2026 Best Kansas Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of Kansas offers a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to expand their primary care expertise. This hybrid program blends online coursework with on-campus clinical workshops at the KU Medical Center, allowing working professionals flexibility while gaining hands-on skills. The 16-credit curriculum covers theory, clinical practice, and precepted community experiences, preparing graduates to manage healthcare for individuals and families across the lifespan. Admission requires completion of an APRN graduate program, a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and a June 1 deadline for fall enrollment. No entrance exam is required. The program typically takes two years and includes criminal background check and English proficiency requirements for non-native speakers.

• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Prepares for primary care roles.
• Requires APRN graduate program completion.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
• RN licensure in at least one state.
• Application deadline June 1 for fall.
• Program length two years maximum.
• Includes clinical practicum courses.
• Courses offered at KU Medical Center.
• Precepted experiences in community settings.

The University of Kansas provides a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate fully online, ideal for advanced practice nurses aiming to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. This 24-credit program covers advanced psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapeutic interventions for individuals, groups, and families, integrating multiple practicum experiences. Courses are sequenced every other year, with the next intake in Spring 2026 and a November 1 application deadline. Applicants must hold an APRN graduate degree, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and have current RN licensure. No entrance exam is required. The program also mandates official transcripts, a criminal background check, and English proficiency testing if applicable, with completion typically within 2-4 years.

• 24 credit hours.
• Online program format.
• Courses offered every other year.
• Spring 2026 next start.
• November 1 application deadline.
• APRN graduate program required.
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
• Current RN licensure needed.
• Official transcripts required.
• Criminal background check required.

The Nurse-Midwifery Graduate Certificate at the University of Kansas prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive women's healthcare through a hybrid online and on-campus format at the KU Medical Center. This 25-credit program emphasizes family-centered, culturally respectful care, with coursework in reproductive endocrinology, prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care, plus clinical practicums. Most students finish in 2-3 years, with a maximum of four years allowed. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, and completion of an accredited advanced practice nursing program. No entrance exam is required. The fall start, online application, and flexible scheduling accommodate working professionals, while technical standards and reasonable accommodations ensure accessibility.

• 25 credit hour program.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Prepares for well women's healthcare.
• Family-centered care approach.
• Respects cultural variations.
• Promotes health through participation.
• Courses offered in sequence.
• Fall semester start available.
• 2-3 year completion typical.
• Maximum 4 years allowed.

Washburn University offers an online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate designed for advanced practice nurses seeking evidence-based mental health care across the lifespan. The flexible, self-paced format includes live virtual sessions and virtual simulation, with clinical placements arranged near students' homes. Spanning four semesters, the program boasts a 94% certification exam pass rate and prepares graduates for ANCC or AANP certification. A 10:1 student-faculty ratio and experienced faculty support learners. Admission requires prior nursing education and active licensure, with customized plans for APRNs or master's/doctoral-prepared RNs; no entrance exam is specified. The program is CCNE-accredited, offers financial aid and scholarships, and projects a 36% job growth with a median salary of $139,976.

• Fully online program.
• Flexible self-paced format.
• Clinical placements near home.
• Four semesters to complete.
• 94% certification exam pass rate.
• Student-faculty ratio 10:1.
• Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification.
• Career forecast bright outlook.
• Median salary $139,976.
• Accredited by CCNE.

MidAmerica Nazarene University offers a fully online Nursing Education Certificate for MSN-prepared registered nurses seeking to transition into academic or staff development roles. This 12-credit post-master's program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, explores research and evidence-based practice, healthcare finance, emerging trends, and educational strategies. Students learn to design curricula, evaluate performance, and implement effective teaching methods. The asynchronous format allows flexible pacing, with most learners finishing in about a year. Faculty are experienced educators. Graduates are prepared for positions such as clinical instructor, nursing faculty, or staff development educator. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, supports military benefits, and offers financial aid. Rooted in the Church of the Nazarene, the university provides a supportive, faith-based learning environment.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Complete in Complete in an average of 12 months
• 12 total credit hours
• Asynchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Military benefits accepted
• Financial aid available
• Top nursing school in Kansas
• Designed for licensed RNs with MSN
• Expert nursing faculty

Baker University's fully online Post-Master's Nursing Education Certificate prepares experienced nurses for educator roles in academic and clinical settings. The three-course curriculum builds on existing clinical expertise, covering educational theory, program assessment, and a practical teaching practicum. Students learn to design curricula, measure learning outcomes, and develop assessment strategies. Graduates can pursue positions as clinical instructors, nursing educators, or staff development coordinators. The asynchronous format offers flexibility for working professionals, with full- and part-time enrollment options. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and completion of prerequisite courses. A capstone project is included, and the program offers two concentration options to tailor your educational focus.

• 2 concentration options
• 3 courses program
• 3 total courses
• Full-time and part-time options
• Asynchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 0 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Fully online curriculum