2026 Best Maryland Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Johns Hopkins University's Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares nurses to evaluate and treat mental health, substance use, and co-morbid conditions across all ages. This 17-credit program includes 500 clinical hours and focuses on integrated care, health promotion, and evidence-based treatment. Graduates gain competencies for diverse settings, from behavioral health centers to primary care. The curriculum aligns with national standards, and graduates are eligible for ANCC and AANP certification. The hybrid format combines online and in-person learning, with admission requiring a master's degree in nursing and an active RN license.

• 17 credit program.
• 500 clinical hours.
• Hybrid program format.
• Prepares for ANCC certification.
• Focuses on lifespan care.
• Includes neurobiology coursework.
• Covers clinical psychopharmacology.
• Teaches differential diagnosis.
• Includes psychotherapeutic modalities.
• Adult/gero clinical practicum.

Johns Hopkins University offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Healthcare Organizational Leadership through its School of Nursing. This part-time online program is designed for nurses with a master's degree who want to advance their leadership skills. It requires 16 credits and 504 clinical hours, which can be completed in diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum covers leadership, organizational culture, health finance, and economics. Graduates are prepared to improve healthcare services and may apply credits toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice Executive Track. The program is ideal for working professionals seeking flexible online education.

• Part-time online program.
• 16 credits required.
• 504 clinical hours.
• For master's degree holders.
• Flexible clinical settings.
• Leadership and management focus.
• Health finance course included.
• Prepares for DNP Executive Track.
• Evidence-based practice grounded.
• School of Nursing offering.

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing provides a Certificate in Advanced Forensic Nursing (CAFN). This graduate-level program spans 12 credits over two semesters. It uses a hybrid format with online coursework and limited on-site sessions. The curriculum covers injury pathology, disaster preparedness, and advanced identification techniques. It prepares nurses for leadership roles in forensic practice, research, and policy. Applicants need a master's degree in nursing or a related health field, with forensic experience. GRE scores are not required. Tuition is $2,500 per course. The program offers flexible start dates in fall or spring. Credits may apply toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. It's designed for working professionals seeking advanced forensic skills.

• 12-credit graduate certificate.
• Two-semester program length.
• Hybrid format with online courses.
• Limited on-site coursework sessions.
• Flexible fall or spring start.
• Prepares for leadership roles.
• Covers injury pathology topics.
• Includes disaster preparedness content.
• Focuses on forensic nursing practice.
• Requires master's degree for admission.

Stevenson University Online's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education prepares registered nurses with a BSN to become educators in the nursing field. This 15-credit online program covers curriculum design, teaching strategies, instructional media, and includes a nursing education practicum. Students develop skills in creating effective learning environments and evaluating educational outcomes. The program focuses on preparing graduates for roles as nurse educators in academic, clinical, or healthcare settings. Coursework is entirely online with flexible scheduling for working professionals. Credits earned may apply toward a Master's in Nursing at Stevenson. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and requires a current RN license, 3.0 GPA, and professional recommendations. It emphasizes practical teaching experience and innovative educational approaches for nursing professionals.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 15 total credit hours
• 4 total courses
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 0 clinical hours
• Accredited by CCNE
• Credits apply to master's degree
• Curriculum design and teaching strategies
• Instructional media in education

Salisbury University's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study prepares DNP graduates for FNP certification. This online program builds advanced clinical skills for family healthcare. It offers flexible learning with virtual information sessions. The curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure exams. Admission is competitive with limited spots. The program focuses on complex patient care needs. It enhances career opportunities in nursing practice. Contact the School of Nursing for detailed admissions guidance. This certificate supports professional growth in primary care settings.

• Online program delivery.
• For DNP graduates only.
• Prepares for FNP certification.
• Competitive admission process.
• Limited program spots.
• Virtual information sessions available.
• Meets licensure exam requirements.
• Focus on family healthcare.
• Advanced clinical competencies.
• School of Nursing faculty.

The University of Maryland School of Nursing offers an online Nursing Informatics Certificate for nurses with a master's degree. This program equips you with skills to bridge patient care and technology, focusing on data management and health IT systems. It requires 36 credits, can be completed in as little as two years, and includes 500 practicum hours. Tuition is $926 per credit hour for in-state students, with out-of-state rates at $1,643. Admissions require a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, an RN license, and an essay. Prepare for roles like informatics specialist or clinical data analyst in high-demand healthcare settings.

• Online format.
• 36 credit hours.
• As little as 2 years.
• 500 practicum hours.
• In-state tuition $926/credit.
• Out-of-state tuition $1,643/credit.
• BSN required for admission.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• RN license required.
• Essay application component.

The Nurse Educator Post-MSN Certificate at Notre Dame of Maryland University prepares experienced nurses for teaching roles in academic, clinical, and community settings. This 12-credit hybrid program focuses on curriculum development, educational technology, and teaching methodologies grounded in caring science. Students complete courses in technology integration, nursing education trends, curriculum design, and a mentored practicum. The program emphasizes reflective practice and prepares graduates to facilitate learning through effective teaching strategies and educational assessment. Designed for nurses holding MSN, DNP, or PhD degrees, it requires current nursing practice experience and offers small class sizes with cohort-based learning. Graduates gain skills for nurse educator positions in colleges, universities, hospitals, and healthcare organizations, with scholarship opportunities available through the Cohen Scholars Program.

• 12 credits program
• 12 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Scholarships available
• Practicum tailored to professional goals
• Small class sizes and cohorts
• Prepares for nurse educator roles