2025 Best Delaware Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs 

Nurses that obtain a post-graduate certificate in nursing (also referred to as a post-master’s certificate) advance their careers, and typically earn a higher salary, compared to nurses with a BSN or MSN degree. Gain specialized knowledge, or cross over from your current concentration to a new specialty area when you receive your Delaware Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing.

2025 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Delaware

Finding the best online nursing post-master's graduate certificate schools in Delaware is easier with registerednursing.org's rankings. These programs help nurses advance their careers without stopping work, offering flexibility through distance learning. Online courses make it possible to balance studies with personal and professional life, a key benefit for busy healthcare professionals. Whether you're looking to specialize or gain new skills, these programs provide quality education tailored to your needs. Discover which schools stand out and how they can help you reach your goals. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.

#1

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE - Private 4-year - wilmu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-Masters Nurse Educator Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's Post-MSN Nursing Leadership Graduate Certificate is designed for nurses seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities. This online program offers flexibility with accelerated 7-week classes and does not require an entrance exam. It focuses on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for various healthcare settings. The program is military-friendly and features affordable tuition rates, making it an excellent choice for advancing your nursing career.

• Four concentrations available
• Includes Nurse Educator option
• Flexible online and in-person formats
• Accelerated 7-week classes
• Affordable tuition rates
• Led by experienced nurse leaders
• Practical skills and theoretical knowledge
• Prepares for diverse healthcare settings
• Straightforward admission process
• Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™ Program

Graduate Certificate - Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Post-MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate at Wilmington University is an online program that prepares nurses for national board certification. With 700 clinical hours, it emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. No entrance exam is required, and the program is tailored for working professionals, offering a comprehensive curriculum in mental health care.

• Post-Masters Graduate Certificate
• 700 Clinical Practice Hours
• National Board Certification Eligible
• 27 Total Credit Hours
• Advanced Mental Health Specialization
• Comprehensive Clinical Preparation
• Evidence-Based Practice Focus
• Diverse Patient Population Training
• Interdisciplinary Healthcare Approach

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership

Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's Post-MSN Nursing Leadership Graduate Certificate with an Executive Leadership concentration is an online program designed for master's-prepared nurses. It offers specialized training in leadership without the need for an entrance exam. The program is flexible, allowing nurses to customize their educational pathway and enhance their leadership skills in healthcare systems.

• Five nursing leadership concentrations
• Customizable degree plans
• 15-18 credit certificate
• Designed for MSN graduates
• Specialized professional development
• Concentrations include executive leadership
• Nursing education pathway available
• Legal nurse consulting option
• Public health track offered
• Trauma and resilience focus

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

This online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership with a Nurse Educator concentration at Wilmington University is ideal for nurses aiming to specialize in education. The program focuses on advanced teaching techniques and curriculum development, requiring 18 credits. Admission does not necessitate an entrance exam, but a master’s degree in nursing is required, preparing graduates for leadership roles in nursing education.

• Online program flexibility.
• 18 credits required.
• Focus on Nurse Educator.
• Advanced teaching techniques.
• Curriculum development skills.
• Instructional technology integration.
• Leadership in nursing education.
• Master’s degree required.
• Final course post-completion.
• Enhances academic career prospects.

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership

Concentration: Legal Nurse Consultant - Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership with a Legal Nurse Consultant concentration equips nurses with skills to navigate the legal and medical systems. The program, which does not require an entrance exam, emphasizes ethics, forensic nursing, and leadership. A master’s degree in nursing is required for admission, preparing graduates for advanced roles in legal nurse consulting.

• Online program format.
• Concentration in Legal Nurse Consultant.
• Requires master’s degree in nursing.
• Focuses on legal and medical systems.
• Courses on ethics and forensic nursing.
• Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
• Emphasizes leadership and advocacy.
• Customizable degree plans available.
• Includes independent study options.
• Final course: Nurse Leadership Portfolio.

Show 4 More Programs ˅

#2

University of Delaware

Newark, DE - Public 4-Year - udel.edu

Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Delaware offers an online Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) Post-Master's Certificate program, tailored for advanced nursing professionals aiming to specialize in adult and older adult care. This program stands out with its requirement of over 500 clinical training hours, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the complexities of diagnosing and managing health conditions in this population. With a tuition rate of $848 per credit, it presents an affordable option for further specialization. Admission requires a master's degree from an accredited nursing school with a minimum GPA of 3.5. The program is designed to prepare students for ANCC certification, offering a flexible and individualized study plan without the need for an entrance exam. Its online format provides convenience for working professionals, making it an excellent choice for those looking to advance their nursing career in adult-gerontology care.

• Post-Master's Certificate Program
• Over 500 clinical training hours
• Individualized study plans
• $848 per credit tuition
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Minimum 3.5 master's GPA required
• Admits students annually
• Prepares for advanced practice roles

*Data reference: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, NCES.

Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Delaware

Colleges that offer a Delaware Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing program have admission requirements that nurses must meet by a given deadline date. Students wishing to apply to the Post MSN Nursing Leadership Graduate Certificate at Wilmington University are required to submit a $35 non-refundable application fee with their admission documents. Admission requirements are similar to that of other schools, including that students:

• Meet with an admissions specialist
• Submit official transcripts for Bachelor's and Master's degrees electronically or send by mail directly from previous schools attended
• Submit a resume
• Complete all requirements for the college and the program by the deadline date.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses

Classes in a post-master’s certificate in nursing program follow the particular specialization chosen, along with other required courses. The Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Delaware requires that nurses complete courses that permit nurse clinicians to combine evidence-based practices, theory, neuroscience and other modalities. The required classes help prepare nurses for providing psychotherapy and medication management.

Nurses become leaders in integrated healthcare delivery models as they take courses that include:

• NURS 668: Advanced Clinical Neuroscience
• NURS 669: Advanced Psychopharmacology
• NURS 671: Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner I
• NURS 672: Psychiatric/Mental Health NP Practicum I

Students take several other courses, and complete ‘NURS 921: Clinical Immersion’ if needed.

Program Length

The length of Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing in Delaware programs depends on the specialization, and sometimes the school's specific program format. One example is the track for the Post MSN Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate offered at Wilmington University.

The Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner track requires completion of 30 credits, with each course taken in sequence. Students also complete 500 clinical hours. Compare this to the Adult Nurse Practitioner, Seeking Family Nurse Practitioner track, which is 18 credits, and 500 clinical hours.

Some schools allow students to complete their post-graduate certificate in nursing program on a part-time basis, while others require full-time study.

Check with each Delaware Nursing School for specific program length.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

The tuition for nurses at Wesley College enrolled in the Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult-Gerontology for the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program is $600 per credit hour.

Tuition at most colleges include only the cost of instruction, and does not include fees, admission costs, or the costs of books or supplies – all expenses that prospective students should account for.

Online Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs in Delaware

Nurses that choose to complete a post-graduate certificate in nursing online have the advantage of not having to commute to the school, which saves time and commuting costs.

Enroll in an online program while you continue working and tending to family responsibilities.

Featured Online School

The Wilmington University Post-MSN Nurse Practitioner – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track is offered in an online format. The school indicates that the program prepares nurses to provide ‘comprehensive' mental health services to patients in primary care settings.

Nurses have several options to complete the required practicum.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Delaware

There are many specializations for nurses completing a Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing in Delaware. Nurses pursue a program concentration leading to career titles such as:

• Family nurse practitioner
• Nurse educator
• Nurse leader
• Pediatric nurse practitioner
• Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

Contact each school for information on other possible career pathways.

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary and Job Outlook

The job outlook for nurses with a post-master’s nursing certificate is among the best for all careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that the job outlook shows an anticipated addition of 62,000 jobs for nurse practitioners and other nurses that provide specialty healthcare.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the median annual salary for nurse practitioners was $107,030 in 2018, with some variation, depending on the place of employment. Nurse practitioners working in a hospital had an average median salary of $120,540. Nurse practitioners employed at physician's offices averaged $111,440 in annual pay.

List of Delaware Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Programs

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs in Delaware prepare nurses for advanced nursing practice, enhance career opportunities, and lead to increased salary.