2026 Best Louisiana Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers an online Post-MSN Certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, designed for advanced practice nurses seeking specialization. This 20-credit program spans four semesters and includes 510 clinical hours completed in Louisiana. Tuition is $480 per credit, totaling approximately $9,600. Admission requires an MSN from a CCNE-accredited program, a 3.0 GPA, current RN and APRN licenses, and national certification. Applicants must submit a $25 fee, resume, statement of purpose, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. No entrance exam is listed among requirements. Graduates are prepared to sit for the national PMHNP certification exam. The program is delivered through the LHC Group Myers School of Nursing.

• 20 credit hours total.
• Four semesters program length.
• 510 clinical hours required.
• 100% online didactic courses.
• $480 per credit tuition.
• Approximately $9,600 total cost.
• MSN degree required for admission.
• 3.0 minimum GPA needed.
• Current RN license required.
• Current APRN license required.

Loyola University New Orleans offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery designed for advanced practice nurses seeking specialized skills. The hybrid format combines online coursework with in-person clinical components, requiring 32-50 credit hours and 910 clinical hours. The curriculum focuses on comprehensive care for women across the lifespan, with individualized study plans and gap analysis to personalize learning. Pre-accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), the program costs $885 per credit hour. Admission requires a master's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and one year of work experience. Applications are submitted via NursingCAS.

• Hybrid program format.
• 32-50 credit hours.
• 910 clinical hours required.
• $885 per credit hour.
• Pre-accredited by ACME.
• Individualized study plans.
• Online synchronous coursework.
• In-person clinical components.
• Requires MSN or DNP degree.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner is an online program tailored for MSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced clinical roles. The one-to-two-year curriculum integrates practicum and seminar courses emphasizing primary care across the lifespan, with special attention to rural and medically underserved communities. Occasional in-person intensives complement the flexible online format. Applicants must meet a 3.0 GPA, submit letters of recommendation, and have work experience; an entrance exam is required but not specified. ACEN accreditation underscores quality, and graduates are prepared for FNP board certification. With rolling admissions, financial aid, and strong pass and job placement rates, this program supports career advancement in diverse healthcare settings.

• ACEN accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Complete in one-to-two-year
• Rolling admissions
• Starts rolling
• 95% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required

Grambling State University delivers a post-master's Family Nurse Practitioner certificate designed for RNs who already hold an MSN. This hybrid program combines online coursework with weekly on-campus classes, while clinical experiences are arranged locally to fit your geographic area. The 39-credit curriculum spans roughly 21 months and includes more than 700 supervised clinical hours under approved preceptors. Coursework emphasizes family dynamics, rural health, primary care management, advanced assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, and pathophysiology. Graduates are prepared for national FNP certification and advanced practice licensure. A post-certification FNP track is also available for those seeking additional credentials.

• Post Master's FNP program available.
• 39 credit hours required.
• Hybrid program format.
• On-campus classes weekly.
• Clinical experiences arranged locally.
• Over 700 clinical hours.
• Approved preceptors guide students.
• Focus on family dynamics.
• Emphasis on rural health.
• Advanced assessment skills taught.