2025 Best Arkansas Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Arkansas State University's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education is a 100% online program tailored for MSN-prepared nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. Focused on advanced teaching methodologies and curriculum development, this 12-credit hour program can be completed in just 6 months for a total tuition of $4,080. It emphasizes innovative teaching technologies and evidence-based educational practices, preparing nurses for leadership in healthcare education without the need for an entrance exam.

• 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

The Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Arkansas State University is designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking specialization. This ACEN-accredited, 100% online program offers flexible coursework over 6-18 months, focusing on advanced clinical practice in psychiatric mental health. With affordable pay-by-course tuition, it prepares nurses for certification exams in this high-demand specialty, requiring no entrance exam for admission.

• 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 offers a Graduate Certificate in Nurse Administrator, a 100% online program that equips MSN-prepared nurses with leadership and strategic management skills. This 15-credit hour program, costing $5,100, can be completed in 6 months, focusing on healthcare policy, quality improvement, and organizational leadership. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for working professionals aiming for administrative roles.

• 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

The Graduate Certificate in Nurse Administration at Arkansas State University is an online program designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking to advance into leadership positions. Covering 15 credit hours in 6 months for $5,100, it focuses on financial management, healthcare policy, and quality improvement. This ACEN-accredited program requires no entrance exam, offering multiple start dates annually for flexibility.

• 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 Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is a specialized online program for MSN-prepared nurses. Spanning 21.5 credit hours over 16 months for $7,955, it prepares nurses for ANCC/AACN certification exams in acute and critical care settings. This ACEN-accredited program requires no entrance exam, focusing on advanced clinical expertise and practicum experiences.

• 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 for Medical Sciences offers a hybrid Post-Graduate Certificate Program with a concentration in Nursing Education. This program is tailored for nurses holding a master’s or DNP degree, aiming to specialize in nursing education. It requires 750 clinical practice hours over three semesters and offers flexible class enrollment for working professionals. The program prepares students for additional certification exams and is ideal for those looking to advance in nursing education roles. No entrance exam is mentioned as required.

• 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.

At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the Post Masters Certification Program focuses on Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. This hybrid program is designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced skills in pediatric care, offering tracks in primary care, acute care, or dual certification. Graduates are prepared for national certification exams and advanced practice licensing, specializing in health promotion and disease prevention for children. The program does not specify an entrance exam requirement.

• 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 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate at UAMS is a hybrid program for advanced nursing professionals. It specializes in comprehensive adult and geriatric primary care, offering a robust curriculum that includes theory, psychiatric nursing, and clinical practice. The program spans 22 credit hours and prepares nurses for specialized, patient-centered care in primary settings. Entrance exam requirements are not specified.

• 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 provides a Post Masters Certification Program in Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, a hybrid program designed for nurses with prior certification. It focuses on managing critically ill infants, children, and young adults, preparing graduates for national certification and Advanced Practice Licensure. The program emphasizes assessing and managing life-threatening illnesses, with an approximate completion time of 18 months. No entrance exam is mentioned as required.

• 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 offers a hybrid Post Masters Certification Program for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, focusing on dual certification in primary and acute care pediatric nursing. This program prepares nurses to provide holistic healthcare for children, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. Graduates can obtain national certification and advanced practice licensure, with the program lasting approximately 18 months. Entrance exam requirements are not specified.

• 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

The University of Arkansas's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is an online program tailored for licensed nurses holding a graduate degree, aiming to transition into nursing education roles. This 12-credit hour program, requiring no GRE, focuses on enhancing teaching skills, curriculum development, and educational leadership through evidence-based practices. With a cost of $594.77 per credit hour and multiple start terms, it offers flexibility for working professionals. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, making it accessible for those looking to impact nursing education significantly.

• 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

Designed for advanced nursing professionals, the University of Arkansas's online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) post-graduate certificate program prepares candidates for board certification through 540 clinical hours and 21 credit hours of study. Ideal for RNs with a master's or doctoral degree and two years of nursing experience, this part-time program emphasizes primary care across diverse populations. With options for multiple entry semesters and accreditation by CCNE or ACEN, it's a robust pathway for those aiming to specialize in family practice without the need for an entrance exam.

• 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

Harding University offers a Post Graduate Certificate in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner program, designed for advanced practice registered nurses aiming to specialize in family care. This hybrid program blends online coursework with mandatory on-campus sessions, providing flexibility for working professionals. With a curriculum spanning 45 semester credit hours and requiring 750 clinical practicum hours, students can choose between full-time and part-time tracks to suit their schedules. The program emphasizes a Christian approach to healthcare, ensuring holistic patient care. Notably, it boasts a 92% certification pass rate and a 99% employment rate, reflecting its quality and effectiveness. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, with no entrance exam specified.

• 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 Central Arkansas offers an online Post-Master’s Certificate in Nurse Educator with a Clinical Specialty, tailored for master's-prepared nurses aiming to enhance their teaching and clinical skills. This program focuses on advanced instructional strategies, curriculum development, and educational evaluation, preparing graduates for roles in academic and healthcare settings. The online format is designed for working professionals, with minimal campus visits required. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a current RN license. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for eligible candidates seeking to advance their nursing education careers.

• 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

At the University of Central Arkansas, the hybrid Post-Master’s Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for nurses seeking to specialize in family care. This program blends online coursework with practical experiences, offering flexibility for working professionals. It prepares graduates for advanced practice roles, focusing on comprehensive family healthcare. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in nursing, a 2.70 GPA, current RN licensure, and completion of undergraduate statistics. The program does not specify an entrance exam, emphasizing accessibility for qualified applicants ready to take the next step in their nursing careers.

• 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