2026 Best Maine Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Husson University's online Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate lets practicing nurse practitioners expand their skills into primary care for patients across the lifespan. The curriculum covers family health for adults and older adults, family-centered care for women, infants, and children, and integrating primary care. Students learn from experienced, practicing faculty and work with traditional, nontraditional, and culturally diverse families. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC or AANP Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and requires 18-48 credits depending on prior MSN coursework. Husson's graduate nursing students achieve 95% passage rate on national certification exams, reflecting preparation in a fully online format.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 3 concentration options
• 95% licensure pass rate
• ANCC or AANP Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam
• 100% online program
• Primary care setting focus
• Cares for patients across lifespan
• 18-48 credits depending on MSN
• Traditional, nontraditional, culturally diverse families

Husson University offers a Post-Master's APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This 100% online program helps nurse practitioners gain expertise in mental healthcare across all age groups. Students learn from experienced faculty in active practice. The curriculum includes courses like Diagnosis and Pharmacologic Management of Psychiatric Illness. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC certification exam. Credit requirements range from 18 to 51, depending on prior MSN coursework. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It focuses on improving access to mental health services. No specific cost or admissions details are provided in the text. Prospective students should check state authorizations for availability.

• 100% online delivery.
• Post-Master's APRN Certificate.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner focus.
• Eligible for ANCC certification exam.
• 18-51 credit hours required.
• Depends on MSN program background.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Experienced faculty in practice.
• Courses include clinical components.
• Focus on mental healthcare access.

Husson University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides advanced graduate study for family and adult nurse practitioners. This 12-month hybrid program combines online coursework with hands-on internships, offering 688 clinical hours. Students complete 21 credit hours focused on women's health across the lifespan, from adolescence to menopause. The curriculum emphasizes reproductive and gynecologic health, including well-woman care, contraceptive counseling, and prenatal services. Applicants need a master's degree in a healthcare-related discipline. Graduates gain specialized skills to address women's health issues and qualify for national certification exams. This program supports working professionals balancing career advancement with personal commitments through flexible educational delivery methods.

• 12-month program duration
• Hybrid online and classroom format
• 21 credit hours required
• 688 internship hours included
• For family and adult nurse practitioners
• Master's degree prerequisite required
• Focus on women's lifespan health
• Emphasis on reproductive health
• Gynecologic health specialization
• Well-woman care training

Husson University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This program helps nurse practitioners gain expertise in acute care settings. It prepares graduates for ANCC or AACN certification exams. The curriculum includes clinical courses and may require 18-48 credits. The program is 100% online and accredited by CCNE. Students learn from expert faculty in active practice. It focuses on advanced nursing care for adult and geriatric patients. The program builds on existing MSN qualifications. It enhances career opportunities in acute care nursing.

• 100% online program.
• 18-48 credit hours.
• CCNE accredited.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• Expert faculty in practice.
• Focus on acute care settings.
• Clinical courses included.
• Builds on MSN degree.
• Adult-gerontology concentration.
• Flexible credit requirements.

The University of Southern Maine offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education. This 21-credit program can be completed in as few as six months through accelerated coursework. The curriculum covers educational foundations, instructional methods, assessment, evaluation, and curriculum development. Students gain real-world experience through a culminating in-person practicum. The program prepares graduates to educate current and future nurses in academic settings and qualifies them to sit for the National League of Nursing Certified Nurse Educator exam. With six start dates per year, no GRE requirement, and no application fee for most applicants, this flexible online program provides personalized support from experienced faculty. Credits earned can be applied toward a Master's in Nursing Education, offering a pathway for further advancement.

• No entrance exam required
• Exams: GRE, MAT
• Test optional
• 6-Month program
• 21 total credit hours
• 7 total courses
• 6 start dates per year
• Starts spring/summer/fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 45 clinical hours

The University of Southern Maine offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration and Leadership. This accelerated program can be completed in as few as six months with 18 credit hours. It features affordable e-tuition rates and six start dates per year. Admissions require a master's degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and no GRE. The curriculum covers leadership, financial management, and includes a practicum. Graduates gain skills for roles like nurse manager and can pursue national certification.

• Accelerated online program.
• Complete in six months.
• 18 credit hours required.
• Affordable e-tuition rates.
• Six start dates yearly.
• No GRE required.
• Master's degree prerequisite.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• RN licensure needed.
• Includes practicum component.

The University of Southern Maine offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration and Leadership. This accelerated program requires 18 credit hours and can be completed in as few as six months. It features affordable e-tuition rates and six start dates per year. Admissions require a master's degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and no GRE. The curriculum covers information technology, quality improvement, nursing theory, leadership, organizational behavior, evidence-based practice, and financial management. Students gain real-world experience through an in-person practicum. Credits may apply toward a master's degree. The program prepares graduates for roles like nurse manager or director of nursing, with eligibility for national certification.

• Online accelerated program.
• Post-master's certificate.
• 18 credit hours required.
• Finish in 6 months.
• Six start dates yearly.
• No GRE required.
• Affordable e-tuition rates.
• In-person practicum included.
• Master's degree in nursing required.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at the University of Maine prepares registered nurses for teaching roles in academic and healthcare settings. This 11-credit online program focuses on curriculum design, teaching-learning methods, and clinical simulation. Students develop skills in program evaluation, educational technology, and instructional strategies. The certificate includes 500 hours of practicum experiences in nursing education settings, applying knowledge to real-world teaching scenarios. Coursework covers advanced health assessment, interprofessional leadership, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared for roles as nurse educators in colleges, hospitals, and professional development programs. The program meets educational criteria for the National League for Nursing Academic Novice Nurse Educator Certification Exam. Courses may transfer to the Master of Science in Nursing Leadership program for those pursuing advanced degrees. Faculty advisors provide personalized guidance throughout the program.

• CCNE, NLN accredited
• No entrance exam required
• 11 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Full-time and part-time options
• Asynchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 500 clinical hours
• Work experience required

The University of Maine's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study prepares registered nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctorate of Nursing Practice for advanced primary care roles. This hybrid program combines online and classroom instruction with clinical experiences tailored to student needs. It requires a minimum of 33 semester hours and builds on prior graduate education to meet national certification standards. Applicants need a master's degree, a 3.25 GPA, and current Maine RN licensure. The program focuses on rural and underserved community health issues across the lifespan.

• Certificate of Advanced Study program.
• Hybrid online and classroom format.
• Minimum 33 semester hours required.
• For nurses with MSN or DNP.
• Focus on rural health issues.
• Prepares for national certification.
• Clinical experiences arranged individually.
• Requires Maine RN licensure.
• Minimum 3.25 graduate GPA.
• Rolling application deadline.

The University of Maine offers a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership with a Nursing Educator concentration. This 11-credit hybrid program prepares nurses for teaching roles in academic and healthcare settings. It combines online coursework with some on-site requirements. Admission requires a BSN or MSN from an accredited program, a minimum 3.0 GPA, Maine RN licensure, and specific undergraduate courses. The certificate courses may be transferable to the Master's in Nursing Leadership program. The program focuses on teaching methods, program design, and evaluation.

• 11-credit graduate certificate.
• Hybrid online and on-site format.
• Nursing Educator concentration.
• Requires BSN or MSN degree.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• Maine RN licensure needed.
• Courses may transfer to MSNL.
• Focus on teaching roles.
• Includes practicum experiences.
• Pre-admission meeting required.