2026 Best Maryland Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Johns Hopkins University's Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a hybrid program blending online coursework with on-campus experiences. This 17-credit curriculum includes 500 clinical hours and prepares nurses to provide mental health, substance use, and co-morbid care across the lifespan. Coursework emphasizes integrated care, health promotion, evidence-based treatment, neurobiology, and psychopharmacology. Graduates are eligible for ANCC and AANP certification and are equipped for roles in behavioral health centers, primary care, and more. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing and an active RN license. The program does not list a GRE or other entrance exam requirement, focusing instead on clinical competencies.

• 17 credit program.
• 500 clinical hours.
• Hybrid program format.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• Focuses on lifespan care.
• Includes neurobiology coursework.
• Covers clinical psychopharmacology.
• Teaches differential diagnosis.
• Includes psychotherapeutic modalities.
• Adult/gero clinical practicum.

Johns Hopkins University delivers a Post-Master's Certificate in Healthcare Organizational Leadership entirely online through its School of Nursing. This part-time program is designed for master's-prepared nurses seeking leadership advancement, requiring 16 credits and 504 clinical hours across diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum covers leadership, organizational culture, health finance, and economics, with a focus on evidence-based practice. Graduates can apply these credits toward the DNP Executive Track. The online format offers flexibility for working professionals, and no entrance exam is specified in the program details.

• Part-time online program.
• 16 credits required.
• 504 clinical hours.
• For master's degree holders.
• Flexible clinical settings.
• Leadership and management focus.
• Health finance course included.
• Prepares for DNP Executive Track.
• Evidence-based practice grounded.
• School of Nursing offering.

The Certificate in Advanced Forensic Nursing at Johns Hopkins University is a graduate hybrid program spanning 12 credits across two semesters. Combining online coursework with limited on-site sessions, it covers injury pathology, disaster preparedness, and advanced identification techniques. This executive-style program prepares nurses for leadership in forensic practice, research, and policy. Applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing or a related health field and have forensic experience. Notably, GRE scores are not required. Tuition is $2,500 per course, with fall or spring start dates, and credits may apply toward a DNP degree.

• 12-credit graduate certificate.
• Two-semester program length.
• Hybrid format with online courses.
• Limited on-site coursework sessions.
• Flexible fall or spring start.
• Prepares for leadership roles.
• Covers injury pathology topics.
• Includes disaster preparedness content.
• Focuses on forensic nursing practice.
• Requires master's degree for admission.

Stevenson University offers an online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Education designed for registered nurses with a BSN who aspire to become nurse educators. The 15-credit program, completed in four courses, covers curriculum design, teaching strategies, instructional media, and culminates in a nursing education practicum, with zero clinical hours required. Coursework is entirely online with flexible scheduling for working professionals. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the certificate's credits apply toward Stevenson's Master of Science in Nursing. Applicants must hold a current RN license, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, submit a personal statement, and provide one letter of recommendation.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 15 total credit hours
• 4 total courses
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 0 clinical hours
• Accredited by CCNE
• Credits apply to master's degree
• Curriculum design and teaching strategies
• Instructional media in education

Salisbury University offers an online Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study designed specifically for DNP graduates seeking FNP certification. This competitive, limited-enrollment program focuses on advanced clinical competencies for complex patient care in family healthcare settings. The curriculum satisfies educational requirements for licensure exams and supports FNP credentialing, though it does not award the FNP degree itself. Virtual information sessions provide prospective students with insights into the program. No entrance exam is required for admission. Offered entirely online, this certificate enhances career opportunities in primary care practice. For detailed admissions guidance, contact the School of Nursing, including Dr. Annette Barnes.

• Online program delivery.
• For DNP graduates only.
• Prepares for FNP certification.
• Competitive admission process.
• Limited program spots.
• Virtual information sessions available.
• Meets licensure exam requirements.
• Focus on family healthcare.
• Advanced clinical competencies.
• School of Nursing faculty.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore's online Nursing Informatics Certificate is tailored for registered nurses with a master's degree. This post-master's program blends nursing knowledge with health IT, covering data management and clinical systems to improve patient outcomes. Comprising 36 credits, the certificate can be finished in two years and integrates 500 practicum hours. The program does not specify an entrance exam requirement; applicants need a BSN, a 3.0 minimum GPA, an active RN license, and an essay. Tuition runs $926 per credit for in-state students and $1,643 for out-of-state. Graduates are equipped for roles such as informatics specialist or clinical data analyst, with preparation for ANCC certification. The CCNE-accredited program offers scholarships, financial aid, and flexible full- or part-time study.

• Online format.
• 36 credit hours.
• As little as 2 years.
• 500 practicum hours.
• In-state tuition $926/credit.
• Out-of-state tuition $1,643/credit.
• BSN required for admission.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• RN license required.
• Essay application component.

Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Nurse Educator Post-MSN Certificate is a 12-credit hybrid program delivered online with some campus components. Designed for nurses already holding an MSN, DNP, or PhD, it prepares experienced nurses for teaching roles in academic, clinical, and community settings. The curriculum covers curriculum development, educational technology, and teaching methodologies grounded in caring science. Students complete courses in technology integration, nursing education trends, and curriculum design, plus a mentored practicum tailored to professional goals. Featuring small class sizes and cohort-based learning, the program does not require a standardized entrance exam. Graduates are equipped for educator positions in colleges, hospitals, and healthcare organizations, with scholarship opportunities including the Cohen Scholars Program.

• 12 credits program
• 12 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Scholarships available
• Practicum tailored to professional goals
• Small class sizes and cohorts
• Prepares for nurse educator roles