2026 Best New Hampshire Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of New Hampshire's online Post-Master's Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) prepares nurses with an MSN to provide comprehensive care across the lifespan. Over 16 courses and 48 credit hours, students complete 750 clinical hours with individualized study plans and clinical placement assistance. Curriculum highlights include advanced health assessment, pharmacology, preventive care, chronic disease management, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are eligible for national FNP certification. Applicants need an unencumbered RN license, an MSN, a 3.2 GPA, two recommendations, a resume, and a personal statement; course waivers are possible. This CCNE-accredited program does not specify a graduate entrance exam (e.g., GRE) in its admissions requirements. Financial aid is available.

• Online program format.
• Post Master's certificate.
• Focus on family nurse practitioner.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 750 clinical hours.
• 48 credit hours.
• 16 courses.
• Individualized study plans.
• National certification eligible.
• Unencumbered RN license required.

University of New Hampshire's online Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) prepares APRNs for mental health specialty practice. The 29-credit curriculum includes 750 clinical hours, competency-based education, high-fidelity simulation, and three on-campus/virtual intensives. Full-time completion takes 17 months, with part-time options. Coursework covers lifespan mental health and evidence-based care, leading to ANCC PMHNP certification eligibility. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, MSN, one year of APN experience, three recommendation letters, personal statement, and resume. This CCNE-accredited program does not specify a graduate entrance exam (GRE/GMAT) among requirements. Application fee is $25; enrollment deposit is $200. Tuition details are available on the UNH Business Services website.

• Online graduate certificate program.
• Post-Master's PMHNP certificate.
• 29 credit hours required.
• 750 clinical hours total.
• Full-time: 17 months.
• Part-time options available.
• Online learning format.
• Three on-campus/virtual intensives.
• Fall or spring start terms.
• Requires RN license.

University of New Hampshire presents an online Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) for APRNs seeking advanced acute care skills. The program comprises 30 credit hours and 750 clinical hours, with practicum experiences in hospital and ambulatory settings. Coursework focuses on diagnostic reasoning, evidence-based practice, prescriptive authority, DEA authorization, and managing chronic illnesses. It also addresses rural healthcare needs and emphasizes inter-professional practice and leadership. Graduates meet ANCC and AACN certification eligibility requirements and are prepared for state licensure. Admission requires a master's degree and prior nursing coursework; no entrance exam is listed in the requirements. Individualized plans of study are available, and the program is CCNE-accredited.

• Online program delivery.
• Post-Master's Certificate program.
• 30 total credits required.
• 750 clinical hours included.
• Prepares for AGACNP role.
• Focuses on adult-gerontological population.
• Customized plan of study.
• Meets ANCC certification requirements.
• Meets AACN certification requirements.
• Includes clinical practicum courses.

Colby-Sawyer College's online Nursing Education Certificate prepares RNs for educator roles. This 15-credit program covers teaching theory, curriculum development, and assessment through asynchronous 8-week courses, enabling students to take one course at a time. A 6-credit capstone project completes the curriculum, and graduates become eligible for the Certified Nurse Educator exam. Applicants must hold an active RN license, meet graduate-level prerequisites in statistics, advanced health assessment, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing research, and international students may need TOEFL/IELTS scores. Rolling admissions, no application fee, and small classes provide accessibility and personalized attention. The program offers three concentration options to tailor learning.

• 3 concentration options
• Exams: TOEFL, IELTS
• 15 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Asynchronous online classes
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• $0 application fee
• Prepares for CNE exam
• 8-week asynchronous online courses

Colby-Sawyer College's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Management & Executive Leadership is an online program designed for nurses seeking leadership positions. This 12-credit curriculum explores healthcare delivery, organizational behavior, and business principles, with courses delivered asynchronously over eight weeks. Tuition is $600 per credit, and rolling admissions allow flexible entry. Applicants need an active RN license, official transcripts, and a professional resume. Graduates are prepared for the ANCC Nurse Executive certification exam. Small classes, industry-leading faculty, and a free online application enhance the experience. The program focuses on improving patient outcomes and healthcare systems, making it ideal for working professionals advancing their careers.

• Online asynchronous courses.
• 12-credit program.
• $600 per credit tuition.
• Active RN license required.
• Rolling admissions available.
• 8-week course duration.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• Focus on healthcare leadership.
• Small class sizes.
• Industry-leading faculty.

Rivier University's online Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate prepares RNs with an MSN for acute care practice across the lifespan, emphasizing evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Low-residency design includes eight on-campus simulation days with ventilators and hemodynamic monitors. Graduates are eligible for AGACNP-BC certification and careers in ICU, ED, and specialty acute care. ACEN-accredited and ranked #1 in NH by Nursing Schools Almanac, the program is 19 credits with 7- and 14-week courses, completed in five semesters.

• ACEN accredited
• 5-Semester program
• 19 total credit hours
• Prepares for AGACNP-BC
• Top 50 private nursing school nationally
• Low-residency format with 8 days on campus
• Hands-on experience with high-fidelity simulators
• Train with cardiac pacing and defibrillation systems
• Procedural task trainers for chest tube insertion
• Program director with critical care certifications

Franklin Pierce University's online graduate certificate in nursing education equips registered nurses for teaching roles in academic and clinical environments. The program focuses on curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques, incorporating advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment to deepen clinical expertise. Students learn to design evidence-based curricula, implement effective teaching methods, and evaluate outcomes. Asynchronous classes offer flexible scheduling with part-time or full-time options, accommodating working professionals. A capstone project applies educational principles in a practical setting. Graduates are prepared for nurse educator positions in colleges, hospitals, and healthcare organizations. The certificate is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). No entrance exam requirement is mentioned.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
• Full-time and part-time options
• Asynchronous online classes
• Capstone required
• Online program delivery
• Capstone project required
• Prepares for nursing educator roles
• Evidence-based curriculum design
• Clinical teaching strategies covered