2025 Best Iowa Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of Iowa offers a hybrid Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Acute Care, designed for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses aiming to specialize in acute pediatric care. This program requires 21 semester hours and a minimum 2.50 GPA, blending didactic and clinical training to foster expertise in evidence-based, compassionate healthcare for pediatric patients. It's ideal for nurses seeking a second specialty, with a curriculum that includes specialty pharmacology training and advanced diagnostic procedures. No entrance exam is mentioned, and the program highlights its advanced pediatric acute care focus and multiple clinical practicums.

• Post-master's APRN certificate
• 21 semester hours total
• Minimum 2.50 GPA required
• Clinical and didactic courses
• Advanced pediatric acute care focus
• Gap analysis determines coursework
• Multiple clinical practicums
• Specialty pharmacology training
• Advanced diagnostic procedures
• Evidence-based clinical training

At the University of Iowa, the Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a hybrid post-master's program tailored for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses desiring to broaden their expertise in family care across all life stages. The 26-semester-hour curriculum emphasizes evidence-based clinical skills and comprehensive patient care, with admission requiring an existing master's in nursing. The program stands out for its individualized gap analysis approach to coursework, advanced patient care focus, and specialized diagnostic procedures training. No entrance exam is specified, and it's noted for its inclusive healthcare delivery focus.

• 26 semester hours total
• Post-master's APRN program
• Minimum 2.50 GPA required
• Comprehensive clinical practicum
• Advanced patient care focus
• Covers infants to older adults
• Evidence-based clinical training
• Specialized diagnostic procedures
• Pharmacology specialty courses

The University of Iowa's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is a hybrid, doctorate-level curriculum preparing nurses for advanced practice in psychiatric-mental health. Known for its exceptional clinician production, the program offers flexible learning options with a 100% certification exam pass rate and job placement. It combines didactic and clinical experiences, focusing on leadership in healthcare and preparing students for versatile roles. No entrance exam is required, and the program is accredited by CCNE and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.

• Hybrid online & on-campus delivery.
• 3-Year/4-Year Plan of Study.
• Class size limited to 24 students.
• 100% certification exam pass rate.
• 100% job placement rate.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Approved by Iowa Board of Nursing.
• Focus on leadership in healthcare.
• Comprehensive didactic & clinical experiences.
• Prepares for advanced psychiatric practice.

The Nurse-Midwifery Education Program at the University of Iowa is a five-semester hybrid post-baccalaureate certificate for nurses pursuing advanced practice in women's healthcare. It prepares students for AMCB certification through rigorous clinical training at UI Hospitals & Clinics, known for handling over 10,000 outpatient encounters and 600 births annually. The program features a small cohort size, diverse clinical experiences, and a focus on serving vulnerable populations and addressing health disparities. No entrance exam is mentioned, highlighting its multidisciplinary academic environment and emphasis on reproductive health management.

• Post-baccalaureate midwifery certificate
• Five-semester hybrid program
• Limited 4-student cohort
• AMCB certification preparation
• Diverse clinical learning sites
• Rural and urban healthcare focus
• Multidisciplinary academic environment
• Emphasis on health disparities

Morningside University offers an online Clinical Nurse Leader Certificate designed for healthcare professionals aiming to advance into leadership roles. This 26-credit program focuses on advanced nursing leadership, combining coursework in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment with 500 clinical practicum hours. Priced at $655 per credit, the fully online format provides flexibility for working nurses. The program prepares graduates for roles such as clinical nurse leader and patient care coordinator, emphasizing practical skills through 200 and 300-hour practicum segments. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's certificate, making it accessible for eligible candidates seeking specialized expertise in patient care management.

• 26 total credit program
• Fully online delivery
• $655 per credit cost
• 500 clinical practicum hours
• Advanced nursing leadership focus
• 9 required specialized courses
• Prepares for multiple nursing roles
• Practicum includes 200/300 hour segments

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate at Morningside University is a 35-credit online program tailored for nurses seeking specialization in acute and critical care. With a cost of $655 per credit, the program includes 750 clinical practicum hours and two onsite residencies, preparing students for ANCC certification. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, focusing on the care of acutely and critically ill patients. This post-master's certificate does not require an entrance exam, offering a pathway for experienced nurses to enhance their clinical practice in diverse healthcare settings.

• 35 total credit hours
• 750 clinical practicum hours
• $655 per credit cost
• Fully online program
• Two onsite residencies
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Post-master's certificate
• Four semester completion
• Advanced nursing practice
• Acute and critical care focus

Morningside University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate is an online, 35-credit program designed for nurses focusing on the primary care needs of adult and elderly populations. At $655 per credit, the program includes 750 clinical practicum hours and prepares graduates for national certification through ANCC or AANP. The curriculum emphasizes advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and complex elderly care, with two on-site residencies enhancing the learning experience. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's certificate, making it an ideal choice for nurses seeking to specialize in geriatric healthcare without the barrier of additional testing.

• 35 total credit hours
• 100% online program
• $655 per credit
• 750 clinical practicum hours
• Prepares for national certification
• Post-Master's certificate option
• Two on-site residencies
• Specializes in aging population care

Clarke University's online Nursing Education Certificate is tailored for nurses aspiring to teach at the collegiate level. This 12-credit program, entirely online, requires 250 clinical hours and prepares graduates for the Certified Nurse Educator exam. It's versatile, allowing integration with a Doctor of Nursing Practice concentration, as a bridge program, or as a standalone post-master's certificate. Ideal for those seeking to transition into nursing education, the program emphasizes practical teaching skills and knowledge. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for qualified candidates. Clarke's commitment to flexible, quality education is evident in this program, designed for working professionals.

• 12 credits required
• Online course format
• 250 clinical hours
• Eligible for CNE exam
• Standalone post-master certificate
• Add to DNP concentration
• Bridge program option
• Focus on nursing education
• Prepares for collegiate teaching
• Flexible program options

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate at Clarke University is a hybrid program blending online coursework with minimal campus visits, catering to working nurses. It focuses on preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive mental health care, covering symptom management, psychotherapeutic treatments, and psychopharmacology. With options for full-time (3 years) or part-time (5 years) study, the program includes 1000 clinical hours and requires only 8 campus visits. Small class sizes and faculty who are practicing DNPs enhance the learning experience. No entrance exam is specified, offering a streamlined path for professionals aiming to specialize in psychiatric mental health nursing.

• 81 total credit hours
• Hybrid online/campus program
• Three years full-time option
• Five years part-time option
• 1000 clinical hours
• Only 8 campus visits required
• Post-graduate certificate available
• Small class sizes (20 students)
• Simulation Lab training
• Faculty are practicing DNPs

Briar Cliff University's online Post-Graduate ARNP Certificate with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health is tailored for MSN-prepared nurses seeking specialization. This part-time, primarily online program spans two years, requiring 750 clinical hours, and focuses on holistic, evidence-based care. Offering tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, it prepares graduates to lead in diverse healthcare settings. Accredited by CCNE, the program boasts a competitive tuition of $525 per credit, with financial aid options. A 3.0 undergraduate GPA and 2,000 RN clinical hours are prerequisites, with minimal on-campus requirements.

• Online part-time graduate program
• 750 minimum clinical hours
• Three specialized NP tracks
• CCNE accredited program
• 3-year program duration
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• Requires prior MSN degree
• 2,000 RN clinical hours prerequisite
• Competitive $525/credit tuition
• Minimal on-campus requirements

The Post-Graduate ARNP Certificate in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care at Briar Cliff University is an online program designed for MSN-prepared nurses. This two-year, part-time certificate emphasizes advanced assessment, diagnostic, and treatment skills for adult and geriatric populations, through 53.5 credits and 750 clinical hours. With flexible online coursework and clinical experiences in diverse settings, the program is CCNE accredited and offers competitive tuition at $525 per credit. It requires a prior MSN degree and is supported by veteran faculty mentors, making it an accessible option for nurses aiming to enhance their professional impact in healthcare.

• Online part-time graduate program
• 750 minimum clinical hours
• 53.5 total program credits
• $525 per credit tuition
• CCNE accredited program
• Requires prior MSN degree
• Veteran faculty mentors
• Clinicals in diverse settings