and emphasizes culturally sensitive healthcare approaches. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's certificate designed for experienced nursing professionals.

• Hybrid program delivery
• Specialty certification preparation
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Multiple nursing specialty options

Minnesota State University Moorhead's online Post-Master's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education equips registered nurses with advanced teaching skills for academic and clinical environments. This 16-credit program focuses on innovative teaching strategies, curriculum development, and assessment techniques, offering flexible pathways for working professionals. Credits may apply toward a full master's degree. Admission requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited nursing program, current RN licensure, and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this graduate-level program.

• Online-exclusive program delivery
• 16 total graduate credits
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Current RN license required
• Accredited nursing program prerequisite
• Credits apply to MS degree
• Focus on nursing education skills
• Prepares for academic teaching roles

Minnesota State University Moorhead's online Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Nurse Administrator and Organizational Systems Leadership develops essential leadership skills for navigating complex healthcare systems. Designed for early career and current nurse leaders, this program enhances capabilities in nursing and healthcare leadership. Credits can be applied to a Master of Science in Nursing with NAOSL emphasis, providing a graduate education pathway. The program is delivered entirely online, and no entrance exam is specified as required for this graduate-level certificate.

• Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate
• Focus on nursing leadership
• Credits applicable to MS in Nursing
• Designed for early career leaders
• Emphasizes healthcare system navigation
• Enhances leadership capabilities
• Tailored for nursing professionals
• Pathway to graduate education
• Focus on organizational systems leadership
• Prepares for complex healthcare challenges

Minnesota State University Moorhead's online Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Nurse Administration and Organizational Systems Leadership focuses specifically on nursing administration and organizational systems leadership. This program blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare graduates for healthcare leadership challenges. Ideal for advancing leadership roles, it offers credits applicable toward a Master of Science in Nursing with NAOSL emphasis. The entirely online format supports working professionals, and no entrance exam is indicated as required for this graduate-level concentration.

• Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate.
• Focus on healthcare leadership.
• Credits applicable to MS in Nursing.
• Prepares for complex healthcare systems.
• Ideal for early career nurse leaders.
• Emphasizes practical leadership skills.
• Designed for current nurse leaders.
• Blend of theory and practice.
• Enhances leadership in nursing.
• Supports career advancement in healthcare.

The College of Saint Scholastica's online Post-Graduate APRN Certificate with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration offers advanced nursing professionals specialized training in comprehensive family care. This hybrid program combines online coursework with clinical training, requiring 40-43 credits and 900-1080 supervised patient care hours. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing, it features competitive tuition at $925 per credit. The program does not require an entrance exam and can be completed in 3-4 semesters with minimal on-campus meetings, providing a flexible pathway for career advancement in family practice settings.

• Three APRN specialization options
• Hybrid online/clinical format
• 40-43 total credits
• 900-1080 supervised hours
• CCNE accredited program
• $925 per credit tuition
• 3-4 semester completion
• Minnesota Board approved
• Minimal on-campus meetings

The College of Saint Scholastica's online Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration prepares experienced nurses for specialized mental health roles. This hybrid format includes 40 credits and 960 clinical hours, integrating online theory with on-campus lab simulations to develop skills in mental health assessment, intervention, and evidence-based practice for diverse populations. Accredited and requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA, the program does not mandate an entrance exam, allowing focused training in adult and child psychiatry with advanced pharmacology, ideal for nurses seeking to enhance psychiatric care expertise through flexible, rigorous coursework.

• 40 total program credits
• 960 clinical practice hours
• Online theory with on-campus labs
• Advanced practice nurse focus
• Comprehensive psychiatric care training
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Covers adult and child psychiatry
• Theoretical and practical coursework
• Multiple clinical practicums
• Advanced pharmacology included

The College of Saint Scholastica's online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides advanced practice nurses with specialization in acute care for adult and geriatric patients. This hybrid program combines online theory with on-campus skills training and clinical experiences, totaling 42 credits and 840 clinical hours over 12-18 months. Designed for licensed APRNs, it emphasizes complex healthcare management, pathophysiology, and pharmacology without requiring an entrance exam. Accredited and military-friendly, the program supports career growth in diverse healthcare settings through precepted clinical experiences and a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, ensuring comprehensive acute care expertise.

• Post-graduate APRN certificate
• 42 total program credits
• 840 clinical hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Online theory courses
• On-campus skills training
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Precepted clinical experiences
• Advanced nursing specialization