2026 Best North Carolina Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Duke University's Online Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education transforms experienced nurses into cutting-edge educators. Designed for master's degree holders, this hybrid program provides comprehensive training in curriculum design, educational technology, and clinical instruction. Professionals learn innovative teaching methodologies while gaining expertise to shape nursing education across academic and healthcare environments. The flexible online format allows working nurses to advance their careers, with strategic learning experiences focusing on pedagogical strategies and emerging educational technologies.

• Post-Graduate Certificate Option
• For Master's Degree Holders
• Flexible Online Learning
• Expert Faculty Instruction
• Prepare for Nursing Education Roles
• Innovative Teaching Technologies
• Career Advancement Opportunities

Duke University's Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate offers a dynamic hybrid online program preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive primary care. With a #1 national ranking, students complete coursework through virtual synchronous sessions and strategic on-campus intensives. The curriculum emphasizes health equity, policy, and leadership, enabling graduates to create meaningful healthcare change. Flexible learning accommodates working professionals, with clinical experiences completed near home and optional specializations in areas like cardiology and oncology.

• Online distance-based MSN program
• #1 Master's Nurse Practitioner Program
• Complete clinicals near home
• Optional specialty concentrations
• Global clinical network available
• High-fidelity simulation experiences
• Under three years to graduate
• Comprehensive primary care focus
• Nurse-led care model emphasis
• Holistic admissions approach

Duke University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate provides a groundbreaking hybrid program addressing the growing mental health crisis. Nationally ranked #1, this distance-based learning model develops advanced practice nurses' psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic skills. Students gain extensive clinical experiences across diverse settings through 2,000+ nationwide clinical partnerships. The program prepares graduates to deliver compassionate, equitable mental health care, positioning them in a field projected to grow 38% by 2032.

• #1 Mental Health Nursing Program
• Hybrid Distance-Based Learning
• Nationwide Clinical Partnerships
• Lifespan Mental Health Focus
• High Job Growth Potential
• Trauma-Informed Academic Environment
• Synchronous and Asynchronous Courses
• Diverse Clinical Practice Settings

Duke University's Online Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Post-Graduate Certificate prepares nurses to drive transformative healthcare change. Ranked #1 in Nursing Administration, this program develops critical skills in quality management, healthcare economics, and innovative leadership strategies. The curriculum focuses on health equity, cultural intelligence, and evidence-based practices. With a projected 28% job growth and median annual salary of $110,680, graduates are positioned for high-impact leadership roles across diverse healthcare environments.

• Online Distance-Based Education
• No. 1 Nursing Administration Program
• Individualized Clinical Experiences
• Diverse Learning Environment
• Career Opportunities in Multiple Settings
• Holistic Admissions Strategy
• Faculty with Real-World Experience
• Emphasis on Health Equity
• Supportive Learning Community
• Flexible for Working Professionals

Duke University's Online Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Post-Graduate Certificate equips nurses to become influential leaders in complex healthcare settings. Ranked #1 in Nursing Administration, the program provides advanced skills in quality management, healthcare economics, and leadership strategies. Focusing on health equity and evidence-based practice, students prepare for diverse roles in hospitals, clinics, and managed care firms. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, offering strong career prospects with projected 28% job growth.

• #1 Nursing Administration Program
• 100% Online Program
• Diverse Career Opportunities
• Individualized Clinical Experience
• Evidence-Based Leadership Focus
• 28% Job Growth Projected
• Expert Faculty Mentorship
• Holistic Admissions Approach
• Supports Healthcare Innovation
• Emphasis on Health Equity

Duke University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate offers a hybrid learning format preparing skilled professionals in reproductive and sexual healthcare. With the lowest credit requirements among nursing schools, students gain comprehensive training focused on health equity across diverse populations. The program provides personalized clinical placements and global partnerships, enabling faster career entry. Graduates can expect exceptional job prospects, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 38% growth in advanced practice registered nursing roles.

• Hybrid distance-based learning
• Lowest credit requirements
• Personalized clinical placements
• Centering Group Facilitation Certification
• 2,000+ global clinical partners
• Holistic admissions approach
• Specialization in women's health
• Diverse career placement options

Duke University's Health Informatics Post-Graduate Certificate provides a strategic pathway into healthcare technology for professionals. This comprehensive hybrid program develops advanced skills in clinical information systems and emerging health technologies. Designed for individuals with health-related experience, the curriculum combines online instruction with intensive on-campus sessions and a personalized practicum. Suitable for registered nurses and healthcare administrators, the one-year program offers flexible learning with competitive admission requirements and a focus on data management and technological innovation.

• One-year comprehensive program
• Online and on-campus instruction
• 19 total credit hours
• For master's degree holders
• Health-related work experience
• Two certificate options available
• Intensive individualized practicum
• Technical and clinical focus
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Fall semester start

Duke University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate prepares advanced practice nurses for critical healthcare settings. This top-ranked hybrid program enables students to deliver specialized care for acutely and critically ill patients from adolescence to older adulthood. With a distance-based learning model, students gain expertise through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing health equity and global clinical experiences. Graduates are positioned in high-demand specialties with projected job growth up to 38% and competitive median annual salaries.

• Hybrid learning format
• Distance-based clinical experiences
• Global clinical network
• Focus on health equity
• Expert faculty mentors
• Advanced simulation experiences
• Extensive clinical placement support

Duke University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate addresses critical healthcare needs for an aging population. This top-ranked hybrid program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive care across patient lifespans. Students complete at least 560 clinical hours through a flexible, distance-based curriculum that emphasizes health equity and patient-centered care. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 38% growth in advanced practice nursing roles, graduates can expect robust job prospects and a median annual salary of $129,480.

• #1 AGNP-PC MSN Program
• 42-credit hour curriculum
• 560+ clinical training hours
• Flexible online learning
• Worldwide clinical partnerships
• Focuses on health equity
• Distance-based program design
• Prepares primary care providers

East Carolina University's Post-MSN Certificate in Nursing Education prepares master's-prepared nurses to become expert educators in academic and clinical settings through a fully online format. This program develops specialized teaching skills and includes preparation for the Certified Nurse Educator Exam, enhancing professional credentials without requiring GRE or MAT entrance exams. Designed for working professionals, it offers flexibility and focuses on advancing nursing education careers through comprehensive curriculum and practical application.

• Online Nursing Education Certificate
• No GRE/MAT Required
• Eight Post-MSN Certificate Options
• Certified Nurse Educator Exam Prep
• Designed for Master's-Prepared Nurses

East Carolina University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Masters Certificate prepares nurses for advanced practice in psychiatric and mental health services via a hybrid online format with on-campus intensives. This program requires 550 clinical hours and emphasizes eligibility for the PMH NP certification exam, focusing on self-awareness and communication skills. Admission is competitive, prioritizing North Carolina applicants with mental health experience, and requires essays and references without specified entrance exams. It supports career advancement in mental health settings through tailored clinical experiences.

• Online format with on-campus intensives.
• 550 clinical supervision hours required.
• Eligible for PMH NP certification exam.
• MSN or Post Masters Certificate options.
• Competitive admission process.
• Focus on North Carolina mental health settings.
• Requires essays and professional references.
• Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
• Program began admissions in fall 2017.
• Limited class size.

East Carolina University's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership with a concentration in Leadership in Acute Care Health Systems equips experienced nurses for advanced roles in acute care settings through a fully online program. Focusing on financial management, policy, and organizational theory, it develops strategic leadership skills to improve patient outcomes and drive healthcare innovation. No entrance exams are mentioned, and it requires a master's degree and RN licensure, incorporating a professional practice practicum for hands-on experience in acute care environments.

• 100% Online Program
• Three Leadership Concentrations
• Master's Degree Required
• Advanced Nursing Leadership Focus
• Professional Practice Practicum
• Accredited Nursing Program
• Comprehensive Curriculum
• RN Licensure Required
• Graduate Faculty Advisement
• Clinical Background Preferred

East Carolina University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner trains certified nurse practitioners for evidence-based care in acute settings via an online format with local clinical practice. This 20-semester hour curriculum emphasizes advanced diagnostic and clinical skills for complex adult and older adult health needs, preparing graduates for certification exams. No entrance exams are specified, and it requires an MSN or higher with a 3.2 GPA minimum, offering part-time study options for flexibility in managing acute and critical conditions.

• 20 semester hour curriculum
• Online didactic courses
• Clinical practice in local area
• Requires MSN or higher
• 3.2 GPA minimum requirement
• Part-time study option
• Advanced clinical practicum
• Prepares for certification exam

East Carolina University's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership with a concentration in Leadership in Community-Based Health Systems develops advanced leadership skills for community healthcare settings through a fully online program. Focusing on strategic management, health policy, and financial management, it prepares nurses for diverse roles without requiring entrance exams. Admission mandates a master's in nursing, RN license, and references, and includes a practicum experience to build capabilities in organizational ethics and community-based care innovation.

• 100% Online Post-Master's Certificate
• Three Leadership Concentration Options
• Advanced Nursing Management Curriculum
• Requires Master's in Nursing
• Comprehensive Leadership Skill Development
• Practicum Experience Included
• Accredited Nursing Program
• Flexible Learning Format

East Carolina University's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership with a concentration in Leadership in Health Care Educational Systems prepares nurses for educational leadership roles via a comprehensive online format. Emphasizing curriculum development, educational strategies, and evaluation, it builds advanced skills in healthcare education and administrative theory. No entrance exams are mentioned, and it requires a master's in nursing, RN licensure, references, and clinical experience, incorporating a practicum to foster career advancement in nursing education and leadership.

• 100% Online Nursing Leadership Certificate
• Specialized Healthcare Education Concentration
• Advanced Nursing Leadership Training
• Requires Master's in Nursing Degree
• Professional Leadership Courses
• Curriculum Development Focus
• Nursing Education Evaluation
• Career Advancement Opportunity
• Comprehensive Practicum Experience

UNC Charlotte's online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Educator prepares BSN and MSN graduates for leadership roles in nursing education. This 12-credit hour program can be completed in one year through flexible, part-time study with spring, summer, and fall admission. Students gain advanced teaching skills, curriculum development expertise, and instructional technology knowledge while completing 15 hours of teaching experience. No entrance exam is required. The program emphasizes innovative educational strategies and is ideal for working professionals seeking career transformation in healthcare education.

• 100% Online Program
• 12 Credit Hours Total
• Completion in 1 Year
• For BSN/MSN Graduates
• Resident Tuition $288.82/Credit
• Part-Time Study Option
• Four Specialized Courses
• 15 Hours Teaching Experience
• Spring/Summer/Fall Admission

UNC Charlotte offers an online Nurse Administration graduate certificate designed for BSN and MSN holders seeking career advancement. This distance education program provides specialized training in administrative leadership, healthcare management, and team leadership. Students can complete the certificate within one year through flexible learning pathways. The curriculum focuses on enhancing professional skills for healthcare administration roles. No entrance exam is required. This program caters to working nurses looking to develop administrative competencies without disrupting current employment.

• Distance Education Programs
• Multiple Certificate Options
• One Year Completion Time
• Designed for BSN/MSN Holders
• Career Advancement Focus
• Flexible Learning Pathways
• Four Courses Per Certificate
• Professional Skill Enhancement

The online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Administration at UNC Charlotte prepares registered nurses for leadership positions in healthcare administration. This 12-month, 100% online program focuses on developing administrative competencies, strategic planning, health informatics, and managing diverse patient populations. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, current RN licensure, minimum 3.0 GPA, statement of purpose, and three professional recommendations. No entrance exam is required. The flexible part-time format allows working professionals to balance education with career and personal commitments while advancing into administrative roles.

• 100% online program.
• Complete in 12 months.
• For RNs with Bachelor's degree.
• Focus on leadership and management.
• Flexible part-time study.
• 12 credit hours required.
• Courses in health informatics.
• Strategic planning included.
• Admits in Spring, Summer, Fall.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.

UNC Charlotte's online Graduate Certificate in Applied Nursing Informatics equips nurses with advanced technical skills for healthcare information systems. This 12-credit program can be completed within one year and focuses on clinical data implementation, management, and analysis. The curriculum covers healthcare data analytics, health informatics, and strategic technology management. Admission requires a minimum 2.8 GPA and active RN license, with no standardized test requirements. The online delivery allows seamless integration of informatics expertise into current nursing practice, supporting career advancement in healthcare technology.

• Online nursing informatics certificate
• 12 credit hours total
• Minimum 2.8 GPA required
• No GRE needed
• Four specialized courses
• Requires active RN license
• Completes within one year
• Concurrent MSN studies possible
• Focuses on data analytics
• Strategic planning emphasis

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate designed for MSN or DNP-prepared APRNs seeking specialization in a new population area. This program prepares graduates for national certification exams and North Carolina practice approval, focusing on career expansion and role change. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills for immediate healthcare application and is tailored for working professionals. No entrance exam is required for this online program, which provides flexibility through both online and in-person options.

• Online and In-Person options.
• For MSN or DNP-prepared APRNs.
• Focus on new population area.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Eligible for NC practice approval.
• Designed for career expansion.
• Ideal for role change.
• Emphasizes practical skills.
• Curriculum for working professionals.
• Immediate healthcare field application.

UNC Chapel Hill's hybrid Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate provides advanced clinical training for experienced nurses specializing in acute care for adult and geriatric patients with complex conditions. This program develops essential assessment, diagnostic, and treatment skills for critical care settings like ICUs and emergency departments. No entrance exam is required. The hybrid format combines online and in-person components, offering flexibility while maintaining rigorous clinical standards for professional advancement in acute care nursing.

• Hybrid program format
• Post-graduate certificate
• Advanced acute care nursing
• Specialized gerontology focus
• Advanced clinical training

Gardner-Webb University's online Nursing Education Certificate prepares registered nurses for educator roles in academic or clinical settings. This program focuses on developing advanced teaching methodologies and leadership skills specifically for nursing education. Designed for working professionals, it offers flexible scheduling to accommodate career commitments while preparing graduates for national nurse educator certification exams. The curriculum emphasizes practical teaching strategies and educational theory application. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's certificate program. As an online program, it provides accessibility for nurses across North Carolina seeking to transition into educational roles.

• Nursing Education Certificate
• Prepares for national certification
• Flexible for working professionals
• Focus on teaching methodologies
• Enhances leadership in nursing education

Gardner-Webb University's hybrid Post-Doctoral Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate requires 40 credit hours and prepares doctoral-prepared nurses for national FNP certification. This program enhances clinical expertise in family-focused primary care through a combination of online coursework and in-person clinical components. Admission requires a doctoral degree from an accredited nursing program, but no entrance exam is specified. The hybrid format offers flexibility while maintaining essential hands-on clinical training. Graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive healthcare across the lifespan, making this an ideal choice for nurses seeking to expand their advanced practice scope in family medicine settings.

• 40-credit hour FNP Certificate.
• 42-credit hour PMHNP Program.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Doctoral degree required for admission.
• Specialized tracks available.
• Enhances clinical expertise.
• Detailed course info in catalog.
• Focus on advanced nursing roles.
• Accredited nursing program required.
• Eligibility for certification exams.

Gardner-Webb University's hybrid Post-Doctoral Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate spans 42 credit hours, preparing doctoral-level nurses for PMHNP national certification. This program focuses on advanced psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across diverse populations through integrated online and clinical learning. While requiring a doctoral degree for admission, no entrance exam is mentioned. The hybrid delivery combines theoretical knowledge with practical mental health care experience. Graduates gain specialized skills in psychiatric medication management, psychotherapy, and mental health promotion, positioning them for leadership roles in behavioral health services throughout North Carolina and beyond.

• Two specialized tracks available.
• 40-42 credit hours required.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Doctoral degree required for admission.
• Comprehensive coursework and clinical experience.
• Family Nurse Practitioner track.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track.
• Detailed course info in Academic Catalog.
• Designed for career advancement.
• Nationally accredited nursing program.