2025 Best Illinois Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of Illinois Chicago's Post-DNP Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (PNP-PC) is a hybrid program tailored for DNP-prepared nurses seeking to specialize in primary care for children. Combining online coursework with on-site requirements, this program boasts a 100% certification exam pass rate. It requires 23 semester hours and 675 clinical hours, with faculty arranging clinical placements. Admission is for the fall semester, with applications from August to March. Note, additional courses may be necessary for those without APRN certification, and financial aid is not available for certificate programs.

• Hybrid online and on-site courses.
• 100% certification exam pass rate.
• Fall admission only.
• Applications accepted August-March.
• 23 semester hours required.
• 675 clinical hours needed.
• Arranged clinicals with preceptors.
• Additional courses for non-APRN certified.
• Tuition based on UIC professional rates.
• No financial aid for certificates.

Designed for DNP-prepared nurses, the University of Illinois Chicago's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) post-DNP certificate program offers a hybrid format blending online and on-site learning. With a 100% pass rate on certification exams, the program requires 25 semester hours and 585 clinical hours, focusing on primary care management. Clinical placements are arranged by faculty. Fall admission is available, with applications accepted from August to March. Financial aid is not offered for certificate programs, and additional coursework may be required for non-APRN certified applicants.

• Hybrid online and on-site format.
• 100% certification exam pass rate.
• Clinical sites arranged by faculty.
• Fall admission only.
• Applications accepted August-March.
• Total 25 semester hours.
• 585 clinical hours required.
• For DNP-prepared nurses.
• Prepares for FNP certification.
• Professional program tuition rates.

The Post-DNP PMHNP Certificate at the University of Illinois Chicago is a hybrid program for DNP-prepared nurses aiming to specialize in psychiatric-mental health. It prepares students for national certification with a 100% exam pass rate. The program includes 750 clinical hours, with practicum sites arranged by faculty. Admission is for the fall semester, with applications from August to March. Tuition follows professional program rates, and financial aid is not available for this certificate program.

• Hybrid online and on-site format.
• 100% certification exam pass rate.
• 750 required clinical hours.
• Fall admission only.
• Faculty-arranged practicum sites.
• No financial aid for certificates.
• Tailored for DNP-prepared nurses.
• Comprehensive mental health curriculum.
• National certification preparation.
• Hands-on clinical experience.

The CNM post-DNP certificate at the University of Illinois Chicago is a hybrid program for DNP-prepared nurses looking to specialize in nurse midwifery. It requires 36 semester hours and 720 clinical hours, focusing on women's health and midwifery. The program prepares graduates for national certification, with admission for the fall semester and applications accepted from August to March. Clinical experiences are arranged by faculty, enhancing students' hands-on learning in this specialized field.

• Hybrid learning format.
• 36 semester hours required.
• 720 clinical hours included.
• Fall admission only.
• Applications August-March.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Focus on women's health.
• Clinicals arranged by faculty.
• First to receive ACNM award.

University of Illinois Chicago's AG-ACNP post-DNP certificate is a hybrid program for DNP-prepared nurses seeking specialization in adult-gerontology acute care. Ranked #8 nationally, it boasts a 100% certification exam pass rate. The program requires 23 semester hours and 675 clinical hours, with faculty-arranged practicum sites. Admission is for the fall semester, offering a comprehensive curriculum for advanced practice nurses.

• Hybrid learning format
• 100% certification exam pass rate
• 23 total semester hours
• 675 clinical training hours
• DNP preparation required
• Fall admission only
• Practicum sites arranged by faculty

The AG-PCNP post-DNP certificate at the University of Illinois Chicago is a hybrid program designed for DNP-prepared nurses aiming to specialize in adult-gerontology primary care. It features a 100% certification exam pass rate and requires 675 clinical hours. The program combines online and on-site learning, with clinical sites arranged by faculty. Admission is for the fall semester, providing a rigorous curriculum for advanced practice nurses.

• Hybrid program format
• 100% graduates' certification exam pass rate
• 675 total clinical hours
• DNP prerequisite required
• Fall semester admission only
• Online and on-site courses
• Faculty-arranged clinical sites

Lewis University's hybrid Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner certificate program is tailored for nurses aiming to specialize without pursuing another degree. This CCNE-accredited program offers a blend of online and on-campus learning, focusing on advanced practice nursing. Applicants need a master's degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and an active RN license. The program stands out for its competitive tuition, alumni scholarships, and employer assistance options, making it a financially viable choice for advancing in the nursing field.

• Post-Master's Non-Degree Certificates
• Multiple Nursing Specialties Available
• CCNE Accredited Programs
• Minimum 3.0 Graduate GPA Required
• Competitive Tuition Rates
• Employer Tuition Assistance Options
• Alumni 20% Tuition Scholarship
• Graduate Assistantship Opportunities
• Online and On-Campus Options
• Advanced Practice Nurse Tracks

For nurses specializing in mental health, Lewis University provides a hybrid Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-master's certificate. This program, accredited by CCNE, combines online coursework with on-campus requirements, catering to working professionals. Admission requires a master's degree, a 3.0 GPA, and RN licensure. Unique benefits include a 20% alumni discount and potential employer tuition assistance, emphasizing Lewis University's commitment to accessible advanced nursing education.

• Multiple nursing specialty tracks
• CCNE accredited program
• Post-masters certificate options
• Employer tuition assistance available
• Online and on-campus formats
• 20% alumni scholarship
• Competitive graduate admissions
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Current RN licensure needed
• Professional recommendation required

Lewis University's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate is a hybrid program designed for nurses seeking expertise in acute care settings. This CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates for high-intensity environments, requiring a master's degree, 3.0 GPA, and RN license for admission. Its hybrid format offers flexibility, blending online learning with essential on-campus components, ideal for professionals aiming to enhance their clinical skills in gerontology acute care.

• Post-masters non-degree certificate
• Hybrid program format
• Advanced acute care specialization
• CCNE accredited program
• Prepares for specialized nursing roles

Bradley University's online Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program is tailored for RNs aiming to specialize in family primary care. This fully online program, requiring 65-74 credit hours, is designed for ADN, BSN, and MSN-prepared nurses, offering three entry pathways. It emphasizes advanced clinical practicums and a research-focused curriculum to prepare graduates for FNP certification. The program, accredited and military-friendly, focuses on healthcare delivery strategies across diverse patient populations, supporting career advancement without the need for an entrance exam.

• Three program entry pathways
• Fully online MSN-FNP
• 65-74 credit hours
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Advanced clinical practicums
• Accredited nursing program
• Covers multiple patient populations
• Addresses healthcare delivery strategies
• Research-focused curriculum
• Supports career advancement

The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate at Bradley University is a 32-credit, 100% online program for MSN holders. It prepares nurses for acute care roles, focusing on adolescents to the elderly, with a completion time of approximately 1.7 years. The curriculum enhances skills in health assessment, disease prevention, and pharmacology, preparing graduates for ANCC or AACN certification exams. No entrance exam is required, and the program offers flexible clinical hour selection, making it ideal for working professionals.

• 32 total credit hours
• 1.7 years program length
• 100% online format
• 5 semester completion
• Advanced acute care focus
• Prepares for certification exams
• Flexible clinical hour selection

Bradley University's online Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate is designed for MSN graduates seeking specialization. This 32-credit program, accredited by CCNE, can be completed in 1.7 years entirely online. It focuses on managing chronic conditions and improving health assessment skills, preparing students for ANCC or AANPCB certification exams. The program offers a flexible online learning environment, requires no entrance exam, and is tailored for nurses aiming for advanced practice roles in primary care settings.

• 32 credit hours required.
• Graduate in 1.7 years.
• 100% online coursework.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for ANCC/AANPCB exams.
• Focus on chronic condition management.
• Enhances health assessment skills.
• Designed for MSN degree holders.
• Flexible online learning environment.
• 5 semesters to complete.

Olivet Nazarene University offers a fully online Post-Master’s Nursing Education Certificate program tailored for registered nurses aiming to become nurse educators. This 30-month program, requiring a BSN and RN license, focuses on teaching strategies and curriculum development, preparing graduates for CNE certification. With a tuition of $690 per credit hour and a 3.0 GPA requirement, the program includes two practicum experiences and accelerated 8-week courses. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for eligible nurses seeking to advance their careers in nursing education.

• 100% Online Program
• 36 Total Credit Hours
• Tuition $690 per Credit
• 30-Month Program Length
• Two Practicum Experiences
• Prepare for CNE Certification
• Accelerated 8-Week Courses
• BSN Required for Admission
• 3.0 Minimum GPA Needed
• RN License Required

The Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate at Olivet Nazarene University is a 13-month online program designed for nurses with an MSN degree. It emphasizes family-focused healthcare across various settings, requiring 720 clinical hours. Prerequisites include advanced courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, along with a 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure. Priced at $690 per credit hour, the program offers multiple start dates annually and prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice without the need for an entrance exam.

• Online accelerated 13-month program
• 720 total clinical hours
• 27-39 credit hours
• Tuition $690 per credit
• MSN degree prerequisite
• Multiple start dates annually
• Multiple practice settings
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• Current RN license needed

Olivet Nazarene University's Post-Master’s Transformational Leadership Certificate Track is an online program for MSN-prepared nurses seeking leadership roles. Focusing on communication, conflict resolution, and healthcare finance, the program can be completed in 24-32 weeks. With a tuition of $690 per credit hour, it requires a 3.0 GPA and includes a practicum. The program is designed for those aiming for executive-level positions or further doctoral studies, and like the others, does not require an entrance exam.

• Online accelerated 8-week classes
• 20 total credit hours
• $690 per credit hour
• Flexible program length
• Business skills integration
• Leadership skill development
• Potential MBA transfer credits
• Practicum included
• MSN prerequisite required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA needed

Loyola University Chicago offers a hybrid Post-Graduate Certificate Program with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner, designed for nurses seeking to advance their clinical expertise. This program blends online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Focused on the Family Nurse Practitioner role, it emphasizes evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for eligible candidates. Highlights include personalized study plans, advanced practice clinical experiences, and preparation for certification exams. Taught by experienced Loyola faculty, this program is ideal for those aiming to specialize in family healthcare. Military-friendly and rooted in Roman Catholic values, it supports a diverse student body.

• Multiple nursing certificate tracks
• Advanced practice clinical experiences
• Taught by Loyola faculty
• Post-graduate APRN focus
• Specialized healthcare roles
• Personalized study plans
• Online Oncology Nursing option
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
• DNP needed post-2022
• Certification exam preparation