2026 Best Hawaii Post-Graduate Certificate Programs in Nursing

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a post-doctoral Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Certificate tailored for APRNs holding a doctorate in nursing. This hybrid program combines 100% online coursework with an annual on-campus immersion. Over 12 months, students complete 18 credit hours and 630 clinical hours, gaining expertise in pediatric primary care from birth through adolescence. The curriculum covers health promotion and management of acute conditions, preparing graduates for PNP certification. Admission requires a doctorate, an active APRN license, national board certification, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an interview. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program starts in the fall, with a priority deadline of March 1 and final deadline of June 1. Tuition details are on the graduate cost webpage.

• Post-doctoral certificate program.
• Hybrid format with online coursework.
• Annual on-campus immersion required.
• 12-month program length.
• 18 credit hours total.
• 630 clinical hours included.
• Designed for APRNs with doctorate.
• Focus on pediatric primary care.
• Prepares for PNP certification.
• Admission requires doctorate degree.

Chaminade University of Honolulu's Post-Doctoral Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate is designed for doctorally prepared APRNs seeking to expand their primary care skills. The hybrid format features online coursework plus an annual on-campus immersion, completed in 12 months. Students earn 18 credits and 630 clinical hours while learning to manage acute, chronic, and complex health conditions across diverse populations. Evidence-based practices, culturally responsive care, and interprofessional collaboration are emphasized. Applicants must hold a doctorate in nursing, an APRN license, and national certification, and submit transcripts, two professional recommendations, a personal statement, and complete an interview. This CCNE-accredited program starts in August, with priority applications due in March and final deadline in June. Tuition rates are listed on the graduate cost webpage.

• 12-month program duration.
• Hybrid format with online coursework.
• Annual on-campus immersion required.
• 18 credit hours total.
• 630 clinical hours included.
• Designed for APRNs with doctorates.
• Prepares for FNP certification.
• Focuses on primary care skills.
• Manages acute and chronic conditions.
• Integrates evidence-based practices.

Chaminade University of Honolulu presents a Post-Doctorate PMHNP Certificate for doctorally prepared APRNs aiming to become Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. This 100% online program includes an annual on-campus immersion, spanning 12 months with 18 credits and 560 clinical hours. Core coursework covers psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and complex psychiatric care across the lifespan, with an emphasis on evidence-based, culturally responsive, and interprofessional practice. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and prepares graduates for PMHNP certification. Admission requires an APRN license, national board certification, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and an interview. The fall start has an application deadline of June 1, 2026. Tuition and fees are detailed on the graduate cost of attendance page.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 12-Month program
• 18 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-06-01
• Starts fall
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 560 clinical hours
• 100% online with annual on-campus immersion
• Designed for doctorally prepared APRNs
• Leads to PMHNP certification

Hawaii Pacific University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner equips MSN-prepared nurses with advanced skills for primary care across the lifespan. This 24-credit program features asynchronous coursework, over 500 clinical hours at local healthcare facilities, and three annual start dates, allowing completion in as few as 12 months. The curriculum emphasizes family practice, preparing graduates for ANCC and AANP certification. Admission requires an MSN from an accredited institution, an unencumbered U.S. RN license, and a graduate-level statistics course; no entrance exam is required. Military-friendly and designed for working professionals, the program offers dedicated clinical placement assistance and expert faculty mentorship, making it a flexible pathway to FNP specialization.

• Online program modality.
• Total tuition: totalMarketedCost.
• Duration: duration.
• First in Hawaii state.
• Complete in 12 months.
• Flexible class scheduling.
• Dedicated clinical placement assistance.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Three start dates yearly.
• Asynchronous coursework.

Hawaii Pacific University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking expertise in acute and critical care. The 25-credit curriculum includes over 500 clinical hours and can be completed in as few as 12 months through flexible, asynchronous classes. Coursework covers inpatient care, intensive care, and specialty services for vulnerable adult and elderly populations, with a focus on advanced decision-making, pharmacology, and genetics. Graduates are prepared for national AGACNP licensing exams. Admission requires an MSN, an unencumbered RN license, and prior MSN core courses within five years; no GRE or other entrance exam is required. Faculty are active practitioners, and dedicated clinical placement support enhances learning.

• Online coursework with clinical practicum.
• Earn certificate in as few as 12 months.
• 25 credits total program length.
• Over 500 clinical hours required.
• Prepares for national AGACNP licensing exams.
• Flexible asynchronous online classes.
• Small classes with accessible faculty.
• Hands-on learning opportunities provided.
• Dedicated clinical placement support.
• MSN degree required for admission.

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa prepares registered nurses for educator roles through a 15-credit hybrid format combining online coursework with in-person practicum experiences. Curriculum focuses on leadership, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and innovative teaching. A capstone practicum applies learning in real settings, and credits can transfer into the MS in Nursing Education and Leadership. Graduates are eligible for national nurse educator certification. The program addresses the nursing educator shortage and offers flexible part-time and full-time options for working professionals. This online-friendly certificate supports career advancement in education and leadership.

• 2-Year program
• 15 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• Capstone required
• Flexible online learning format
• Capstone practicum project
• Credits transfer into MS program
• Prepares for nurse educator certification
• Hybrid format with on-campus courses
• Career advancement for RNs