2026 Best Rhode Island Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

A post-graduate certificate in nursing is a great way for Rhode Island nurses to accelerate their careers. With the right post-graduate nursing certificate, a nurse can get the education needed to gain an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) designation. For those who already hold an APRN designation, it may be possible to expand the number of career options available by gaining a second APRN designation.

2026 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Rhode Island

RegisteredNursing.org helps nurses find the best online nursing post-master's graduate certificate schools in Rhode Island. Our rankings highlight programs that fit busy schedules and offer flexible learning options. Online programs are important because they let working nurses advance their education without leaving their jobs, making it easier to gain new skills and improve patient care. You can learn more about how we rank schools through our https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI - Private 4-year - salve.edu

Graduate Certificate - Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Salve Regina University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse Education prepares experienced nurses for academic leadership roles through an 18-month asynchronous program. This 18-credit curriculum includes 240 clinical hours and focuses on teaching strategies, evidence-based practice, and professional development. No entrance exam is required for admission, though applicants must hold an MSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure. The program prepares graduates for Certified Nurse Educator national certification, with tuition at $14,418 for partner institutions and $15,264 for non-partners.

• Online asynchronous format
• 18 months program length
• 18 credit hours total
• 240 clinical hours
• $14,418 partner institution tuition
• $15,264 non-partner tuition
• Requires MSN degree
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• RN license prerequisite
• Prepares for national certification

Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Salve Regina University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate equips nurses to address mental health needs across all life stages through a 30-credit program. This flexible online format combines live and self-paced courses with 750 clinical hours, typically completed in 20-24 months. No entrance exam is required, but applicants need a master's in nursing. The curriculum emphasizes psychopharmacology, diagnostic skills, and clinical training, preparing graduates for national certification and potential advancement to Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.

• Online post-master's certificate program
• 30 credits total program
• 750 minimum clinical hours
• Flexible eight-course sequence
• 20-24 months average completion
• Rolling admission available
• National certification preparation
• Courses across lifespan focus
• Prerequisite: Master's in nursing
• Psychopharmacology training included

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#2

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI - Public 4-Year - ric.edu

Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care for Nurse Practitioners

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Rhode Island College offers an online-focused hybrid Certificate of Graduate Studies in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care for Nurse Practitioners, designed for master's-prepared nurses seeking acute care specialization. This 18-credit program prepares graduates for certification exams like the American Nurses Credentialing Center Adult Acute exam. Applicants must hold a master's in nursing and have completed prerequisites in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment, though certified APRNs may have these waived. The program emphasizes expanding nurse practitioner roles in acute care settings, features an ongoing application process, and requires no entrance exam such as the GRE.

• 18-credit program.
• Hybrid learning format.
• No GRE required.
• Prerequisites may be waived.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• Master’s in nursing required.
• Focus on acute care.
• Ongoing application process.
• Expands nurse practitioner roles.
• Certified APRNs eligible.

*Data citation: NCES, IPEDS 2023 Final Release Data.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Rhode Island

The admissions requirements are more or less the same for any school. You will need to provide proof of your prior education and meet any other requirements before being admitted to the post-graduate certification program. As an example, here are the admissions requirements for the University of Rhode Island:

• A bachelor's degree
• Academic background in the subject to be studied
• 3.0 GPA or higher
• Application with application fee
• Personal statement
• College transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Test scores (for some programs)
• TOEFL test report for non-native English speakers

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses

Post-graduate certificates in nursing vary in length from about 9 credits to 15, depending on the school and area of study. Most programs include a combination of general nursing courses and courses that are specific to the emphasis being studied. For example, the certificate in nursing care management from Rhode Island College requires the following courses:

• Nursing care management
• Epidemiology and biostatistics
• Public health science
• Professional role development
• Health care systems

Program Length

Most post-graduate nursing certificate programs take around two years to complete. However, some may be completed in as little as one year. Check with your school to see whether the program you are considering is part-time or full-time, and how long it takes to complete.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

The cost of tuition is an important consideration when choosing a school. Private schools are usually much more expensive than public schools, which are funded in part by taxes. In Rhode Island, tuition prices range from $9,578 per year for Rhode Island residents attending Rhode Island College to more than $40,000 per year at Salve Regina University. Keep in mind that tuition is usually higher for out-of-state residents. There are also other costs to consider, such as housing, meals, books, and supplies.

Online Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Programs in Rhode Island

The health care administration certificate offered by Salve Regina University is offered completely online. The online format makes it easier for working nurses to pursue advanced education and training, since the student can log in whenever it is convenient to do so.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island offers the most variety for Rhode Island post-graduate certificates in nursing. The school offers five specializations:

• Nursing education
• Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
• Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
• Family nurse practitioner

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary & Job Outlook

In 2018, 80% of nurse practitioners earned between $80,670 and $182,750, with the median salary being $113,930. The job outlook for this career is extremely promising, with a 26% growth projected between 2018 and 2028. The average growth rate for all occupations is just 5%. The increased demand for nurse practitioners is fueled by the aging baby boomer generation, which will require more healthcare services as they get older.

List of Rhode Island Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Earning a post-graduate nursing certificate increases the chances that a nurse will be able to find just the right position to make his or her career as financially rewarding as it is intrinsically fulfilling. Check out the schools below to find the post-graduate certificate of nursing that will propel your career to the next level.