2026 Best Nebraska Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Creighton University delivers a fully online Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education for nurses with a graduate degree. This CCNE-accredited, 15-credit program emphasizes teaching methodologies, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and instructional technology, including simulation and debriefing. Students complete 225 practicum hours in educational environments, qualifying for roles as academic faculty, clinical instructors, simulation coordinators, or staff development specialists. The program starts in January with a May 1 application deadline. Financial aid and scholarships are available. No entrance exam is required. It offers practical preparation for mentoring future nurses while maintaining flexibility for working professionals.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 6 concentration options
• 15 total credit hours
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 225 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Online program format
• Builds on existing graduate nursing degree

Creighton University's hybrid Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner blends online coursework with clinical experiences. The 16-credit program covers urgent care, acute/chronic illness, and critical care for children. Clinical hour requirements can be tailored based on prior graduate coursework and transcript review. Applicants must possess a master's in nursing. The curriculum includes orientation, specialty/role courses, and clinical practicums. Designed for working professionals, this certificate requires no entrance exam. Graduates are prepared for advanced pediatric roles in acute and primary care settings, focusing on comprehensive care for pediatric patients.

• 16-credit certificate program.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Pediatric acute/primary care focus.
• Clinical credits adjustable based on previous work.
• Requires master's in nursing for admission.
• Transcript review for course adjustments.
• Includes urgent/emergency care courses.
• Covers acute and chronically ill children.
• Includes critical care pediatric content.
• Post-graduate certificate level.

Creighton University's online Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration requires 18 credits and 525 clinical hours. The curriculum covers lifespan primary care, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based management, preparing graduates for national certification via ANCC or AANPCB. Applicants need an MSN, active RN and APRN-NP licenses, and 2,000 hours of direct patient care. Other requirements include recommendation letters, personal statement, transcripts, and resume. The CCNE-accredited program starts in May; applications are due October 1. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for experienced APRNs seeking FNP specialization.

• Online program format.
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• 18 credits required.
• 525 direct clinical hours.
• Post-graduate certificate program.
• Requires MSN degree.
• Active RN license needed.
• Active APRN-NP license required.
• 2,000 hours nursing experience.
• Three recommendation letters.

Creighton University offers an online Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing focused on Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner. This 21-credit program requires 675 clinical hours and includes psychotherapy, medication management, and lifespan psychiatric care. Admission requires an MSN, active RN and APRN licenses, and 2,000 hours of psychiatric mental health experience. The CCNE-accredited certificate prepares students for national certification and roles in outpatient, inpatient, or telepsychiatry. Clinical preceptors are self-secured; state restrictions apply. No international students. Applications are due October 1 for a May start. No entrance exam is required. Tuition details are available on the university's website.

• Online program delivery.
• 21 credits required.
• 675 direct clinical hours.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health concentration.
• Post-graduate certificate format.
• Requires MSN degree.
• Active RN license needed.
• Active APRN license required.
• 2,000 hours psychiatric experience.
• Three recommendation letters.

Creighton University's online Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is a 19-credit program focusing on acute care for adults and older adults. Coursework includes advanced acute care nursing, health promotion, and disease prevention, plus practicums. Clinical hours may adjust based on previous graduate work via transcript review. This certificate builds on existing nursing skills to prepare specialized NP roles. The curriculum includes orientation and specialty/role courses. No entrance exam is required. It offers flexible online learning for career advancement in gerontological acute care, with a strong emphasis on advanced clinical skills.

• Online program format.
• 19 total credits required.
• Post-graduate certificate level.
• Adult-gerontology acute care focus.
• Includes practicum courses.
• Health promotion courses included.
• Advanced nursing courses.
• Clinical hours may adjust.
• Previous graduate work considered.
• Certificate practicum required.

Clarkson College's online Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner is designed for RNs already holding a graduate degree. The 33-credit curriculum includes advanced physical assessment, pharmacology, and family-centered care, preparing students for primary care certification. Courses are delivered interactively online, with a single on-campus weekend required. Clinical placements can be completed near home. The program runs on rolling admissions, with full-time completion in 4-7 semesters and part-time in 7-10+. Tuition is $762 per credit hour. No GRE exam is required for entry. The program also offers advanced standing credit and a transition-to-practice course.

• Online program delivery.
• 33 semester hours total.
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• One on-campus weekend required.
• $762 per credit hour tuition.
• Rolling admissions policy.
• For graduate degree-prepared nurses.
• Clinical requirements near home.
• Meets national certification requirements.
• Full-time: 4-7 semesters.

This online Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Healthcare Administration from Clarkson College focuses on leadership for nurse executives and managers. The 23-credit curriculum covers systems, leadership, financial management, and quality improvement, with courses like Healthcare Leadership and Strategic Management. Students complete a practicum, and courses are offered in six-week formats for flexibility. No on-campus visits are required. Rolling admissions allow you to start anytime. Completion typically takes 4-7 semesters full-time. Tuition is $762 per credit hour, and advanced standing credit is possible. The program complies with certification requirements, and no GRE or GMAT is required.

• Online program format.
• Nursing Healthcare Administration concentration.
• 23 semester hours total.
• $762 per credit hour tuition.
• Rolling admissions policy.
• No on-campus visits required.
• Includes practicum component.
• Prepares for executive roles.
• Courses in six-week formats.
• Covers financial management.

For nurses pursuing advanced practice in acute care, Clarkson College offers a hybrid Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This 33-credit program includes advanced pathophysiology, physical assessment, and pharmacology, with online coursework and one required on-campus weekend. Admission is selective, and the program follows a singular progression through courses. It does not require a GRE entrance exam. The curriculum also includes a transition to practice course and prepares students for certification in adult-gerontology acute care. Health and safety information is required prior to clinicals. Courses are taught by faculty like Director Jessica Fitzgerald, DNP.

• 33 semester hours required.
• Hybrid program format.
• Online completion possible.
• On-campus weekend required.
• Selective admissions process.
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care concentration.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• Courses include Advanced Pathophysiology.
• Director: Jessica Fitzgerald, DNP.
• Part of Post-Graduate Certificate options.

Nebraska Methodist College offers a fully online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Informatics for nurses holding an MSN. This 17-credit program, completable in 12–16 months, focuses on using data analysis to improve patient outcomes. Coursework covers clinical information systems, project management, and evidence-based practice, with courses delivered in 5–10 week blocks. Students complete 200 clinical hours and become eligible for informatics certification. Tuition is $429 per credit hour. Admission requires an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, transcripts, and a resume. No standardized entrance exam is required, and rolling admissions allow for flexible entry throughout the year.

• Online program format.
• 12-16 months completion time.
• 17 credit hours total.
• $429 per credit hour cost.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Current RN licensure needed.
• 200 clinical hours included.
• Eligible for informatics certification.
• Courses 5-10 weeks long.

The online Post-Master's Care Coordinator Certificate at Nebraska Methodist College equips MSN-prepared nurses for roles in care coordination and population health management. This 14-credit program takes 12–16 months to finish, with 10-week courses and fully flexible online access. Graduates may qualify for CCCTM certification, and the curriculum includes a practicum experience alongside coursework in healthcare systems. Priced at $446 per credit hour, the program requires an MSN with a 3.0 GPA, active RN licensure, and submission of transcripts. There is no entrance exam requirement, and admissions operate on a rolling basis, making it convenient for working professionals.

• Online program format.
• 14 credit hours required.
• 12-16 month completion time.
• 10-week course sessions.
• Flexible online access.
• MSN degree prerequisite.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• RN licensure needed.
• $446 per credit hour.
• Rolling admissions process.

Bryan College of Health Sciences offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership designed for registered nurses who already hold an MSN. This 17-credit program combines synchronous video sessions with independent study, allowing working professionals to balance education and career. Coursework covers organizational systems, financial management, human resource management, strategic planning, and power dynamics in healthcare. Two leadership practica provide hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared for roles as nurse managers, directors, and administrators. The program integrates with MSN courses, fostering collaboration and networking. Admission requires a current RN license, a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation, a professional goals statement, and an academic writing sample. Non-native speakers must submit TOEFL scores. No GRE or GMAT is required.

• 2 concentration options
• 17 total credit hours
• Synchronous online classes
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prepares for management and leadership roles
• Synchronous video meetings
• Integrates with MSN courses
• Requires current RN license
• Professional goals statement required