2027 Best Georgia Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Augusta University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) is a hybrid program for APRNs to expand into pediatric primary care. Over 50% of coursework is online, with clinical experiences in Georgia or South Carolina. The curriculum focuses on patient-family centered care for children birth through young adulthood. Students study part-time, taking fewer than 9 credits per semester. A gap analysis ensures each student meets certification standards. Graduates become eligible for certification exams from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board or ANCC. The program is approved by the Georgia Board of Regents. No entrance exam requirement is specified.

• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Part-time study only.
• Focuses on pediatric primary care.
• Eligible for certification exams.
• Clinical experiences in Georgia or South Carolina.
• Designed for APRNs.
• Expands scope of practice.
• Web-based with over 50% online.
• Includes gap analysis for students.
• Approved by Georgia Board of Regents.

Augusta University offers a Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner certificate in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with clinical placements in Georgia or South Carolina. This post-graduate program equips APRNs to deliver comprehensive primary care across the lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Part-time study options provide scheduling flexibility. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based practice and family-centered care in diverse ambulatory settings. A gap analysis customizes the curriculum based on each student's background. Graduates are prepared for national certification exams. Applicants must hold an APRN background. The program is approved by the Georgia Board. No entrance exam requirement is listed.

• Post-Master's FNP certificate program.
• Hybrid format with online courses.
• Clinical experiences in Georgia or South Carolina.
• Part-time study options available.
• Prepares for national certification exams.
• Focus on family care across lifespan.
• Requires APRN background for admission.
• Gap analysis for customized coursework.
• Web-based with over 50% online.
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice.

Augusta University's Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric and Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner prepares certified NPs to transition into mental healthcare. This hybrid program blends over 50% online coursework with clinical training. The one-year, part-time curriculum requires 22 credit hours and 504 clinical hours. Courses cover advanced psychopharmacology, lifespan development, theoretical foundations, and individual and family care. The program is CCNE-accredited and qualifies graduates for national board certification. Applicants must hold a master's or doctoral degree and current NP certification. This standalone certificate is approved by the Georgia Board of Regents. No entrance exam requirement is specified.

• One-year program length.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• 22 credit hours required.
• 504 clinical hours included.
• Part-time study schedule.
• CCNE-accredited program.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Requires NP certification.
• Master's or doctoral degree prerequisite.
• Web-based with over 50% online.

Augusta University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is a hybrid program for certified NPs seeking specialization in acute and complex care for adults and older adults. The one-year curriculum comprises 20 credit hours and 585 clinical/lab hours. Coursework covers health promotion, chronic disease management, urgent/emergent conditions, and advanced complex illness. Graduates are eligible for AGACNP certification through ANCC or AACCN. The program is CCNE-accredited and requires five prerequisite courses, including advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing roles, and practicum. This certificate can be completed as an embedded or standalone credential. No entrance exam requirement is listed.

• One-year program length.
• 20 credit hour requirement.
• 585 clinical/lab hours.
• Hybrid program format.
• CCNE accredited program.
• AGACNP certification eligibility.
• ANCC/AACCN exam preparation.
• Adult-gerontology acute care focus.
• Five prerequisite courses required.
• Six certificate courses included.

Family nurse practitioner certification is the focus of Georgia College & State University’s online post-master’s certificate. Nurses with an MSN can complete 32 credit hours in up to two years if they are not yet board-certified; those already certified may opt for an individualized plan of just 11 credit hours. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive physical assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, and is accredited by the CCNE. Graduates are prepared to sit for exams through AANPCERT or ANCC. Students collaborate with program coordinators to map out a personalized academic pathway, ensuring the program fits their professional goals.

• Fully online format
• 32 credit hours maximum
• Up to two years completion
• 11 credit hours minimum
• For MSN-prepared nurses
• Individualized study plans
• Board certification preparation
• CCNE accredited
• Focus on physical assessment
• Pathophysiology coursework

Georgia College & State University’s post-master’s certificate in psychiatric mental health nursing is delivered entirely online. Admission is open to nurses holding an MSN, DNP, or PhD in nursing. The program requires between 11 and 32 credit hours, depending on prior graduate coursework, and each student follows an individualized study plan. Coursework centers on advanced psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions across the lifespan. With CCNE accreditation, the certificate prepares nurses for national board certification and APRN practice. Flexible online learning and minimal campus visits make it suitable for working professionals seeking specialized mental health training.

• Online program format.
• Psychiatric Mental Health concentration.
• 11 credit hour minimum.
• 32 credit hour maximum.
• MSN degree required.
• DNP degree accepted.
• Ph.D. in Nursing accepted.
• Individualized study plans.
• CCNE accredited program.
• Board certification preparation.

Nurse-midwifery specialization is offered through a hybrid post-master’s certificate at Georgia College & State University. The program combines online didactic coursework with in-person clinical experiences, totaling 38 credit hours and 810 clinical hours. Students explore full-scope midwifery, women’s health, pharmacology, and midwifery practice while meeting Georgia Board of Nursing requirements. The curriculum is accredited by ACME and CCNE, leading to eligibility for Certified Nurse-Midwife certification. Applicants must hold an MSN and an unencumbered RN license. Additional components include an electronic portfolio, simulated certification exam, and flexible full- or part-time enrollment options.

• Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate program.
• Nurse-Midwifery concentration available.
• Hybrid delivery format.
• 38 credit hours required.
• 810 clinical hours included.
• Accredited by ACME and CCNE.
• Requires MSN degree for admission.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• Compliance with Georgia nursing standards.
• Focus on full-scope midwifery care.

Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing delivers a Psychiatric Mental Health Post-Graduate Certificate Program with a unique emphasis on child and adolescent behavioral health. This hybrid offering combines online coursework with onsite or virtual intensives and clinical practica. Students complete 26 credit hours across three semesters, including 720 precepted clinical hours conducted at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Admission requires both baccalaureate and master's degrees in nursing, an unencumbered Georgia APRN license, and at least one year of full-time APRN experience with pediatric care. The curriculum stresses evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for advanced psychiatric nursing roles. The admission requirements do not specify an entrance exam.

• 26 credit hour program.
• Three semester duration.
• Hybrid delivery format.
• 720 precepted clinical hours.
• Focus on child and adolescent mental health.
• Requires baccalaureate and master's degrees.
• APRN license in Georgia required.
• One year pediatric APRN experience preferred.
• Includes onsite or virtual intensives.
• Clinical training at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Emory University offers a focused Child and Adolescent Behavioral and Mental Health concentration. This 26-credit, three-semester hybrid program blends synchronous and asynchronous online classes with onsite or virtual intensives and local clinical practica, accumulating 720 clinical hours. Tuition support is available via the Blake Scholars Program. Applicants must hold a master's in nursing, maintain an unencumbered APRN license, and ideally have pediatric experience. The curriculum takes a neurobiological approach to psychiatric disorders, emphasizing evidence-based, autonomous practice across diverse settings. Admission materials include a personal statement, supervisor references, and transcripts; the program does not list an entrance exam requirement.

• 26 credit hour program.
• Three semester duration.
• 720 clinical hours.
• Hybrid delivery format.
• Child and adolescent concentration.
• Tuition support available.
• Master's degree required.
• APRN license needed.
• Pediatric experience preferred.
• Synchronous and asynchronous classes.

Georgia Southern University's online Post-MSN Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner is tailored for advanced practice nurses seeking to expand into comprehensive family care. The 19-credit curriculum, offered exclusively in the fall, emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and leadership, with a strong focus on serving rural and underserved communities. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, a current RN license, APRN certification, and a minimum 3.0 GPA, along with three recommendation letters and recent pharmacology coursework. Clinical experiences are integrated, and students must maintain a B or better in courses. This certificate also offers credits that can later be applied toward a DNP program, making it a strategic step for career advancement.

• Online program format.
• 19 credit hours required.
• Fall entry term only.
• Master's degree in nursing required.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA needed.
• Current RN license required.
• APRN certification mandatory.
• Three recommendation letters.
• Pharmacology course within 5 years.
• Non-degree admission status.

Georgia Southern University delivers an online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate designed for APRNs aiming to excel in acute care environments. This post-MSN program consists of 19 credit hours, completed in three semesters, with asynchronous coursework supplemented by occasional live sessions. Clinical placements must be arranged in Georgia or South Carolina. Applicants need a master's degree, APRN certification, a 3.0 GPA, and at least one year of RN experience, preferably in critical care. The curriculum is CCNE-accredited and prepares graduates for national certification. A $50 application fee applies, and admission is limited to a fall cohort with a March 1 deadline. State residency restrictions may apply.

• Online program format.
• 19 credit hours required.
• Completion in three semesters.
• Post-MSN certificate program.
• Requires APRN certification.
• Master's degree prerequisite.
• 3.0 minimum GPA needed.
• Clinicals in Georgia or South Carolina.
• Personalized gap analysis.
• Asynchronous coursework available.

Georgia Southern University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares MSN-prepared APRNs for roles in adult and geriatric primary care. This online, 19-credit program offers flexible, asynchronous learning with some live sessions, and clinical experiences can be completed in Georgia or South Carolina. Applicants must hold an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, APRN certification, a Georgia RN license, and submit three recommendations, a resume, and CPR certification. No GRE or MAT is required—a significant advantage for working professionals. The curriculum includes a gap analysis and a personalized study plan, culminating in eligibility for national certification exams. The CCNE-accredited program has a $50 application fee and a March 1 deadline.

• 19 credit hours to completion.
• Online program format.
• Fall entry cohort.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 minimum GPA required.
• APRN certification needed.
• Georgia RN licensure required.
• Clinicals in GA or SC.
• Prepares for national certification.
• $50 application fee.

Brenau University's Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate is a hybrid program tailored for MSN graduates seeking FNP certification. The curriculum blends online coursework with monthly Saturday classes at the Norcross campus, enabling part-time completion over four semesters. Students earn 26 credit hours and 624 clinical hours, gaining expertise in ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and treating patients across the lifespan. Tuition is $824 per credit hour, with military discounts available. The program prepares nurses for FNP certification exams and careers in primary care. No entrance exam is required; applicants must hold an MSN degree. Online coursework provides flexibility for working nurses.

• Hybrid program format
• Four semesters part-time
• 26 credit hours required
• 624 clinical hours included
• $824 per credit hour tuition
• Monthly Saturday classes
• Norcross campus location
• For MSN graduates only
• Prepares for FNP certification
• Online coursework available

Brenau University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a hybrid post-master's program for advanced practice nurses. The two-semester format combines online learning with one in-person weekend per semester at the North Atlanta campus. Coursework focuses on acute care for adult and geriatric patients, including diagnostic test interpretation, treatment planning, and evidence-based practice. Georgia residents receive guaranteed clinical placements within 100 miles of Gainesville. Admission requires an MSN or DNP, active APRN and RN licenses, a 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, and a resume; no entrance exam is needed. Tuition is approximately $15,210 plus fees, with military discounts available. Graduates are prepared for hospital and specialty clinic roles, covering cardiology, pulmonology, and healthcare policy.

• Two-semester program length.
• Hybrid online and in-person format.
• Classes at North Atlanta campus.
• One in-person weekend per semester.
• Guaranteed clinical placement for Georgia residents.
• Clinicals within 100 miles of Gainesville.
• Focus on adult and geriatric acute care.
• Teaches diagnostic test interpretation.
• Evidence-based treatment planning.
• Requires MSN or DNP degree.