2026 Best Maine Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of Southern Maine's online Nurse Educator Post-Master's Certificate prepares experienced nurses for educational leadership roles through a comprehensive six-month program. This accelerated online format requires 21 credit hours and includes an in-person practicum, with six annual start dates for flexibility. No GRE is required for admission, but applicants must have an unencumbered RN license and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The curriculum focuses on curriculum development, instructional methods, and program evaluation, equipping graduates to qualify for the National League of Nursing Certified Nurse Educator exam. Out-of-state e-tuition is available, and credits can apply toward an MSN degree.

• Accelerated online format
• 21 total credit hours
• 6 start dates annually
• No GRE required
• In-person practicum included
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Out-of-state e-tuition available
• Unencumbered RN license needed
• Credits apply to MSN
• Prepare for NLN certification

University of Southern Maine offers an online Nursing Administration and Leadership Certificate of Graduate Study designed for healthcare professionals advancing into leadership roles. This accelerated program can be completed in as few as six months with 18 credit hours, featuring flexible start dates and no GRE requirement. The curriculum emphasizes information technology, quality improvement, nursing theory, and organizational behavior, complemented by an in-person practicum. Applicants need an RN license and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program prepares graduates for national certification and offers e-tuition rates, making it accessible for out-of-state students seeking career growth in nursing administration.

• Online accelerated certificate program
• 18 total credit hours
• 6-month completion possible
• No GRE required
• 6 annual start dates
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• RN licensure prerequisite
• Practicum included
• E-tuition rate available
• Master's degree pathway

At the University of Southern Maine, the online post-master's certificate in Nursing Administration and Leadership provides a fast-track pathway for nurses aiming for management positions. Completed in six months with 18 credit hours, this online program covers financial management, information technology, quality improvement, and nursing theory. No GRE is required, and there are six annual start dates for flexibility. Requirements include an RN license and a 3.0 minimum GPA. The certificate includes a practicum experience and prepares students for national certification, with out-of-state e-tuition available to support affordable, high-demand career advancement in healthcare leadership.

• Online accelerated certificate program
• 18 total credit hours
• 6-month completion possible
• No GRE required
• 6 annual start dates
• Minimum 3.0 GPA needed
• RN licensure required
• Preparation for national certification
• Out-of-state e-tuition available
• Practicum experience included

The University of Maine's online Post-Master's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education prepares experienced nurses for teaching roles in academic and clinical settings. This 11-credit program focuses on teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and clinical simulation, with coursework in program evaluation and leadership strategies. It includes practicum experiences and prepares graduates for NLN certification. No entrance exam is required for this online program, which mandates active RN licensure and prefers two years of nursing experience.

• 11-credit graduate certificate
• Prepares nurses for teaching roles
• Online and on-campus courses
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Active RN licensure required
• Practicum experiences included
• Two-year RN experience preferred
• Coursework in teaching methods
• Leadership and scholarship focus
• NLN Certification preparation

The University of Maine's hybrid Certificate of Advanced Study with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses for advanced primary care roles, especially in rural and underserved communities. This CCNE-accredited program combines online and classroom instruction with integrated clinical experiences, offering full-time or part-time options. It requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, two years of RN experience, and active licensure, but no entrance exam is needed. Graduates are prepared for national FNP certification.

• CCNE Accredited Program
• Full-time or Part-time Options
• Online and Classroom Instruction
• Two Concentration Tracks: FNP and Nursing Education
• National Certification Preparation
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• Two Years RN Experience Needed
• Clinical Experiences Integrated
• Advanced Practice Nursing Focus

The University of Maine's hybrid Graduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership develops skills for healthcare management and leadership positions. This program features a flexible curriculum with online and classroom components, allowing full-time completion in two years or part-time in 3-4 years. It includes individually tailored clinical experiences and prepares graduates for leadership roles without requiring an entrance exam. Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, active RN license, and two years of nursing experience.

• Full-time 2-year or part-time 3-4 year options
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Online and classroom instruction
• Two concentration tracks available
• National certification preparation
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Two years RN experience required
• Active RN license mandatory
• Clinical experiences tailored individually

Husson University's online Post-Master's APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner provides advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training in mental health care. This 100% online program requires 18-51 credits depending on prior MSN education and prepares graduates for national certification exams with a remarkable 95% passage rate. The curriculum focuses on developing advanced clinical skills and theoretical knowledge for treating diverse patient populations across the lifespan. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's level program, which features expert faculty and CCNE accreditation.

• 100% Online Nursing Certificates
• Three Specialized APRN Tracks
• 95% National Exam Passage Rate
• 18-51 Credits Required
• Accredited by CCNE
• Expert Practicing Faculty
• Lifespan Patient Care Focus
• Advanced Clinical Credentials

Husson University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate offers a hybrid learning format combining online coursework with classroom and experiential components. This 12-month, 21-credit program is designed for master's-level nurses seeking specialization in comprehensive women's healthcare from adolescence through menopause. The curriculum covers gynecological services, well-woman care, health education, and prenatal care, requiring 688 internship hours. No entrance exam is needed for this post-master's certificate, which prepares graduates for national certification while accommodating working professionals through flexible scheduling.

• Certificate for master's-level nurses
• 21 credit hours total
• 688 internship hours
• Online and classroom learning
• Prepares for national certification
• Women's health focus
• 12-month program duration
• Covers adolescence to menopause

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate at Husson University delivers specialized training in acute care settings through a fully online format. This program enables experienced nurses to advance their clinical expertise in caring for adult and geriatric patients, with credit requirements ranging from 18-48 credits based on prior education. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's level certificate, which prepares graduates for national certification exams. The program features expert practicing faculty and focuses on developing advanced acute care nursing skills for complex patient scenarios.

• 100% online program
• 18-48 credit options
• National certification exam preparation
• Expert practicing faculty
• Advanced acute care nursing focus