2025 Best Illinois Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

University of Illinois Chicago's Post-DNP Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (PNP-PC) offers a comprehensive online and hybrid learning experience for advanced practice nurses. Tailored for DNP-prepared professionals, this program provides an intensive pathway to expand pediatric primary care expertise. Students complete 23 semester hours and 675 clinical hours, with faculty-arranged clinical placements. Notably, the program boasts a 100% certification exam pass rate, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for national certification. Fall admission is available from August through March, with unique opportunities for nurses seeking specialized pediatric practice.

• 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.

University of Illinois Chicago's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) post-DNP certificate program delivers a dynamic hybrid learning environment for DNP-prepared nurses. This comprehensive 25-semester-hour program focuses on expanding primary care management skills through online and on-site coursework. Students complete 585 clinical hours with faculty-arranged preceptors, ensuring hands-on experience. With a 100% certification exam pass rate, the program prepares nurses for advanced family practice roles. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum offers flexible learning and individual clinical hour gap analysis, making it an ideal choice for nurses seeking FNP specialization.

• 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.

University of Illinois Chicago's Post-DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate provides an innovative hybrid learning experience for DNP-prepared nurses. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to transform advanced practice nurses into specialized mental health professionals. Students complete 750 clinical hours with faculty-arranged practicum sites, ensuring deep practical experience. Featuring a 100% certification exam pass rate, the program prepares nurses for national certification in psychiatric care. The online and on-site format offers flexibility, making it ideal for nurses seeking to expand their mental health practice expertise.

• 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.

University of Illinois Chicago's Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) post-DNP certificate offers a transformative hybrid learning experience for advanced practice nurses. This comprehensive program combines 36 semester hours and 720 clinical hours, focusing on women's health and midwifery. Ranked #13 nationally, the program provides extensive training with faculty-arranged clinical placements. Designed for DNP-prepared nurses, the curriculum prepares students for national certification, expanding career opportunities in women's healthcare. The first program to receive an ACNM award, it offers a rigorous and innovative approach to nurse midwifery education.

• 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 Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) post-DNP certificate delivers a specialized hybrid learning experience for experienced DNP-prepared nurses. Ranked #8 nationally, this program offers 23 semester hours and 675 clinical training hours focused on advanced acute care practice. With a remarkable 100% certification exam pass rate, students receive carefully arranged practicum sites and comprehensive training. The program combines online and on-site learning, providing a strategic pathway for nurses seeking to expand their clinical expertise in adult-gerontology acute care settings.

• 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

University of Illinois Chicago's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP) post-DNP certificate provides an advanced hybrid learning pathway for DNP-prepared nurses. This comprehensive program offers 675 clinical hours across three practicum courses, emphasizing applied pharmacotherapeutics and health management. With a 100% certification exam pass rate, the curriculum prepares nurses for specialized primary care practice. The online and on-site format offers flexibility, enabling experienced nurses to broaden their clinical expertise in adult-gerontology primary care through a rigorous and innovative educational approach.

• 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 online and hybrid Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides advanced healthcare professionals a strategic pathway to expand clinical expertise. Designed for experienced nurses with a master's degree and active RN licensure, this CCNE-accredited program offers comprehensive training in family healthcare delivery. With a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA requirement, students can access competitive tuition rates, potential employer tuition assistance, and a 20% alumni scholarship. The program emphasizes flexible learning formats, enabling nurses to specialize without disrupting current professional commitments while preparing for advanced practice roles.

• 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

Lewis University's online and hybrid Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate equips advanced practice nurses with specialized mental health competencies. This CCNE-accredited program targets registered nurses seeking to enhance their clinical capabilities in behavioral health settings. Requiring a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA and current RN licensure, the certificate provides comprehensive training in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. With flexible learning options, competitive tuition, and potential employer tuition assistance, nurses can strategically advance their professional trajectory while addressing critical mental healthcare needs.

• 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 online and hybrid Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate delivers advanced specialized training for nurses seeking expertise in critical care environments. This CCNE-accredited program prepares registered nurses to manage complex health conditions in high-intensity settings like intensive care units. Targeting experienced professionals with a master's degree, the certificate emphasizes comprehensive patient care strategies across age spectrums. With a focus on advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment protocols, graduates can expand their clinical capabilities and pursue specialized nursing roles in acute healthcare settings.

• 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 provides a dynamic pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. Uniquely structured with three entry pathways for ADN, BSN, and MSN-prepared nurses, this comprehensive program spans 65-74 credit hours. Students engage in a research-focused curriculum covering critical healthcare delivery strategies and multiple patient populations. The fully online format offers flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards. With advanced clinical practicums and a focus on comprehensive patient care, graduates are well-positioned to pursue FNP certification and expand their professional opportunities in primary healthcare settings.

• 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

Bradley University's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate offers a specialized online program targeting experienced nursing professionals. Designed for MSN degree holders, this 32-credit hour program can be completed in approximately 1.7 years, providing intensive training in acute care management. Coursework emphasizes sophisticated medical care across patient age ranges, from adolescents to elderly. The curriculum strengthens clinical competencies in health assessment, pathophysiology, and complex disease management. With a 100% online format and flexibility in clinical hour selection, graduates are prepared to challenge ANCC or AACN certification exams and excel in critical care environments.

• 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 Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate represents an advanced online educational opportunity for MSN-prepared nurses. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this 32-credit program enables rapid specialization in primary care within just 1.7 years. The curriculum strategically focuses on comprehensive health assessment, chronic condition management, and advanced practice skills. Students learn to address complex health challenges like hypertension and diabetes through innovative online coursework. Graduates are comprehensively prepared for ANCC or AANPCB certification exams, positioning themselves for enhanced professional roles with greater clinical autonomy 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's fully online Post-Master's Nursing Education Certificate transforms registered nurses into dynamic healthcare educators. This comprehensive 30-month program equips nurses with advanced teaching strategies and curriculum development skills through innovative coursework and two specialized practicums. With 36 total credit hours and a competitive $690 per credit tuition, students prepare to address critical nursing faculty shortages. The program requires a BSN, current RN license, and minimum 3.0 GPA. Graduates are positioned to pursue CNE certification and make significant contributions to nursing education across diverse healthcare settings.

• 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

Designed for master's-prepared nurses, Olivet Nazarene University's online Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate offers a transformative 13-month pathway to advanced clinical practice. Students complete 720 clinical hours across multiple healthcare settings, developing comprehensive skills in family-focused healthcare, health promotion, and disease prevention. The program requires a prior MSN, current RN licensure, and completion of advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment courses. With flexible start dates and a competitive $690 per credit tuition, nurses can expand their professional capabilities in primary care, pediatrics, and community health.

• 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 online Post-Master's Transformational Leadership Certificate empowers nurses with advanced leadership skills for healthcare innovation. This 20-credit program develops critical competencies in communication, conflict resolution, and systemic change through accelerated 8-week courses. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, the certificate integrates business acumen and interprofessional collaboration techniques. With potential MBA transfer credits and a flexible 24-32 week format, nurses can enhance their professional trajectory at $690 per credit. The program prepares participants for executive-level roles and potential future doctoral studies.

• 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

North Central College's Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner provides a rigorous hybrid online program preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive primary care. Students engage in an innovative curriculum spanning 47 credit hours with 525 clinical practice hours, developing expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions across all life stages. The program emphasizes holistic patient care, advanced diagnostic skills, and prescription authorization training. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses with an unencumbered RN license, students benefit from flexible learning, potential scholarship opportunities reducing tuition by up to 25%, and a curriculum that integrates evidence-based practice and clinical interventions.

• 47 credit hours, 9 semesters
• Hybrid online/on-campus program
• 525 clinical practice hours
• Covers primary care lifespan
• Advanced diagnostic skills
• Prescription authorization training
• Holistic admission process
• Multiple scholarship options
• Potential 25% tuition reduction

North Central College's Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers a comprehensive online program designed to equip nurses with advanced mental health care skills. Over 47 credit hours, students learn to assess, diagnose, and manage complex mental health conditions across the lifespan. The hybrid program includes 525 clinical practice hours and two to three on-campus immersions, providing robust clinical training. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, the curriculum prepares students for certification exams and prescription authorization. Ideal for RNs with a BSN, the program features competitive tuition, potential scholarship opportunities, and a holistic admission approach.

• 47 credit hours online program
• 525 clinical practice hours
• 2-3 on-campus immersions
• Unencumbered RN license required
• 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
• Prescription and therapy authorization
• Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
• Certification exam eligible
• Interprofessional approach
• Holistic admission process