2026 Best Hawaii Post-Graduate Certificate Programs in Nursing

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a Post-Doctoral Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Certificate. This program is designed for APRNs with a doctorate in nursing. It prepares them to provide primary care to patients from birth through adolescence. The hybrid format includes 100% online coursework with annual on-campus immersion. The program requires 18 credit hours and 630 clinical hours. It can be completed in 12 months. Admission requires a doctorate, APRN license, and national board certification. Applicants need transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Tuition details are available on the graduate cost of attendance webpage. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

• 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's Post-Doctoral FNP Certificate enhances nursing expertise for APRNs with doctorates. This hybrid program blends online coursework with annual campus immersions, completed in 12 months with 18 credits and 630 clinical hours. It prepares nurses to manage acute, chronic, and complex health conditions across diverse populations. Admission requires a doctorate, APRN license, national certification, transcripts, recommendations, and an interview. Tuition details are available on the graduate cost webpage. Accredited by CCNE, it focuses on evidence-based, culturally responsive care and interprofessional collaboration.

• 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's Post-Doctoral PMHNP Certificate is an online, 12-month program for doctorally prepared APRNs seeking to become Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. The 18-credit curriculum covers psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and complex psychiatric care across the lifespan, supported by 560 clinical hours. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based practice, culturally responsive care, and interprofessional collaboration. An annual on-campus immersion complements the online format. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this certificate prepares nurses to diagnose and treat mental health conditions in diverse populations, meeting the growing need for mental health providers. Graduates will be ready for PMHNP certification and advanced practice careers in psychiatric-mental health settings.

• 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 (FNP) helps MSN-prepared nurses specialize in family practice. This program offers flexible, asynchronous coursework designed for working professionals, allowing you to balance studies with career and family. It includes over 500 clinical hours at local healthcare facilities, preparing you for national board certification exams like ANCC and AANP. The curriculum covers 24 credits, focusing on primary care for children, women, adults, and geriatric patients. Admission requires an MSN from an accredited university, an unencumbered RN license, and completion of specific graduate-level courses. Costs are detailed on the program page, with three start dates per year for convenience.

• 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. This program helps MSN-prepared nurses specialize in acute care for adults and elderly patients. Students complete 25 credits online with over 500 clinical hours. The program prepares graduates for national AGACNP licensing exams. Admission requires an MSN degree, an unencumbered RN license, and specific graduate-level coursework. Flexible asynchronous classes fit busy schedules. Expert faculty provide hands-on learning and clinical placement support.

• 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 is designed for registered nurses seeking to become nurse educators. This 15-credit hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person practicum experiences. The curriculum covers leadership, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and innovation in teaching. Students complete a capstone practicum that applies their learning in real-world settings. Graduates are prepared for national nurse educator certification and can transfer credits into the MS in Nursing Education and Leadership program. The program addresses the critical shortage of nursing educators and supports career mobility. With flexible part-time and full-time options, working professionals can balance education with professional responsibilities. This certificate provides specialized skills for education and leadership roles.

• 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