2026 Best Florida Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Florida International University's online Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Pediatric Primary Care prepares MSN graduates for advanced pediatric practice. The 32-credit curriculum builds on existing nursing knowledge, with coursework delivered entirely online for flexibility. Students arrange their own clinical placements, which may be completed outside Florida with approval. The program leads to national certification eligibility and requires an MSN from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited institution. The fall application deadline is March 1. Graduates develop enhanced skills to manage children's health across diverse settings, making this certificate ideal for working professionals seeking specialization without a full doctorate.

• Online program format.
• 32 credits required.
• Pediatric Primary Care concentration.
• Requires MSN degree.
• ACEN or CCNE accreditation needed.
• Leads to national certification.
• Fall application deadline March 1.
• Clinicals outside Florida possible.
• Students arrange clinical sites.
• Builds on existing MSN knowledge.

FIU offers a hybrid Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, blending online coursework with in-person campus sessions. This 36-credit program builds on an MSN degree and prepares nurses for national certification in family care across the lifespan. Clinical experiences may take place outside local areas, with students finding their own sites under faculty guidance. The program is designed for working professionals, offering financial aid and flexible scheduling. Admission requires an MSN from an accredited program. Fall admission has a March 1 deadline, while a psychiatric track closes February 15. This hybrid format combines convenience with hands-on learning for advanced family practice.

• Hybrid program format.
• 36 credits required.
• Requires MSN degree.
• ACEN or CCNE accreditation.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Focus on family care.
• Blends online and campus learning.
• For working professionals.
• Admissions requirements specified.
• Financial aid available.

FIU's hybrid Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health prepares MSN graduates for specialized mental health care. The 35-credit curriculum includes a required psychopharmacology course and covers advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric conditions. Coursework blends online learning with in-person clinicals in designated Florida areas. Graduates are eligible for national certification. The program suits working professionals seeking to expand their scope without pursuing a doctorate. Admission requires an MSN from an accredited program, with fall term admission available. This certificate enhances skills in managing mental health across patient populations, addressing a critical need in healthcare.

• Hybrid program format.
• 35 credits for Psychiatric track.
• Requires MSN degree.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Clinicals in specific Florida areas.
• Fall term admission available.
• Psychopharmacology course required.
• Admission requirements specified.
• Program builds on existing MSN.
• Focus on mental health care.

FIU's online Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care is tailored for MSN graduates focusing on adult and elderly patients. The 32-credit program prepares students for national certification, emphasizing evidence-based management of chronic and acute conditions. The fully online format requires no campus visits, and clinical placements can be arranged outside traditional areas, with students securing their own sites. The fall application deadline is March 1. Applicants must hold an MSN from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited institution. This certificate supports career advancement and enhances patient care management skills. Tuition and financial aid information are available through the admissions page.

• Online program format.
• 32 credits required.
• Builds on MSN degree.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Clinicals allowed outside local areas.
• Fall application deadline March 1.
• Requires MSN from accredited program.
• Focus on adult-gerontology primary care.
• Enhances clinical nursing skills.
• Flexible for working professionals.

Florida Atlantic University's Nurse Educator concentration prepares nurses for educational roles in diverse healthcare settings. This hybrid program blends live and online coursework, requiring 39 credits and offering full- or part-time study with spring and fall admissions. Students master curriculum design, teaching methods, and evaluation strategies for classroom, online, and clinical environments. The curriculum integrates caring theory and practical skills, preparing graduates for National League for Nursing certification. Career paths include clinical nurse educator, nursing instructor, curriculum coordinator, and professional development specialist. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with clinical placements in South Florida, supported by faculty advisors. No GRE or MAT entrance exams are required, and the focus is on holistic nursing education to improve patient outcomes through innovative teaching practices.

• CCNE, ACEN accredited
• No entrance exam required
• Exams: GRE, MAT
• $12,270 total program tuition
• $372 per credit
• 39 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum

Florida Atlantic University offers an online Post Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This program prepares nurses for advanced practice, emphasizing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across the lifespan. It requires 28 credit hours and 780 clinical hours. Tuition is $9,295.25 for Florida residents and $25,670.25 for out-of-state students. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing with a 3.0 GPA, Florida RN licensure, and prerequisites like statistics. The application deadline is February 15, 2026. No GRE is required. Graduates are eligible for ANCC certification, with clinical sites in South Florida. The curriculum includes an advanced caring science core course, and fall admission only, with background checks and possible drug screens.

• 28 credit hours required.
• 780 clinical practice hours.
• Online program delivery.
• In-state tuition $9,295.25.
• Out-of-state tuition $25,670.25.
• Master's degree in nursing required.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• Florida RN licensure needed.
• Basic statistics prerequisite.
• Nursing research course prerequisite.

Florida Atlantic University's online Post Graduate Certificate in Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership prepares nurses for leadership roles. This program builds on a Master of Science in Nursing and focuses on financial management and administrative skills. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA from an accredited MSN program and current Florida RN licensure. Required materials include a resume, essay, and recommendation letter. Background checks are mandatory. The curriculum includes Advanced Nursing Practice Grounded in Caring. Advisement meetings help plan individual study paths. This certificate enhances career opportunities in healthcare management. It is not a degree program but awards a certificate upon completion. The program reflects a holistic caring philosophy and features nationally ranked programs.

• Online program delivery.
• Post Graduate Certificate format.
• Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership focus.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 minimum GPA required.
• Florida RN licensure needed.
• Background check mandatory.
• Resume or CV required.
• Written philosophy essay.
• One recommendation letter.

Jacksonville University's online Clinical Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate is designed for registered nurses with a master's degree seeking to transition into nursing education. This 13-credit, CCNE-accredited program covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, and academic/clinical instruction, aligning with National League for Nursing certification standards. The fully online format offers asynchronous classes with six start dates per year, and enrollment every eight weeks. No entrance exam (GRE/GMAT) is required. Applicants need an active U.S. nursing license, a 3.0 GPA, and must complete prerequisite coursework. Graduates are prepared for roles as clinical nurse educators in hospitals, universities, and healthcare settings, with an emphasis on practical education and direct patient services.

• CCNE, NLN, ACEN accredited
• No entrance exam required
• Exams: GRE, GMAT
• 13 credit hours program
• 13 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Full-time and part-time options
• 6 start dates per year
• Starts rolling
• Asynchronous online classes

Jacksonville University's Leadership in Healthcare Systems Post-Graduate Certificate is a fully online, 12-credit program for nurses aiming for executive roles. Comprising four courses, the curriculum focuses on financial management, human resources, quality and safety, and nursing leadership. Graduates are eligible to pursue Nurse Executive board certification. The program offers flexible enrollment every seven weeks. Admissions require a master's degree, active U.S. nursing license, 3.0 GPA, unofficial transcripts, and a statement of intent. No GRE/GMAT is required for applicants with a 3.0+ GPA. This certificate, offered through the Keigwin School of Nursing, prepares experienced nurses for career advancement without committing to a full doctoral program.

• Fully online program.
• 12 credit hours required.
• Four-course specialization.
• Enrollment every seven weeks.
• Prepares for Nurse Executive certification.
• Focus on leadership and policy.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• Active U.S. nursing license needed.
• Unofficial transcripts required.
• Statement of intent needed.

Jacksonville University's online Nursing Informatics Post-Graduate Certificate is designed for nurses holding a master's degree who want to specialize in healthcare technology. This 12-credit program aligns with ANCC Informatics Certification and covers foundations of informatics, advanced concepts, and population health. The fully online curriculum prepares students to leverage technology for improved healthcare delivery. The program begins in the Fall 1 term. Applicants need an active U.S. nursing license, a 3.0 GPA, unofficial transcripts, and a statement of intent. No GRE is required for those with a 3.0+ GPA. International students must provide English proficiency scores. Graduates are equipped for roles integrating nursing science, data, and technology to enhance patient outcomes.

• Fully online program.
• 12 credit hours total.
• Fall 1 term start.
• ANCC certification aligned.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Active nursing license needed.
• Unofficial transcripts required.
• Statement of intent needed.
• No GRE for 3.0+ GPA.
• International English scores.

The online Nurse Educator Certificate at the University of Central Florida prepares registered nurses to teach in academic, clinical, and community settings. This 12-credit post-bachelor's graduate certificate can be completed part-time in three semesters through fully asynchronous online courses, offering flexibility for working nurses. Coursework focuses on instructional strategies, curriculum design, educational leadership, and technology integration. Admission requires a BSN from an accredited institution, a current Florida RN license, and an undergraduate statistics course, with a 3.0 GPA minimum. Notably, no GRE is required for admission, and applications are accepted for fall and spring terms. Graduates are equipped for roles as clinical instructors, staff educators, or nursing faculty, with financial aid available.

• No entrance exam required
• 3-Semester program
• 12 total credit hours
• Part-time available
• Starts fall/spring
• Asynchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Prepares nurses to teach

UCF's Post-Master's Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is a hybrid program designed for certified APRNs seeking advanced acute care expertise. This 23-credit certificate requires a master's or DNP degree and national certification as an advanced practice registered nurse. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, diagnostic reasoning, and management of complex acute, critical, and chronic illnesses, from disease prevention to critical care. The program includes clinical hours and prepares graduates for state licensure and national certification. The hybrid format combines online coursework with practical experiences, offering flexibility for working professionals while maintaining a strong scientific foundation and rigorous academic standards.

• 23 credit hours required.
• Post-master's graduate certificate program.
• Hybrid program type.
• Prepares for acute care settings.
• Requires MSN or DNP degree.
• Admission for certified APRNs.
• Focus on evidence-based practice.
• Includes clinical hours.
• Prepares for state licensure.
• Flexible curriculum offered.

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate at UCF is a hybrid, 19-credit program for master's-prepared nurses aiming to advance into primary care roles. Students complete up to 660 clinical hours and coursework covering health promotion, gerontologic care, women's health, and adult primary care. The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare policy. Admission requires BSN and MSN degrees from accredited institutions, an undergraduate statistics course, and a Florida APRN license. This post-master's certificate prepares graduates for state licensure and certification, with flexible scheduling for working professionals. It offers a focused pathway for career advancement in adult and geriatric primary care settings.

• 19 credit hours.
• Hybrid program format.
• Up to 660 clinical hours.
• Requires BSN and MSN degrees.
• Florida APRN licensure needed.
• Undergraduate statistics prerequisite.
• Post-master's certificate program.
• Prepares for state licensure.
• Includes women's health course.
• Gerontologic care focus.

Nova Southeastern University's Postgraduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is a hybrid program designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced clinical training. Coursework is delivered online, complemented by on-campus sessions at Palm Beach and Tampa Bay. The 24-credit curriculum includes advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, with clinical hours spanning primary care for all ages. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, Florida RN licensure, 12 months of clinical experience, and NursingCAS application. No entrance exam is specified. Graduates are prepared for national FNP certification and leadership roles. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

• Postgraduate certificate program.
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Hybrid delivery options.
• Online and on-site coursework.
• Campuses in Palm Beach and Tampa Bay.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Florida RN licensure needed.
• 12 months clinical practice required.
• 24 total credits.

The online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate at Nova Southeastern University prepares MSN holders for national PMHNP certification. This fully online program consists of 27 credits covering neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy modalities, with 170 clinical hours per course plus a 255-hour capstone. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA, active Florida RN licensure, and 12 months of clinical practice. The program does not require a graduate entrance exam. Coursework is delivered online with some on-site requirements at the Miramar or Tampa Bay campuses. Financial aid and scholarships are available. This certificate meets educational requirements in many states.

• Online program delivery.
• Requires 3.0 GPA.
• Active Florida R.N. licensure needed.
• 12 months clinical practice required.
• 27 total credits for PMHNP.
• Courses include neurobiology psychopharmacology.
• 170 clinical hours per course.
• 255 clinical hours for capstone.
• Prepares for national certification.
• For M.S.N. degree holders.

Nova Southeastern University offers a hybrid Postgraduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for MSN-prepared nurses. The 24-credit, four-semester curriculum combines online coursework with on-site clinicals at the Palm Beach campus. Advanced courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment are included, along with 170 practicum and 225 clinical hours. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, Florida RN licensure, 12 months of clinical experience, and an ACLS certificate. A graduate entrance exam is not required. The program prepares nurses for national certification and acute care leadership, with financial aid and scholarships available.

• Postgraduate certificate program.
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialization.
• Hybrid delivery format.
• 24 credit hours required.
• Four semester curriculum.
• On-site at Palm Beach campus.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• Florida RN licensure needed.
• 12 months clinical experience.