2026 Best Texas Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

UTA's online Post-Master's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate prepares MSN-prepared nurses for PPCNP-BC certification. The curriculum centers on pediatric primary care, covering health promotion, disease management, and collaborative community care for children. Spanning 18 credit hours (as few as five courses), the program costs $654 per credit and includes clinical placements with assistance. Admission requires an MSN from an accredited program, active RN license, 3.0 GPA, and an undergraduate statistics course. This CCNE-accredited certificate offers multiple start dates, pay-by-course tuition, and a tuition guarantee; no entrance exam is required.

• Online program format.
• Post-master's certificate.
• Pediatric primary care concentration.
• 18 credit hours required.
• As few as five courses.
• $654 per credit hour.
• MSN from accredited program needed.
• Active RN license required.
• 3.0 GPA in MSN program.
• Undergraduate statistics course required.

Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, UTA's online Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate delivers advanced primary care skills across the lifespan. This accelerated program can be completed in as few as five courses and costs $654 per credit hour ($1,962 per course). Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, a 3.0 GPA, and an MSN from an accredited program. With CCNE accreditation, the curriculum integrates research and theory for experiential learning, and clinical placements include preceptor assistance. The program prepares graduates for ANCC or AANP board certification. Multiple start dates, pay-by-course tuition, and a tuition guarantee offer flexibility; no standardized entrance exam is required.

• Online program delivery.
• As few as five courses.
• Tuition $654 per credit hour.
• Requires MSN degree.
• Active RN license needed.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• CCNE accredited.
• Clinical hours required.
• Preceptor assistance available.
• Board certification eligible.

UTA's online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration equips MSN-prepared nurses with essential business and leadership skills for healthcare management. In just 12 credit hours, completable in as few as seven months, students study financial management, organizational behavior, nursing informatics, and healthcare policy. The program costs $5,933.28 with pay-as-you-go options. Applicants must hold an MSN from an accredited program, an active RN license, a 3.0 GPA, and at least two years of nursing experience. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Chief Nursing Officer, Nurse Administrator, or Director of Case Management, and may pursue national certification or doctoral study. Multiple start dates are available; no entrance exam is required.

• Online program format.
• 12 credit hours required.
• Total tuition $5,933.28.
• As few as 7 months duration.
• Pay-as-you-go tuition options.
• Multiple start dates available.
• MSN degree required for admission.
• Active RN license needed.
• Two years nursing experience required.
• 3.0 GPA in MSN program.

The online Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate at UTA prepares MSN-prepared nurses for board certification in adult-gerontology primary care. The curriculum emphasizes illness prevention, management of minor acute conditions, and expanded clinical roles, with hands-on practicum experiences guided by licensed preceptors. Priced at $654 per credit hour, the program requires an MSN from an accredited program, active RN license, 3.0 GPA, and an undergraduate statistics course. Offered entirely online with 8-week courses and multiple start dates, this CCNE-accredited certificate includes individual gap analysis and pay-by-course tuition. Clinical placement collaboration ensures meaningful practice opportunities. No graduate entrance exam is required.

• Online program format.
• As few as five courses.
• Cost $654 per credit hour.
• MSN from accredited program required.
• Active RN license needed.
• 3.0 GPA in MSN degree.
• Undergraduate statistics course required.
• Clinical requirements included.
• Hands-on practice with preceptors.
• Focus on illness prevention.

UTA's online Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post Master's) empowers MSN-prepared nurses to earn PPCNP-BC certification. The 18-credit curriculum, tailored via gap analysis, covers advanced pediatric primary care, chronicity, and clinical practice. Students explore health promotion, disease management, and case management for children from infancy through adolescence, with practicum opportunities in pediatric clinics, school-based health centers, and palliative care settings. At $654 per credit, the program features 8-week courses, multiple start dates, and a locked tuition guarantee. This CCNE-accredited certificate offers clinical placement assistance and is taught by on-campus faculty. Applicants need an MSN, RN license, and 3.0 GPA; no entrance exam is required.

• CCNE accredited
• $654 per credit
• Locked tuition rate
• 18 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-05-22
• Starts summer/fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PPCNP-BC)
• 100% online program

• CCNE accredited
• $654 per credit
• Locked tuition rate
• 5 total courses
• Apply by 2026-05-22
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for CPNP-AC
• 100% online program

The University of Texas at El Paso offers an online Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education tailored for MSN-prepared nurses seeking academic or staff development roles. This 12-credit program comprises four courses covering curriculum development, teaching strategies, learning evaluation, and a mentored teaching practicum. Students must achieve a B or higher in each course to earn the certificate. The curriculum emphasizes practical educator competencies, preparing graduates for positions in nursing education across academic, clinical, and continuing education settings. This concise program allows working nurses to develop specialized teaching skills without committing to a full doctoral degree.

• 12 total credit hours
• 4 total courses
• Focus on educator competencies
• Prepares for nursing educator roles
• Courses require B or better
• Curriculum development focus

The Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Pediatric Primary Care at UTEP is a hybrid program designed for MSN-prepared nurses aiming to specialize in children's healthcare. Depending on prior APRN preparation, students complete 28-40 credit hours and 630-775 clinical practicum hours. The curriculum covers well-child care, developmental assessment, and management of common pediatric conditions. Applicants must hold a Master's in Nursing and a current RN or NP license, and submit a resume and professional statement. Coursework is delivered through a blend of online instruction and on-campus experiences, offering flexibility for practicing nurses. Graduates are prepared for advanced practice roles in pediatric clinics, primary care offices, and community health settings.

• Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate.
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Hybrid program format.
• 28-40 total credit hours.
• 630-775 clinical practicum hours.
• Requires Master's in Nursing degree.
• Current RN or NP license needed.
• Submit resume or curriculum vitae.
• 500-word professional statement required.
• Online application to Graduate School.

UTEP's Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration focuses on primary care across the lifespan. This hybrid program requires 28-40 credits and 630-775 clinical hours, with an emphasis on family-centered, evidence-based practice. Admission requirements include a Master's in Nursing, current RN or APRN licensure, a resume, and a 500-word professional statement. The curriculum addresses health promotion, disease prevention, and management of acute and chronic conditions in diverse populations. Costs vary by residency status, and scheduling is designed to accommodate working nurses. Graduates emerge prepared for advanced practice in family healthcare settings, from rural clinics to urban community health centers.

• Post-Master's NP Certificate
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Primary care focus
• Hybrid program format
• 28-40 credit hours
• 630-775 clinical hours
• Requires Master's in Nursing
• Current RN or APRN license
• Professional statement required
• Resume or CV needed

The Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate at UTEP offers an Across the Lifespan concentration, preparing nurses to provide mental health care in community, acute, and telemental-health settings. This hybrid program comprises 40 credit hours and 675 clinical hours, covering advanced health assessment, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based treatments for common and complex psychiatric conditions. Applicants need a Master's in Nursing and current RN or APRN licensure. Notably, the program does not require GRE scores or letters of recommendation; however, international applicants must submit TOEFL scores. Spring and Fall admissions are available. The curriculum includes specialized coursework in child, adolescent, adult, and older adult psychiatry, as well as substance use disorder management. Graduates are equipped for advanced practice across all life stages.

• Hybrid program format
• Across the Lifespan concentration
• 40 total credit hours
• 675 clinical hours required
• Master's in Nursing required
• Current RN or APRN license needed
• Admissions in Spring and Fall
• No GRE scores required
• No letters of recommendation
• Formal Letter of Intent required

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Administration and Management at UTEP is an online program for MSN-prepared nurses seeking leadership roles in healthcare. The curriculum focuses on human resources management, financial resource management, and quality improvement, equipping graduates for administrative positions in various healthcare settings. Applicants must hold a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA, an active RN license, and submit a statement of purpose and current resume. International applicants are required to provide TOEFL scores. The program is designed for working professionals, with streamlined admission for UTEP graduates. This certificate offers a focused pathway to enhance administrative competencies without pursuing a full doctoral degree.

• Online program format.
• For nurses with MSN.
• Focuses on administrative skills.
• Covers human resources management.
• Includes financial resource management.
• Emphasizes quality management.
• Requires BSN degree.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• Valid RN license needed.
• Statement of purpose required.

• Online program delivery
• 28-40 credit hours required
• 630-775 clinical practicum hours
• Post-master's certificate program
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care concentration
• Requires Master's in Nursing degree
• Current RN or NP license needed
• Professional purpose statement required
• Resume or curriculum vita submission
• Submit through Graduate School

• 6 concentration options
• Designed for nurses with MSN degree
• Accepts APRN and non-APRN applicants
• Clinical hours range 630-775

The Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is an online, asynchronous program designed for master's- or doctorally prepared nurses seeking to transition into nursing education. The 27-credit curriculum emphasizes curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, technology-enhanced teaching strategies, and evidence-based practice. Students complete a 112-hour education practicum and study pathophysiology, pharmacology, and advanced health assessment. Graduates are prepared for the National League for Nursing’s Academic Nurse Educator Certification exam. The program is CCNE and ACEN accredited and requires a valid RN license, MSN degree, 3.0 GPA, and three letters of recommendation. No GRE or entrance exam is required. Applications close February 15, 2025, with fall start; financial aid and scholarships are available.

• CCNE, ACEN accredited
• 27 semester credit hours program
• 27 total credit hours
• Apply by 2025-02-15
• Starts fall
• Asynchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 112 clinical hours
• Prepares for Academic Nurse Educator Certification

This hybrid Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center prepares MSN-prepared nurses for primary care roles, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences and leads to national certification eligibility. Admission requires a BSN and MSN from accredited institutions, a valid RN license, 3.0 GPA, one year of nursing experience, a personal statement, and three professional references. A computer literacy test is required, but no GRE or other standardized entrance exam is needed. The program is CCNE-accredited, and some state restrictions apply. Financial aid is available, and transfer credit may be possible. The application process is two-step, with deadlines varying by term. This certificate offers flexibility for practicing nurses seeking advanced clinical skills.

• Post-Graduate FNP Certificate available.
• Hybrid program format.
• Prepares for primary care roles.
• Eligible for national certification exams.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Requires MSN for admission.
• One year RN experience needed.
• 3.0 minimum GPA required.
• Valid RN license required.
• BSN from accredited institution.

Texas Tech’s Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate is 100% online, with clinical hours completed in the student’s local area. This up-to-30-credit program emphasizes rural health and telemental health delivery across all age groups, preparing MSN-prepared nurses for psychiatric-mental health practice and certification. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, valid RN license, MSN degree, three professional references, a personal statement, and a computer literacy test; no GRE entrance exam is required. The program is CCNE accredited and offers a dual DNP option for those interested in doctoral study. Financial aid is available, and transfer credit may be accepted. The program focuses on mental health promotion, early intervention, and evidence-based care. Spring admission is offered, but note that F1 visa students are not eligible.

• 100% online coursework.
• Clinical hours in home area.
• Up to 30 credit hours.
• Focus on rural health.
• Telemental health training.
• MSN degree required.
• 3.0 minimum GPA.
• Valid RN license needed.
• Three professional references.
• Personal statement required.

This 17-credit Post-Master’s Nursing Informatics Certificate at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a hybrid program, pairing online coursework with occasional visits to the Lubbock campus. It prepares MSN-prepared nurses for advanced informatics roles and board certification exams such as ANCC and CPHIMS. Applicants must hold a valid RN license, an MSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 GPA, and at least two years of clinical experience, along with informatics experience. The admissions process includes a personal statement, three references, official transcripts, and a computer literacy test; no GRE is needed. The program is CCNE-accredited, with tuition and fees available through Student Business Services. Financial aid—including grants, loans, and scholarships—may be available. Summer admission is available, though Texas residency is preferred and some state restrictions apply.

• 17 semester credit hours.
• Hybrid program format.
• Online with campus visits.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• Prepares for CPHIMS exam.
• Requires MSN degree.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• Valid RN license needed.
• Two years clinical experience.
• Informatics experience required.

The Post-Graduate Nurse Midwifery Certificate is a hybrid program from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center that combines online coursework with on-campus sessions. The 39-semester-hour curriculum prepares MSN-prepared nurses for the American Midwifery Certification Board exam. Tuition costs approximately $300-$400 per semester hour. Admission requires a valid RN license, an MSN from an accredited institution, a 3.0 GPA, a 500-word personal statement, three professional references, and ACLS or PALS certification for some tracks. A computer literacy test is required, but no GRE entrance exam. Accredited by ACME and CCNE, the program offers fall, spring, and summer admissions; applications open in November with February deadlines. Students must travel to Lubbock for orientation, and clinical hours can be completed in approved locations. Transfer credits are accepted for B grades or higher.

• 39 semester credit hours.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Cost: $300-$400 per semester hour.
• Requires MSN degree for admission.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• Valid RN license needed.
• Three professional references required.
• Personal statement essay (500 words).
• ACLS or PALS certification for some tracks.
• Computer literacy test required.

• Hybrid online and campus format.
• 36 semester credit hours.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• One year ICU/ER experience.
• ACLS or PALS certification.
• Personal statement required.
• Three professional references.
• Official transcripts mandatory.

The University of Texas at Tyler delivers a Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate through a hybrid model, combining web-based courses with just one or two campus visits per semester. The 29-credit curriculum spans 7 online credits and 22 clinical credits, offering flexible, part-time scheduling to accommodate working professionals. With a focus on clinical application and leader development, the program prepares nurses for national certification and careers in primary care. Small class sizes and a student-friendly format foster collaboration with faculty. The program reports a high board exam pass rate. Applicants should have an MSN and RN licensure; entrance exam requirements, such as the GRE, are not specified. This advanced practice track also provides a foundation for doctoral studies.

• Hybrid program format.
• 29 semester credit hours.
• 7 online credit hours.
• 22 clinical credit hours.
• Web-enhanced course delivery.
• Flexible scheduling options.
• Small course sizes.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Basis for doctoral studies.
• Career advancement preparation.

Offered fully online, the Post-MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate at The University of Texas at Tyler requires 24 to 34 semester credit hours, depending on prior APRN status. The web-enhanced curriculum prepares nurses for national certification and leadership in mental health care. Clinical hours must be completed within Texas, and a valid Texas RN license is mandatory. Students benefit from flexible scheduling, small course sizes, and faculty collegiality. The program also serves as a foundation for doctoral studies. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, it emphasizes marketable skills and provides sample degree plans. Admission criteria and deadlines are available from the School of Nursing; no graduate entrance exam has been indicated in the program materials.

• Post-MSN certificate program
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Online delivery format
• 24 semester credit hours
• 34 semester credit hours
• Web-enhanced courses
• Flexible schedule
• National certification exam preparation
• Clinical hours in Texas
• Texas license required

The Nursing Administration Certificate at The University of Texas at Tyler is a post-master's, 9-credit-hour program designed for MSN-prepared nurses aiming for leadership roles. Delivered entirely online, the curriculum includes courses on leadership in healthcare, legal/regulatory/financial management, and care delivery, each incorporating clinical hours. Tuition for Texas residents is approximately $1,619 per course, while out-of-state students pay $2,936, excluding books. The program prepares graduates for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification eligibility. Courses need not be taken sequentially, and advisors assist with planning. No graduate entrance exam requirement is mentioned; applicants must already hold a master's degree in nursing.

• Post-master's certificate program
• Focus on nursing administration
• Online delivery format
• 9 semester credit hours required
• Three courses in curriculum
• Includes clinical hours
• Tuition $1,619 per course in-state
• Tuition $2,936 per course out-of-state
• Costs exclude books
• Courses may not be sequential

This post-bachelor's certificate in Nursing Informatics, Quality & Safety from The University of Texas at Tyler is delivered online and emphasizes the intersection of technology and clinical practice. With a focus on quality improvement, data analysis, and information systems, the curriculum aligns with ANCC and HIMSS CAHIMS certifications and incorporates QSEN competencies. Admission requires a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and a statistics prerequisite. The program includes a competency-based practicum. International students are eligible, and transfer credits and conditional admission are possible. No graduate entrance exam has been specified; rolling admissions and a non-refundable seat deposit apply. Graduates may work in healthcare facilities, consulting, or government.

• Online program format.
• Post Bachelor's certificate.
• Focus on quality and safety.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• Requires BSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• RN licensure needed.
• Includes practicum component.
• Covers data analysis skills.
• Information systems training.

The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Certificate at The University of Texas at Tyler is a two-year, 30-credit hybrid program for MSN-prepared nurses. It combines online coursework with 750 clinical hours to prepare advanced practitioners for acute and chronic care of adults and adolescents. Prerequisites include advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacotherapeutics, plus a statistics course and one year of RN experience. The application fee is $50, with a fall admission deadline of August 9; alumni may have the fee waived. Conditional admission and transfer credits are available. No entrance exam requirement is listed; applicants need RN licensure and a 3.0 GPA.

• Two-year program length.
• 30 total credit hours.
• 750 clinical hours required.
• Hybrid program format.
• Post-master's certificate level.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• RN licensure needed.
• One-year RN experience.
• Personal statement required.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso's Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a hybrid program designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced primary care skills. The curriculum spans up to 36 semester credit hours, emphasizing care for rural and underserved populations. Applicants must hold an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, a valid RN license, and at least one year of nursing experience. No standardized graduate entrance exam like the GRE is required. The program combines online coursework with occasional campus sessions, and graduates are eligible for national FNP certification. Financial aid, transfer credits, and a holistic admissions review are available, though professional references, a personal statement, and a computer literacy test are part of the application process.

• Up to 36 credit hours.
• Hybrid program format.
• Prepares for primary care roles.
• Eligible for certification exams.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• Valid RN license needed.
• One year RN experience.
• Financial aid available.
• Transfer credit possible.

The Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso is delivered 100% online, with clinical placements arranged in students' home communities. This post-MSN program requires up to 30 semester credit hours and focuses on mental health promotion, early intervention, and telemental health, particularly for rural populations and children/adolescents. Admission requires an MSN, a 3.0 minimum GPA, a valid unencumbered RN license, three professional references, and a personal statement; no GRE is needed. Students may also pursue dual enrollment in the DNP. Graduates are prepared for the ANCC PMHNP Certification Exam. The program is CCNE-accredited and offers financial aid to admitted students, with some state restrictions.

• 100% online coursework delivery.
• Clinical hours in student's home area.
• Up to 30 semester credit hours.
• Requires MSN degree for admission.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Valid unencumbered RN license needed.
• Three professional reference letters.
• Personal statement essay required.
• Eligible for ANCC certification exam.
• Focus on rural health care.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso's Post-Master's Nursing Informatics Certificate is a hybrid program tailored for MSN-prepared nurses aiming to lead in healthcare technology. Requiring just 17 semester credit hours, the curriculum prepares students for roles in informatics and eligibility for ANCC and CPHIMS certification. Applicants must have a valid RN license, an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, and informatics or two years of clinical experience. References, a personal statement, and a computer literacy test are required, but there is no entrance exam. This summer-admission program offers transfer credit and financial aid, though state restrictions may apply. Official transcripts and a non-refundable application fee are part of the process.

• 17 semester credit hours.
• Hybrid program format.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 minimum GPA.
• Valid RN license needed.
• Informatics experience required.
• Two years clinical experience.
• Three professional references.
• Personal statement required.
• Computer literacy test.

The Post-Graduate Nurse Midwifery Certificate at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso is a hybrid distance program accredited by ACME. Spanning 39 semester credit hours, it combines online coursework with an on-site orientation in Lubbock and clinical experiences at approved locations. Graduates qualify for the American Midwifery Certification Board exam. The program emphasizes care for women across the lifespan, with labor and delivery experience preferred. Admission requires an MSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 GPA, a valid RN license, and professional references; no GRE is necessary. Tuition averages $300-$400 per credit hour, and financial aid is available. Fall, spring, and summer starts are offered, with some state restrictions.

• 39 semester credit hours.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Average cost $300-$400 per hour.
• Requires valid RN license.
• MSN degree from accredited program.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• Three professional references needed.
• Personal statement essay required.
• Computer literacy test required.
• Travel to Lubbock for orientation.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso offers a Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate in a hybrid format, preparing MSN-prepared nurses to manage acute and chronic conditions in critically ill adults. The 36-credit program includes occasional campus visits and emphasizes culturally sensitive, evidence-based care. Applicants must hold an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, a valid RN license, and ICU experience; leadership experience is also valued. No standardized entrance exam is required. Graduates are eligible for national AGACNP certification. Financial aid and transfer credits are available, and the CCNE-accredited program features holistic admissions, professional references, a personal statement, and a computer literacy test. Fall and spring admissions are open, with preference for Texas residents.

• 36 semester credit hours.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 minimum GPA.
• Valid RN license needed.
• ICU experience required.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• Financial aid available.
• Transfer credit possible.
• Culturally sensitive care focus.