2025 Best Arkansas Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Arkansas State University's fully online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education transforms experienced MSN-prepared nurses into effective educators. This comprehensive 12-credit hour program, completable within 6 months, equips nurses with advanced teaching methodologies and curriculum development skills. Designed for healthcare professionals transitioning into educational roles, the certificate focuses on innovative pedagogical approaches, clinical skills integration, and evidence-based educational practices. With a competitive total tuition of $4,080, students learn to develop cutting-edge curriculum, incorporate modern teaching technologies, and excel in diverse learning environments. The program supports career advancement for nurses seeking to become influential nurse educators.

• 100% online format
• 12 total credit hours
• Completed in 6 months
• Total tuition $4,080
• Supports curriculum development skills
• Advanced teaching pedagogy focus
• Designed for MSN-prepared nurses
• Incorporates clinical experiences
• Prepares nurse educators

Arkansas State University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner provides advanced practice nurses a specialized pathway to expand clinical expertise. This ACEN-accredited program offers flexible, affordable coursework completed in 6-18 months, enabling healthcare professionals to enhance skills and pursue board certification. Tailored for MSN-prepared nurses, the certificate prepares graduates for advanced psychiatric care roles, supporting critical healthcare workforce needs. Students benefit from expert faculty support, flexible scheduling, and comprehensive training in mental health assessment, treatment, and intervention strategies across diverse patient populations.

• 100% online format
• 6-18 months program duration
• ACEN-accredited certificates
• Affordable pay-by-course tuition
• Multiple nursing specialties available
• Designed for MSN-prepared nurses
• Prepares for certification exams
• Flexible course schedules
• Expert nursing faculty support
• Career advancement opportunities

Arkansas State University's online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Administrator accelerates nursing professionals' leadership potential through a dynamic 15-credit hour program. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, this six-month certificate develops advanced skills in strategic management, healthcare policy, and organizational leadership. With a competitive $5,100 total tuition, students gain expertise in budgeting, legal compliance, and quality improvement. The ACEN-accredited program prepares graduates for high-level administrative roles across healthcare settings, featuring a capstone healthcare management seminar and comprehensive coursework focused on transformative nursing leadership.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 15 Total Credit Hours
• $5,100 Total Tuition
• 6-Month Program Duration
• ACEN Accredited
• Prepares for Nurse Leadership Roles
• MSN Required or Concurrent Enrollment
• Current RN License Needed
• 5 Advanced Practice Courses
• Capstone Healthcare Management Seminar

Arkansas State University's online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Administration empowers healthcare professionals to lead transformative change. This comprehensive 15-credit hour program, completed in just six months, equips MSN-prepared nurses with strategic management skills across healthcare domains. With a $5,100 total tuition, students develop expertise in financial management, healthcare policy, and quality improvement. The program requires an accredited MSN, unencumbered RN license, and minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Graduates gain critical insights into budgeting, legal considerations, and healthcare informatics, positioning themselves for advanced leadership roles in complex healthcare environments.

• 100% Online Nursing Leadership Program
• 15 Total Credit Hours
• 6-Month Program Duration
• $5,100 Total Tuition
• ACEN Accredited Program
• Prepares for Nurse Leadership Roles
• No Campus Visits Required
• MSN Degree Prerequisite
• Multiple Start Dates Annually
• Focuses on Healthcare Management

Arkansas State University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner offers advanced nursing professionals a specialized 21.5-credit hour pathway. Designed for experienced nurses, this 16-month program prepares students to deliver complex patient care in acute and critical settings. Fully online and flexible, the certificate prepares graduates for national certification through ANCC and AACN. With a total tuition of $7,955, students must hold an MSN from an accredited institution and maintain an active RN license. The program features multiple practicum experiences, emphasizing advanced clinical skills and specialized gerontological acute care expertise.

• Online 100% flexible format
• 21.5 total credit hours
• Prepares for ANCC/AACN exams
• $7,955 total tuition
• 16-month program duration
• ACEN accredited program
• Requires MSN for admission
• Multiple practicum experiences
• Advanced nursing specialization

The University of Arkansas offers a 100% online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, requiring 12 credit hours. Designed for licensed nurses with a graduate degree, this program enhances teaching skills, curriculum development, and educational leadership. Focusing on evidence-based teaching practices and curriculum design, it prepares nurses for educator roles in academic and clinical settings. No GRE is required for admission, and a 3.0 GPA is needed. The cost per credit hour is $594.77, excluding financial aid. Multiple start terms are available for added flexibility.

• 100% Online Program
• 12 Credit Hours Total
• No GRE Required
• Licensed Nurse Graduate Degree Needed
• Cost per Credit Hour: $594.77
• Tuition Excludes Financial Aid
• Multiple Start Terms Available
• Curriculum Focuses on Teaching Skills
• Four Specialized Nursing Education Courses
• Admission Requires 3.0 GPA

Advance your nursing career with the University of Arkansas's online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) post-graduate certificate. This 21-credit program, including 540 clinical hours, prepares nurses with a master's or doctoral degree for board certification as FNPs. Focusing on primary care across diverse patient populations, this program emphasizes hands-on clinical training and professional development. A minimum of two years of nursing experience is required. The program offers part-time study options and multiple entry semesters.

• Post-graduate nursing certificate
• 21 minimum credit hours
• 540 clinical practice hours
• Part-time program availability
• Master's or doctoral degree required
• Two years nursing experience
• Multiple entry semester options
• CCNE or ACEN accredited
• Advanced practice focus
• National certification preparation

The University of Central Arkansas offers an innovative online Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse Educator with a Clinical Specialty, tailored for advanced nursing professionals. This comprehensive program empowers nurses to excel in clinical specialty education through sophisticated pedagogical training. Participants develop advanced instructional strategies, curriculum design skills, and educational assessment techniques. The flexible online format supports working professionals with minimal on-campus requirements. Designed for master's-prepared nurses, the program requires a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA, current RN licensure, and prepares students for national certification. Graduates are equipped to assume leadership roles in academic and healthcare educational settings.

• Online Post-Master's Certificate available
• Nurse Educator with Clinical Specialty Track
• Minimum 12 credit hours required
• Competitive admission process
• National certification preparation
• Requires master's degree in nursing
• Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA required
• Current RN license mandatory

University of Central Arkansas provides a comprehensive hybrid Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner, designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise. This program builds upon existing nursing education, offering a structured pathway to expand professional capabilities. The curriculum emphasizes advanced health assessment, research methodologies, and specialized clinical practice. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in nursing, maintain current RN licensure, and have completed undergraduate statistics coursework. With a focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, the program prepares nurses for expanded clinical roles and potential national certification in family nurse practice.

• Fully online MSN program
• 30 credit hours required
• Nurse Educator track focus
• Minimum 2.70 GPA required
• Current RN licensure needed
• Advanced teaching preparation
• National certification eligible

Harding University offers a comprehensive hybrid online Post Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner program that bridges academic excellence with practical clinical training. Students navigate a rigorous 45-semester credit hour curriculum designed to prepare advanced practice registered nurses for comprehensive primary care across diverse patient populations. The program uniquely combines weekly online lectures with essential on-campus intensive sessions, providing flexible full-time and part-time tracks. With an impressive 92% certification pass rate and 99% employment rate, the program distinguishes itself through a Christian healthcare perspective and holistic patient care approach. Clinical practicum requirements include 750 hours, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for professional practice.

• Hybrid online/on-campus format
• 45 semester credit hours
• 750 clinical practicum hours
• Full-time or part-time options
• 92% certification pass rate
• Multiple program pathways
• Christian healthcare approach
• Tuition ~$48,650 total
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Unencumbered RN license required

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers a flexible online Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Nursing Education, tailored for master's or DNP degree holders seeking advanced professional development. This hybrid program uniquely prepares nurses for educator roles through a comprehensive curriculum requiring 750 clinical practice hours across three semesters. Participants can enroll on a space-available basis, making it ideal for working professionals. The program focuses on preparing students for additional certification exams and allows non-degree-seeking students to enhance their nursing education expertise. Applicants might need to complete foundational courses depending on their prior academic background.

• Available for Nurse Educator track.
• Requires 750 clinical practice hours.
• Flexible, space-available class enrollment.
• Non-degree-seeking students eligible.
• Additional courses may be required.
• Prepares for additional certification exams.
• Designed for master’s or DNP degree holders.
• Three-semester program length.
• Contact Specialty Coordinators for details.
• Clinical practice hours mandatory.

UAMS provides an innovative online Post Masters Certification Program in Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, designed to elevate nursing professionals' specialized pediatric healthcare skills. This comprehensive hybrid program enables students to develop advanced clinical competencies in child healthcare from birth through young adulthood. Graduates are prepared to take national certification exams and obtain advanced practice licensing. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention, offering both primary and acute care tracks. Participants will gain extensive knowledge in evidence-based clinical practices and interprofessional team approaches to pediatric healthcare.

• Advanced pediatric nursing degree
• Primary and acute care tracks
• National certification preparation
• Post-masters certification option
• Comprehensive pediatric healthcare focus
• Evidence-based clinical practice
• Interprofessional team training
• Birth to young adult care
• Health promotion specialty

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences delivers a robust online Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate program. This hybrid educational pathway spans 22 credit hours, strategically designed for experienced nursing professionals seeking specialized adult and geriatric care expertise. The comprehensive curriculum integrates advanced theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical practicum experiences, focusing on holistic patient management across the adult lifespan. Participants will develop sophisticated clinical skills, including psychiatric nursing training, preparing them for patient-centered primary care roles in diverse healthcare environments.

• Post-Master's Certificate Track
• 22 total credit hours
• Hybrid program format
• Comprehensive theory courses
• Multiple clinical practicum components
• Advanced adult-gerontology focus
• Includes psychiatric nursing training

UAMS offers a specialized online Post Masters Certification Program in Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, targeting advanced practice nurses seeking expertise in complex pediatric healthcare settings. This hybrid program prepares professionals to manage critically ill infants, children, and young adults through an intensive 18-month curriculum. Graduates are equipped to sit for national certification and apply for Advanced Practice Licensure, gaining comprehensive skills in assessing and managing life-threatening pediatric conditions across various care environments. The program emphasizes advanced clinical competencies and specialized pediatric acute care interventions.

• Post Masters Certification Option
• 18-month Approximate Completion Time
• Acute Care Pediatric Focus
• National Certification Preparation
• Advanced Practice Licensure Eligible

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences presents a comprehensive online Post Masters Certification Program for Dual Certification Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. This innovative hybrid track enables advanced practice nurses to obtain certification in both primary and acute care pediatric nursing. The approximately 18-month program focuses on holistic healthcare for children from birth through young adulthood, addressing physical, psychological, and social health needs. Participants will engage in interprofessional team training, evidence-based clinical approaches, and comprehensive pediatric healthcare strategies, preparing them for diverse clinical settings with a strong emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

• Post Masters Certification Track
• Dual Primary and Acute Care
• National Certification Preparation
• Advanced Practice Licensure
• Comprehensive Pediatric Healthcare Focus
• Interprofessional Team Approach
• Evidence-Based Clinical Training
• Approximately 18-Month Program
• Flexible Clinical Settings
• Health Promotion Emphasis