2025 Best Hawaii Post-Graduate Certificate Programs in Nursing

University of Hawaii at Manoa's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education offers a strategic 15-credit online program tailored for BSN-prepared registered nurses aspiring to transition into academic roles. This part-time certificate provides comprehensive training in innovative pedagogical techniques, curriculum development, and nursing leadership skills. Students can complete the program in two years, gaining national nursing educator certification while aligning closely with the Master of Science in Nursing Education and Leadership. Designed for working professionals, the program facilitates career advancement through flexible learning pathways and focused educational expertise.

• 15-credit part-time program
• Fall admission only
• For RNs with BSN/graduate nursing students
• Two-year completion timeline
• National nursing educator certification

The Post-Master's in Organizational Leadership program at University of Hawaii at Manoa empowers experienced nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. This fully online, part-time curriculum spans 29 credits and integrates evidence-based practice, healthcare technology, and strategic leadership development. Participants complete a comprehensive DNP project while exploring advanced topics in program evaluation and health policy. Requiring 1,000 practicum hours, the program cultivates nurses' ability to drive systemic improvements and address complex healthcare challenges. Tailored for master's-prepared nurses seeking executive-level competencies, the program meets statewide nursing workforce development needs.

• Part-time online cohort program
• Minimum 29 total credits
• Focuses on nursing leadership
• Requires 1,000 practicum hours
• Tailored individual curriculum pathway
• Integrates evidence-based practice
• Develops healthcare leadership skills
• Flexible credit requirements
• DNP project-centered curriculum
• Meets statewide nursing workforce needs

Chaminade University's innovative Post-Doctoral Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Certificate delivers a cutting-edge 12-month online program tailored for advanced practice nurses. Participants engage in a comprehensive curriculum spanning 18 credit hours and 630 clinical hours, focusing on primary care for patients from birth through adolescence. The hybrid program combines online learning with an annual on-campus immersion, ensuring robust skill development in pediatric healthcare. Designed exclusively for doctorally prepared nurses, this CCNE-accredited certificate requires an active APRN license and prepares professionals for national board certification. At $1,135 per credit hour, students gain advanced competencies in technology integration, population health management, and specialized pediatric care delivery.

• 100% Online Program
• 12 Month Duration
• 18 Credit Hours Total
• 630 Clinical Hours
• Doctorally Prepared Nurses
• $1,135 Per Credit Hour
• Annual Campus Immersion
• APRN License Required
• National Board Certification
• CCNE Accredited Program

Chaminade University's Post-Doctoral Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate provides a transformative 12-month online pathway for doctorally prepared nurses seeking advanced primary care specialization. The program encompasses 18 credit hours and 630 clinical hours, enabling participants to develop comprehensive skills in managing diverse patient health conditions across lifespans. With a hybrid format featuring annual on-campus immersion, nurses expand their clinical expertise while focusing on diverse population health needs. Requiring an active APRN license and national board certification, this program offers a flexible, rigorous approach to advanced nursing practice at $1,135 per credit hour, preparing professionals for complex healthcare environments.

• 100% Online Program
• 12 Month Duration
• 18 Total Credit Hours
• 630 Clinical Hours
• Doctorally Prepared Nurses
• APRN License Required
• National Board Certification
• $1,135 Per Credit Hour
• Annual On-Campus Immersion
• Focus on Diverse Populations

Chaminade University's Post-Doctoral Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate offers an exceptional online pathway for advanced practice nurses specializing in mental health care. This 12-month program provides 18 credit hours and 560 clinical hours, enabling participants to diagnose and treat mental health conditions across all life stages. The hybrid curriculum combines online learning with an annual campus immersion, emphasizing evidence-based practice and innovative healthcare technologies. Tailored for doctorally prepared nurses, the certificate requires an active APRN license and national board certification. Priced at $1,135 per credit hour, the program equips professionals with sophisticated skills in complex psychiatric care and holistic patient management.

• 100% Online Program
• 12-Month Certificate
• 18 Total Credit Hours
• 560 Clinical Hours
• Doctorally Prepared Nurses
• APRN License Required
• National Board Certification
• Specialized Mental Health Focus
• Annual Campus Immersion
• $1,1335 Per Credit Hour

Hawaii Pacific University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is a pioneering 16-month program designed for advanced practice nurses seeking comprehensive family healthcare expertise. This 24-credit curriculum strategically prepares nurses to deliver patient-centered care across all life stages, from pediatric to geriatric populations. With 500+ clinical hours, students develop advanced competencies in primary care settings. The program offers unique flexibility through 100% online coursework, three annual start dates, and dedicated clinical placement assistance. Graduates are well-positioned to address healthcare disparities and sit for national certification exams, making it an ideal pathway for nurses expanding their professional scope.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 16-month Program Length
• 24 Total Credits
• Three Annual Start Dates
• 500+ Clinical Hours
• Preparation for Certification Exams
• Flexible Class Scheduling
• First Online Post-Master's Nursing Program in Hawaii
• Dedicated Clinical Placement Assistance

Hawaii Pacific University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) represents a cutting-edge online program targeting experienced nurses seeking specialized acute care training. This 14-month, 24-credit curriculum equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills for managing complex medical conditions in intensive and surgical environments. Students gain over 600 clinical hours, preparing them for high-stakes healthcare delivery with vulnerable populations. The program's 100% online format provides unprecedented flexibility, featuring expert faculty guidance and three annual start dates. Graduates are comprehensively prepared for AGACNP licensing examinations and advanced acute care roles, positioning them at the forefront of specialized nursing practice.

• 100% online coursework
• 14-month certificate program
• 24 total credits
• Three annual start dates
• 600+ clinical hours
• Prepare for AGACNP licensing
• Flexible scheduling
• Expert faculty guidance
• Advanced acute care skills