2025 Best Arizona Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs
- 2025 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Arizona
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Arizona
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses
- Online Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs in Arizona
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Arizona
- List of Arizona Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Post-graduate (also called post-master’s) nursing certificates can advance a nurse’s career. When an MSN-educated nurse obtains a post-graduate nursing certificate, they gain the ability to practice in a specialized scope of nursing. They may even increase their earning potential. Nurses interested in going back to school in Arizona may wish to consider the post-grad nursing certificate route, which is quicker and generally less expensive than completing an additional full degree program.
2025 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Arizona
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ - Public 4-Year - arizona.edu
Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arizona's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a hybrid program tailored for registered nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing, aiming to specialize in pediatric care. This part-time, four-semester program combines online learning with campus experiences, requiring 26 credits and 720 clinical hours. Priced at $1053 per credit, it's designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their pediatric nursing skills. Prospective students should note the program's intermittent availability. No entrance exam is required, but a Master's in Nursing is a prerequisite.
- Four-semester, part-time program.
- Blends online and campus learning.
- Requires Master of Science in Nursing.
- 26 credits needed for completion.
- 720 clinical hours required.
- Cost: $1053 per credit.
- Specializes in pediatric nursing.
- For working registered nurses.
- Not offered every year.
- Check availability before applying.
Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Offered entirely online, the Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate at the University of Arizona is a part-time, four-semester program for registered nurses holding a Master of Science in Nursing. It requires 38 units of clinical study, including 810 clinical practicum hours, focusing on pharmacology, health assessment, and primary care management. At $1053 per credit, graduates are prepared for the national FNP certification examination. This program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for advancing nurses.
- Part-time, four-semester program
- 31 total credits required
- $1,053 per credit cost
- Requires MSN degree
- 810 clinical practicum hours
- Campus and online learning
- Prepares for national certification
- Advanced pharmacology focus
- Comprehensive health assessment training
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate at the University of Arizona is an online program designed for registered nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing. This part-time, four-semester program emphasizes psychiatric nursing across patient life spans, requiring 25 credits and 765 clinical practica hours. Priced at $1053 per credit, it prepares graduates for national board certification in mental health nursing. No entrance exam is required, offering a streamlined path to specialization.
- 30 total credits required
- Cost per credit: $1,053
- Part-time program structure
- Requires MSN degree
- 765 clinical practica hours
- Four-semester certificate
- Campus and online learning
- Advanced psychiatric nursing focus
- National certification eligible
Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Arizona's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a hybrid program for registered nurses with a Master's in Nursing and acute care experience. This part-time, four-semester program blends online coursework with campus-based clinical training, requiring 28 credits and 810 clinical hours. At $1053 per credit, it prepares graduates for the national board certification exam in adult-gerontology acute care. No entrance exam is required, focusing instead on advanced clinical skills and knowledge.
- Four-semester part-time program
- Cost per credit: $1,053
- Requires 28 credits, 810 clinical hours
- Online with campus skills intensive
- Prepares for national certification exam
- Master's in nursing prerequisite
- RN acute care experience required
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Education in Academic and Practice Settings Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Arizona State University's online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education is tailored for healthcare professionals aiming to excel in nursing education within academic and practice settings. This 15-credit program, requiring a master's degree for admission, focuses on curriculum development, course design, and program evaluation without the need for RN licensure. It stands out for its flexibility, offering full or part-time study options, and includes a teaching practicum. The program, accredited by CCNE, is ideal for those looking to transition into nursing education, with courses lasting 7.5 to 15 weeks. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for qualified applicants.
- 15-credit graduate certificate
- Nondegree professional program
- No RN licensure required
- Full or part-time study
- Teaching practicum included
- Master's or doctorate complement
- 5 total classes
- 7.5-15 weeks per class
- Minimum master's degree needed
- 3.00 GPA requirement
Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The hybrid Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Arizona State University is designed for nurses seeking to specialize in pediatric care. This program emphasizes advanced clinical expertise in pediatric health, covering care from infancy through adolescence. Admission requires a nursing degree and relevant experience, with no mention of an entrance exam. It's a pathway to advanced practice roles in pediatric healthcare, offering the opportunity to significantly impact children's health. The program is military-friendly and does not require an entrance exam, focusing instead on practical skills and knowledge in pediatric care.
- Focus on pediatric care.
- Advanced clinical expertise.
- Comprehensive child health focus.
- Nursing degree required.
- Relevant experience needed.
- Pathway to advanced roles.
- Impact in pediatric healthcare.
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Arizona State University offers a hybrid Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate for board-certified nurses aiming to specialize in mental health care across all age groups. The program includes 28 credit hours and 585 clinical hours, focusing on evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health disorders. It requires a master's nursing degree, a minimum 3.00 GPA, and professional recommendation letters, with no entrance exam specified. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical skills, pharmacological interventions, and therapeutic techniques, preparing nurses for specialized roles in mental health care without the need for an entrance exam.
- 28 credit hours total
- 585 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Requires master's nursing degree
- Board certification in another APRN specialty
- Focuses on mental health across lifespan
- Advanced clinical assessment skills
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
- Professional recommendation letters needed
- Unencumbered RN license required
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ - Public 4-Year - nau.edu
Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northern Arizona University offers a hybrid Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program, tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in mental health care, with a focus on serving rural and underserved communities. This program, requiring 23-36 units, blends online coursework with in-person clinical training, preparing graduates for certification across all age groups. Applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing or a related healthcare field, possess an active professional license, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The curriculum is CCNE accredited and emphasizes cultural competency, evidence-based practice, and holistic care, without the need for an entrance exam. Ideal for those seeking to enhance their expertise in psychiatric mental health nursing.
- Minimum GPA requirement: 3.0
- 23-36 total credit units
- Rural population focus
- Online and in-person courses
- Across lifespan certification
- Master's degree prerequisite
- Active healthcare license needed
- CCNE accredited program
- Requires clinical fieldwork
Midwestern University-Glendale
Glendale, AZ - Private 4-year - midwestern.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Midwestern University-Glendale offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to specialize in caring for patients aged 13 and older. This 12-month program focuses on developing skills to assess, diagnose, and manage complex health needs, preparing graduates for a high-demand field with significant earning potential. Notably, the program boasts small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention. With no entrance exam required, it's an accessible option for nurses aiming to advance their careers in a specialized area of healthcare, all through a flexible online format.
- Online 12-month certificate
- Advanced practice nursing track
- Small class size (5 students)
- Focuses on adolescence through end-of-life care
- High earning potential career
Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Arizona
In order to enter a post-master’s nursing certificate program in Arizona, students need to meet a few requirements. These requirements ensure that each candidate is qualified for the program. Depending on the school and program, applicants may need to:
- Obtain an advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) degree
- Obtain active licensure as an advanced practice nurse
- Pass a background check
- Have professional RN experience
- Submit a resume
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Write an application essay
- Pay an application fee
- Obtain recommendation letters
For example, the University of Arizona College of Nursing requires that all eligible applicants for the Nurse Practitioner Certificate provide:
- Evidence of an MS or higher
- Evidence of an active nursing license
- Evidence of a 3.0 or higher GPA
- Two recommendation letters
- Evidence of nursing experience in an acute care center
Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses
Students in post-grad certificate programs will take a variety of nursing courses. The coursework will depend on the focus of the certificate. For instance, a student studying for a certificate in Nursing Informatics will take different courses than somebody obtaining an Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certificate. For post-grad nursing certificates, students can expect to take courses in subjects like:
- Family Health Promotion
- Management of Common Health Problems
- Clinical Research Management
- Clinical Operations
- Management of Adults Across Lifespans
For example, Arizona State University requires that all students in the Emergency Nurse Practitioner nursing certificate program take:
- Principles of Advanced Emergency Nursing I and II
- Practicum I and II: Advanced Emergency Nursing Practice
- Advanced Physiology
- Completion of 270 hours of direct patient care
Program Length
Program length varies depending on the school’s course load as well as the specific program. Arizona State University requires a course load of 15 credit hours in addition to a requirement of working with patients in a professional setting. A full-time program may take about one year to complete, but those who go to school part-time may take two years.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University costs about $12,600 each year. For out-of-state students, tuition is closer to $32,300 each year.
Keep in mind that the cost of attendance for these schools do not typically include transportation, books, and other supplies. Students should also factor in housing costs if they need to relocate to attend a program.
Online Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs in Arizona
There are many advantages to pursuing an online nursing program in Arizona. Online students have the ability to continue working full-time or part-time as they complete their education. It also gives students more flexibility to complete their required hours of patient care.
Featured Online School
Northern Arizona University offers a Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate online. This program is catered toward teaching students how to provide care for underserved rural areas. This web-based program is available for students who already hold BSN degrees and want to expand their skills.
This certificate program requires 38 units, including courses like:
- Family Primary Health Care
- Advanced Nursing Assessment
- Rural Theory and Health Policy
- Applied Pathophysiology
- Family Nursing Theory
Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Arizona
After students complete a post-grad nursing certificate program, they have access to different careers in the field. A certificate can make students more competitive candidate for careers like:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse-Midwife
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary & Job Outlook
Nurse practitioners are among those with post-master’s nursing certificates in Arizona. The annual mean wage for nurse practitioners in Arizona is $110,750 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale region employs the most nurse practitioners, and the Flagstaff region is in second place. Additionally, the Yuma metropolitan area is one of the highest-paying areas for this career field.
List of Arizona Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs
There are many post-grad certificate programs for nursing in Arizona, and some of them are even available online. The following programs are among the most popular in the state.
Flagstaff, AZ
Northern Arizona University
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Minimum GPA requirement: 3.0
- 23-36 total credit units
- Rural population focus
- Online and in-person courses
- Across lifespan certification
- Master's degree prerequisite
- Active healthcare license needed
- CCNE accredited program
Glendale, AZ
Midwestern University-Glendale
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online 12-month certificate
- Advanced practice nursing track
- Small class size (5 students)
- Focuses on adolescence through end-of-life care
- High earning potential career
Tempe, AZ
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
- Graduate Certificate - Nurse Education in Academic and Practice Settings Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 15-credit graduate certificate
- Nondegree professional program
- No RN licensure required
- Full or part-time study
- Teaching practicum included
- Master's or doctorate complement
- 5 total classes
- 7.5-15 weeks per class
- Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Focus on pediatric care.
- Advanced clinical expertise.
- Comprehensive child health focus.
- Nursing degree required.
- Relevant experience needed.
- Pathway to advanced roles.
- Impact in pediatric healthcare.
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 28 credit hours total
- 585 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Requires master's nursing degree
- Board certification in another APRN specialty
- Focuses on mental health across lifespan
- Advanced clinical assessment skills
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
Tucson, AZ
University of Arizona
- Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Four-semester part-time program
- Cost per credit: $1,053
- Requires 28 credits, 810 clinical hours
- Online with campus skills intensive
- Prepares for national certification exam
- Master's in nursing prerequisite
- RN acute care experience required
- Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Part-time, four-semester program
- 31 total credits required
- $1,053 per credit cost
- Requires MSN degree
- 810 clinical practicum hours
- Campus and online learning
- Prepares for national certification
- Advanced pharmacology focus
- Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Four-semester, part-time program.
- Blends online and campus learning.
- Requires Master of Science in Nursing.
- 26 credits needed for completion.
- 720 clinical hours required.
- Cost: $1053 per credit.
- Specializes in pediatric nursing.
- For working registered nurses.
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 30 total credits required
- Cost per credit: $1,053
- Part-time program structure
- Requires MSN degree
- 765 clinical practica hours
- Four-semester certificate
- Campus and online learning
- Advanced psychiatric nursing focus