2026 Best Kentucky Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of Kentucky's online Graduate Certificate in Teaching Nursing prepares registered nurses for educator roles by developing advanced pedagogical skills. This fully online program requires 9 credit hours at $753 per credit and includes 180 clinical hours, which can often be completed at the student's employer. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's level program, and it focuses on curriculum design and innovative teaching methodologies to shape future nursing education.

• Fully online graduate certificate
• 9 total credit hours
• Cost per credit: $753
• Post-MSN, DNP, PhD program
• 180 clinical hours required
• Designed for RN educators
• No on-campus requirements
• Clinical site often employer
• Focuses on nursing pedagogy

The University of Kentucky's hybrid Graduate Certificate in Professional Nursing with a Pediatric Acute Care concentration is designed for licensed nurse practitioners seeking to specialize in pediatric acute care. This program combines online coursework with in-person immersion experiences twice per semester, requiring 16-31 credit hours at $1,002 per credit. No entrance exam is specified, and it prepares graduates for specialty certification in pediatric acute care nursing.

• For post-graduate APRN nurses
• Online with in-person components
• 16-31 credit hours total
• $1,002 per credit cost
• Multiple specialty tracks
• Requires graduate nursing degree
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• Immersion blocks twice per semester
• Prepares for specialty certification
• Executive leadership option available

Focused on Family Care, the University of Kentucky's hybrid Graduate Certificate in Professional Nursing enables advanced practice nurses to transition into family nursing specialties. The program includes online learning and in-person immersions, with 16-31 credit hours costing $1,002 per credit. No entrance exam is mentioned, and it aims to enhance clinical competencies for certification in family care, requiring a 3.0 GPA and a graduate nursing degree.

• Online with in-person immersions
• 16-31 credit hours
• $1,002 per credit
• Multiple specialty tracks
• Post-graduate APRN focus
• Prepare for certification
• Designed for career transition
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• MSN/DNP/PhD prerequisite
• Twice-semester campus visits

The University of Kentucky's hybrid Postgraduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers specialized training for advanced practice roles in mental health. This program blends online and in-person components, with 9-12 credit hours preparing graduates for national certifications. No entrance exam is indicated, and it is designed for nurses seeking to expand their expertise in psychiatric-mental health care through flexible, accredited coursework.

• 100% online/hybrid options
• Multiple nursing specialties
• 9-12 credit certificate programs
• Prepare for national certifications
• Advanced practice role enhancement
• Campus-based immersion components
• CCNE accredited program
• Flexible for working professionals

With an Executive Leadership concentration, the University of Kentucky's hybrid Graduate Certificate in Professional Nursing targets nurse practitioners aiming for leadership roles. The program involves online studies and in-person immersions, spanning 16-31 credit hours at $1,002 per credit. No entrance exam is required, and it emphasizes interprofessional team skills and certification preparation, requiring a graduate nursing degree and 3.0 GPA.

• Online with in-person immersions
• 16-31 credit hours total
• $1,002 per credit cost
• Multiple specialty tracks
• For post-graduate APRN nurses
• Requires MSN/DNP/PhD
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• State nursing board licensure
• Certification exam preparation
• Interprofessional team focus

The University of Kentucky's hybrid Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program specializes in acute care for adults and the elderly, combining online coursework with on-campus immersions. No entrance exam is specified, and it prepares graduates for national certification by covering advanced physiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment, enhancing skills for settings like intensive care units.

• Hybrid program format
• Focuses on acute care
• Prepares for national certification
• Requires advanced courses
• Combines online and on-campus learning
• For working professionals
• Eligible for certification exams
• Specializes in adult and elderly care
• Enhances acute care skills
• Offers flexible learning options

The University of Kentucky's hybrid Graduate Certificate in Professional Nursing with a Pediatric Primary Care concentration provides advanced training for nurse practitioners focusing on pediatric care. This program includes online coursework and in-person clinical rotations, requiring 16-31 credit hours at $1,002 per credit and a 3.0 GPA. No entrance exam is mentioned, and it prepares students for pediatric nurse practitioner certification through immersive experiences.

• Hybrid online and in-person format
• 16-31 total credit hours
• $1,002 per credit cost
• 3.0 minimum graduate GPA
• Pediatric Primary Care concentration
• In-person clinical rotations
• Immersion activities twice per semester
• Prepares for national certification

The University of Louisville's online Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares registered nurses with an MSN or terminal degree for national certification in this advanced specialty. This hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus classes typically held on Thursdays, requiring attendance 4-6 times per semester. Focused on pediatric acute care, the curriculum includes tailored clinical training to develop expertise in managing complex health conditions in children. No entrance exam is required for admission. Graduates are equipped for advanced practice roles in pediatric settings, leveraging the university's on-campus hospital for enhanced learning opportunities.

• Hybrid format learning.
• Six advanced practice specialties.
• Requires master's degree in nursing.
• Classes on campus 4-6 times/semester.
• Focus on student's area of interest.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Tailored educational experience.
• Ideal for career advancement.
• Combines online and on-campus classes.
• Classes typically on Thursdays.

At the University of Louisville, the online Post-Graduate Certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner offers a flexible hybrid format ideal for working professionals seeking specialization. Designed for nurses with a master's degree, this program emphasizes clinical skills and theoretical knowledge in family-centered care, preparing graduates for leadership roles. No entrance exam is needed for admission. The curriculum includes online components complemented by periodic on-campus sessions, supported by financial aid options. Accredited by CCNE, it focuses on diverse patient populations, ensuring readiness for national certification and advanced practice in family health settings.

• MSN, DNP, Post-Grad options.
• Specializations in acute care, family, mental health.
• Flexible learning for working professionals.
• Clinical expertise and practical skills focus.
• Financial aid and scholarships available.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Prepares for leadership in healthcare.
• Admission requires nursing degree.
• Specialized tracks for diverse interests.
• Comprehensive curriculum for advanced practice.

The University of Louisville provides an online Post-Graduate Certificate as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, tailored for registered nurses holding an MSN or terminal degree. This hybrid program requires no entrance exam and involves rigorous clinical training with 504-672 hours in mental health settings. Students develop advanced skills in assessment, diagnosis, and management of psychiatric conditions through a blend of online learning and on-campus activities. Admission considers a holistic review with a minimum 3.0 GPA, preparing graduates for national certification and high-demand roles in diverse healthcare environments, supported by the on-campus hospital.

• Six APRN specialty options
• Minimum 504-672 clinical hours
• Requires Master's or terminal degree
• Holistic admission review process
• Prepares for national certification
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• NursingCAS application platform
• Advanced clinical training
• Professional role development
• Diverse healthcare practice settings

University of Louisville's online Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner enables experienced nurses with a master's or doctoral degree to specialize in acute care for adults and geriatric patients. This hybrid program features online coursework integrated with quarterly on-campus sessions, requiring 672 clinical hours for comprehensive practical training. No entrance exam is mandated for admission. Focused on advanced clinical skills, it prepares graduates for national certification and roles in acute care settings, leveraging the university's hospital resources to enhance learning in managing complex health issues.

• Hybrid learning format
• 672 minimum clinical hours
• On-campus sessions quarterly
• Advanced nursing specialty
• Accredited nursing program

For nurses with an MSN or doctoral degree, the University of Louisville offers an online Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. This hybrid program blends online education with on-campus elements, requiring 672 clinical hours to build expertise in primary care for adult and elderly populations. No entrance exam is required. It emphasizes advanced physical assessment and pathophysiology, preparing students for national certification through a curriculum designed for flexible learning. Graduates gain skills to deliver high-quality care in primary settings, supported by the institution's accreditation and hospital facilities.

• Hybrid learning format
• 672 clinical hours required
• Specialization in Adult Gerontology
• For MSN/Doctoral degree holders
• National certification preparation

Northern Kentucky University's online Nurse Practitioner to Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate offers an accelerated 14-month pathway for experienced NPs to specialize in mental health care. This 20-credit program features 100% online coursework with 750 clinical hours, preparing graduates for ANCC certification across patient lifespans. At $16,918 total tuition, it provides affordable specialization without requiring entrance exams, focusing on advanced psychopharmacology and requiring a 3.0 MSN GPA, valid NP license, and 1,000 RN clinical hours.

• 100% Online Program
• 14-Month Completion Time
• 20 Total Credit Hours
• 750 Clinical Hours
• CCNE-Accredited Program
• Total Tuition: $16,918
• Prepares for ANCC Certification
• Serves Patients Across Lifespan
• Advanced Psychopharmacology Focus
• Requires 3.0 MSN GPA

Northern Kentucky University's online Post-Master's Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate prepares nurses for high-intensity settings like ICUs and emergency departments. This 35-credit program can be completed in 20 months with 750 clinical hours and does not require entrance exams. At $25,828 total tuition, it focuses on acute care from adolescence to geriatrics, requiring a master's in nursing with 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and 1,000 clinical hours for admission.

• Online post-master's nursing certificate
• 35 total credit hours
• Program length: 20 months
• Total tuition: $25,828
• Prepares for AGACNP certification exam
• Clinical residency: 750 hours
• Covers adolescence to geriatrics
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Accredited nursing program

Northern Kentucky University's online Post-Master's Adult-Gero Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Primary Care equips nurses to manage chronic conditions and promote wellness from adolescence through geriatrics. This 31-credit program includes 500 clinical hours, completable in 20 months, with no entrance exam required. It prepares for certification in adult-gerontology primary care, requiring a 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and 1,000 prior clinical hours for admission.

• Online post-master's certificate program
• 31 total credit hours
• 500 clinical residency hours
• Prepares for certification exam
• Primary care adult-gerontology focus
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Requires current RN license
• 1,000 prior clinical hours needed
• Coursework completable in 20 months

Western Kentucky University offers a hybrid Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate for experienced registered nurses with a master's degree, focusing on primary care specialization across patient life stages. This 17-credit program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN licensure, and one year of clinical experience, blending rigorous coursework with extensive clinical training to prepare for national certification. The curriculum emphasizes pediatric and adult primary care, advanced clinical skills, and professional nursing management. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's level program, which is delivered in a hybrid format combining online and in-person components.

• Post-MSN Certificate Program
• 17 Total Credit Hours
• 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
• One Year Clinical Experience
• Primary Care Specialization
• National Certification Preparation
• Advanced Clinical Training
• Comprehensive Patient Care Focus
• Pediatric and Adult Primary Care
• Professional Nursing Management Courses

Western Kentucky University provides an online Post-MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate for licensed APRNs with a master's degree, specializing in mental health care assessment, diagnosis, and management across all age groups. This 18-credit program mandates a 3.0 GPA and includes comprehensive clinical training, focusing on psychopharmacology and preparing graduates for the PMHNP certification exam. No entrance exam is required for this advanced practice program, which is fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals while emphasizing mental health expertise and eligibility for enhanced career opportunities in psychiatric settings.

• Post-MSN Certificate Program
• 18 Total Credit Hours
• Covers Adult and Child Psychiatry
• 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
• Clinical Experience Mandatory
• Focuses on Mental Health Assessment
• Prepares for PMHNP Certification
• Advanced Psychopharmacology Training
• Requires Current APRN License

Spalding University offers an online Post-Master’s Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner, delivered in a flexible hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person components. This program requires 45 credits and includes 750 supervised clinical hours, preparing graduates for advanced primary care roles across patient lifespans. It boasts a 96% board certification pass rate and is CCNE accredited, with rolling admissions and options for full-time completion in two years. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program emphasizes culturally competent care and is military-friendly, making it ideal for working professionals seeking career advancement in family practice settings.

• 45-credit MSN-FNP program
• 750 clinical training hours
• 96% board exam pass rate
• Flexible hybrid learning format
• Rolling admissions available
• Two-year full-time completion
• Multiple practice setting opportunities
• CCNE accredited program
• Experienced practicing faculty
• Post-Master's Certificate option

Spalding University’s online Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a hybrid program requiring 44 credits and 750 clinical hours, focusing on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions across the lifespan. It features small cohorts of 15 students, guaranteed clinical placements, and CCNE accreditation, with no entrance exam needed for admission. The curriculum stresses evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and use of advanced healthcare technologies, preparing graduates for diverse mental health settings. Enrollment begins in May, and the program is military-friendly, offering a flexible path for nurses to specialize in psychiatric care without relocation.

• 44 credit hour hybrid program
• 750 clinical hours required
• Small cohorts of 15 students
• CCNE accredited nursing program
• Guaranteed clinical placements
• Work in diverse mental health settings
• 20 professional service hours
• Enrollment starts in May
• Post-Master's Certificate available