2025 Best Connecticut Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of Connecticut's Online Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate provides a comprehensive 40-credit program tailored for registered nurses seeking advanced education in nursing instruction. Designed with two entry points for Post-Bachelor's and Post-Master's candidates, the program emphasizes evidence-based curriculum development for nursing education. Graduates can pursue national certification as Academic Nurse Educators or Nursing Professional Development practitioners. The online format offers flexibility, requiring 2,080 hours of clinical RN experience and enabling students to apply two courses toward a potential Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Military-friendly and CCNE-accredited, this program prepares nurses for impactful roles in academic and clinical teaching environments.

• 40-credit online program
• Prepares for national certification
• Two entry points available
• Requires 2,080 RN clinical hours
• Courses applicable to DNP degree
• Focuses on evidence-based curricula
• Online format for flexibility
• Prepares for academic and clinical settings
• Accredited by CCNE
• Designed for RNs with B.S. or M.S.

The University of Connecticut's Online Nursing Administration and Leadership Post-Graduate Certificate offers a strategic pathway for nurses aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare. This CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for national certification through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. With a comprehensive 39-credit curriculum focusing on organizational design, problem-solving, and advanced leadership techniques, students gain specialized knowledge for high-demand administrative positions. The online format provides flexibility, with potential applicability toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Graduates can anticipate promising career opportunities, with a median annual salary of $104,830 for Nurse Administrators, making this program an excellent investment in professional advancement.

• 39-credit Master of Science.
• Online program format.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for AONL certification.
• Focus on leadership and management.
• Courses applicable to DNP.
• High-demand career outlook.
• Median salary $104,830.
• Rolling admissions basis.
• Fall semester entry only.

The University of Connecticut's Online Nursing Administration and Leadership Graduate Certificate provides a dynamic educational pathway for registered nurses seeking leadership development. Designed for BSN or higher degree holders, this program emphasizes advanced practice nursing, leadership, and administration. With no GRE requirement and a minimum 3.0 GPA, the program offers part-time and full-time options with rolling admissions. CCNE-accredited and internationally accessible, the online format ensures flexibility for working professionals. Requiring a current RN license and comprehensive application materials, this program prepares nurses for transformative roles in healthcare management, focusing on developing critical leadership skills and organizational expertise.

• Online program format
• Part-time or full-time options
• No GRE required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA needed
• Accredited by CCNE
• For RNs with BSN or higher
• Leadership and administration focus
• Rolling admissions process
• Fall semester start only
• International students eligible

The University of Connecticut's Online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program offers a comprehensive educational experience for experienced registered nurses. Tailored for professionals with at least two years of acute care experience, this fully online master's degree provides advanced training in complex patient care. The program includes 500 clinical practice hours and two on-campus intensive sessions, preparing graduates to manage care for acutely ill adult and gerontology populations. With opportunities for AACN/ANCC certification and multiple degree path options, this military-friendly program equips healthcare professionals with sophisticated skills for advanced practice roles in acute care settings.

• Fully online master's degree
• 500 clinical practice hours
• Two on-campus intensive sessions
• Prep for AACN/ANCC certification
• For RNs with 2+ years experience
• Multiple degree path options
• Advanced acute care training

Quinnipiac University's Post-Master's Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers an innovative online program designed for advanced practice nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. The hybrid learning model includes three strategic campus immersions, providing comprehensive training in psychopharmacology and psychiatric care across all age groups. Graduates gain advanced clinical skills enabling medication prescription and national certification preparation. The program emphasizes evidence-based learning, integrating rigorous clinical practica with specialized coursework. Admission requires a nursing master's degree, active RN licensure, and a competitive 3.0 GPA. Military-friendly and offering flexible part-time and full-time options, this program equips nurses to deliver high-quality psychiatric mental health care in diverse clinical settings.

• Online program with campus immersions
• Prepares for national certification
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Comprehensive clinical practica
• Prescriptive authority training
• Specializes in psychiatric care
• Part-time and full-time options

Western Connecticut State University offers a comprehensive Post-Master's Study in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through a hybrid online program. CCNE-accredited and designed for experienced nurses, this program requires a BSN, minimum one-year nursing experience, and RN licensure. Students engage in a flexible part-time curriculum spanning approximately four years, with opportunities to complete 500+ clinical practicum hours and an evidence-based research project. The program prepares advanced practice nurses for specialized psychiatric mental health roles, emphasizing clinical expertise and leadership development. Military-friendly and featuring multiple advanced practice tracks, the program maintains a preferred minimum 3.0 GPA and provides a six-year completion window for professional growth.

• CCNE Accredited Program
• Part-time Online/Hybrid Study
• 500+ Clinical Practicum Hours
• Multiple Advanced Practice Tracks
• Evidence-Based Research Project
• Minimum 1 Year Nursing Experience
• Six-Year Completion Window
• Advanced Role Preparation
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Preferred

Sacred Heart University's online Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate offers advanced nursing professionals a comprehensive pathway to specialized primary care expertise. The program spans 42 credit hours, providing a flexible online learning environment tailored for working nurses seeking career advancement. With competitive tuition at $955 per credit hour and a total estimated cost of $40,110, the curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical skills and patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings. As a military-friendly and Yellow Ribbon School, the program supports veteran students and provides GI Bill benefits. Clinical oversight ensures students develop robust competencies in family healthcare delivery.

• Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
• 42 credit hours total
• $955 per credit hour
• Total estimated cost $40,110
• Military benefits available
• Yellow Ribbon School
• GI Bill approved
• Clinical oversight included
• Veteran-friendly program