Post-graduate nursing certificates are designed to give career nurses who have Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees a means of furthering their education without entering a full doctoral program. RNs can achieve additional specialization in their field of expertise, change specializations, or enhance their career options and earning potential by pursuing a post-graduate nursing certificate. RNs in Oklahoma may find a post-grad certificate is their ticket to the next level of their profession.

2026 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Oklahoma

RegisteredNursing.org has meticulously evaluated and ranked the top online nursing post-master's graduate certificate programs in Oklahoma to help advanced practice nurses advance their careers. These distance learning programs provide exceptional flexibility for working professionals seeking specialized credentials without disrupting their current employment. Online nursing certificates enable nurses to enhance their expertise in critical areas like family practice, pediatrics, or psychiatric care while maintaining their professional responsibilities. Virtual learning platforms allow nurses to complete rigorous academic coursework from the comfort of their homes, making advanced education more accessible than ever before. These programs represent crucial pathways for nurses to expand their clinical knowledge, improve patient care capabilities, and potentially increase their earning potential. Review our comprehensive ranking methodology.
#1

Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City, OK - Private 4-year - okcu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Advanced Practice Certificate: Psychiatric Mental Health

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Oklahoma City University's online Advanced Practice Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health provides a specialized pathway for licensed APRNs to enhance their expertise in mental health care. This rigorous 23-credit hybrid program focuses on advanced psychopharmacology and psychiatric nursing practices, requiring a master's degree in nursing, a minimum 3.25 GPA, and current national certification. The curriculum includes three practicum experiences to develop clinical skills in diverse populations. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's program, which combines online coursework with practical components to prepare nurses for comprehensive mental health service delivery.

  • 23 total credit hours
  • Psychiatric Mental Health focus
  • Advanced practice nurse requirement
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA
  • National certification needed
  • Multiple practicum experiences
  • Advanced psychopharmacology course
  • Graduate-level nursing preparation

Graduate Certificate - Advanced Practice Certificate: Adult Gerontology Acute Care

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Oklahoma City University's online Advanced Practice Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care equips experienced nurses with specialized skills for complex healthcare environments. This 23-credit hybrid program emphasizes adult-gerontological health management and advanced practice techniques, designed for nurses holding a master's degree. Requirements include an active nursing license, graduate-level clinical preparation, and a minimum 3.25 GPA. No entrance exam is needed for this post-master's certificate, which blends online learning with practical training to enhance capabilities in acute care settings for adult and geriatric patients.

  • 23 credit hour program
  • Advanced practice nursing certificate
  • Post-master's level preparation
  • Acute care specialization
  • Graduate GPA 3.25 required
  • Unencumbered RN license needed
  • Graduate-level health coursework
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

University of Tulsa

Tulsa, OK - Private 4-year - utulsa.edu

Graduate Certificate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post Master's Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Tulsa offers an online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate program designed for advanced practice registered nurses. This accelerated 18-credit program can be completed in just three semesters with a total tuition of $10,854. Students gain comprehensive training in acute and critical care settings, including 600 clinical hours, to treat hospitalized adult patients with severe trauma or illness. The program provides flexible online learning with minimal campus requirements, one-on-one faculty support, and preparation for ANCC certification. As a post-master's program, no entrance exam is required for admission.

  • Online program, three semesters
  • $603 per credit hour
  • 600 clinical practice hours
  • Post-MSN and DNP tracks
  • ANCC certification preparation
  • Faculty 60% doctorate-level
  • Minimal campus requirements
  • Advanced practice focus
#3

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, OK - Public 4-Year - nsuok.edu

Graduate Certificate - Administrative Leadership in Nursing Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northeastern State University's online Administrative Leadership in Nursing Certificate program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance into leadership roles. This flexible 32-credit program focuses on developing healthcare management skills, innovation leadership, and administrative competencies. The program requires a bachelor's degree in nursing, current RN licensure, and a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission. No entrance exam is required for this graduate-level certificate. With ACEN accreditation and year-round admissions, this program prepares nurses for high-demand administrative positions in various healthcare settings through comprehensive online coursework.

  • Online Master's in Nursing
  • 3 Specialization Tracks Available
  • 32 Total Credit Hours
  • RN Licensure Required
  • 2.5 Minimum GPA
  • ACEN Accredited Program
  • Open Year-Round Admissions
  • Leadership and Informatics Focus
  • Multiple Career Pathways

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Nursing Certificate in Nursing Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northeastern State University's online Graduate Nursing Certificate in Nursing Informatics equips registered nurses with specialized skills in healthcare technology integration. This 12-credit program focuses on developing expertise in healthcare information systems, technological leadership, and evidence-based informatics practices. Designed for completion within two years, the program requires current RN licensure and a bachelor's degree, with no entrance exam needed. Students gain interdisciplinary skills in research methodologies and complex healthcare technology management, preparing them to bridge clinical practice with cutting-edge informatics solutions in diverse healthcare environments through fully online delivery.

  • 12 total credit hours
  • Online program delivery
  • Current RN licensure required
  • Two-year completion timeframe
  • Embedded in MSN program
  • Focuses on healthcare technology
  • Interdisciplinary skill development
  • Research and evidence-based practice
  • Leadership in nursing informatics
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center

Oklahoma City, OK - Public 4-Year - ouhsc.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center offers a Post Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner designed for experienced nurses with master's degrees. This hybrid program combines online coursework with on-campus components, providing flexibility for working professionals. Students complete 24-33 credit hours and 704 clinical hours in Oklahoma, focusing on comprehensive patient care across diverse settings. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program prepares graduates for certification exams and emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and medical diagnostics. Requirements include a 3.0 GPA, RN license, and master's degree prerequisite.

  • Part-time flexible schedule
  • 24-33 credit hours
  • 704 clinical hours required
  • Hybrid online/on-campus program
  • Prepares for certification exams
  • Master's degree prerequisite
  • 3.0 GPA requirement
  • RN license mandatory
  • Clinical hours in Oklahoma
  • Advanced practice preparation

Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center's Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nurses for specialized mental health care across patient lifespans. This hybrid program offers both full-time (2-year) and part-time (3-year) options with online and on-campus learning. No entrance exam is required. Students develop skills in mental health assessment, diagnosis, medication prescription, and healthcare management through clinical rotations in Oklahoma. The curriculum leads to eligibility for American Nurses Credentialing Center certification. Admission requires a master's degree, Oklahoma nursing license, and 3.0 GPA minimum.

  • 2-year full-time option
  • 3-year part-time schedule
  • Online and on-campus learning
  • Lifespan mental health focus
  • Certification exam preparation
  • Master's degree prerequisite
  • Oklahoma nursing license required
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Clinical rotations in Oklahoma
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK - Private 4-year - okwu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Informatics Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Oklahoma Wesleyan University offers an online Nursing Informatics Certificate for BSN-prepared nurses with an active RN license, focusing on informatics to enhance data management and technology skills in healthcare. This graduate-level program requires no entrance exam and can be completed in approximately six months, with courses transferable to future MSN or BSN to DNP degrees. Accredited by CCNE and the Higher Learning Commission, it provides flexible, career-advancing opportunities without a master's degree prerequisite, potentially increasing marketability and salary prospects in nursing informatics roles.

  • Graduate Nursing Certificates
  • BSN Nurses Eligible
  • Approximately 6 months
  • Three Specialization Options
  • Active RN License Required
  • Transferable Course Credits
  • No Master's Degree Prerequisite
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Potential Career Advancement
  • Salary Range $75,000-$125,000
*Reference: U.S. DOE, NCES, IPEDS 2024 data release.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Oklahoma

Admissions requirements will differ depending on the school and certificate program. A minimal list of requirements will probably include the following:

  • A current RN license
  • A completed MSN degree from an accredited institution
  • A 3.0 or higher GPA in recent coursework
  • Application and acceptance to the university offering the certificate program
  • Additional prerequisite courses and professional recommendations may be required for certificate programs that include advanced practice certifications.

An example of different programs with differing requirements can be found at Oklahoma City University. This institution offers a post-master's nursing certificate track in leadership or education with one set of admissions requirements. They also offer another track for post-master's advanced practice certificates, which has more extensive admissions requirements.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses

Post-master's certificates for advanced practice nursing (Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner) will either include or require as prerequisites three fundamental courses:

  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Advanced Physical Assessment

Course work beyond these three fundamental classes may vary depending upon the student's chosen certificate track. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Nursing lists the following courses for its Clinical Nurse Specialist track:

  • CNS Systems Management (96 Clinical Hrs)
  • Advanced Concepts in Adult/Gerontology Nursing I
  • Advanced Practicum in Adult/Gerontology Nursing I (192 Clinical Hrs)
  • Advanced Concepts in Adult/Gerontology Nursing II
  • Advanced Practicum in Adult/Gerontology Nursing II (192 Clinical Hrs)
  • Synthesis in Nursing for the CNS Pathway (192 Clinical Hrs)

Program Length

Certificates in nursing administration or education will tend to require considerably fewer credit hours than certificates in advance practice nursing specialties. An example of the latter is the University of Oklahoma's post-master's Family Nurse Practitioner program, which requires 25 credit hours—34 if you include the three fundamental courses! This same program lists options for completing coursework full-time in two years or part-time in three years.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

The University of Oklahoma offers significantly lower tuition costs for Oklahoma residents, listing a cost of $213.13 per graduate nursing credit hour (as opposed to $824.10 per credit hour for nonresidents). Don't forget that additional fees can add up, though. Add to tuition and fees the cost of books and the cost of commuting or housing, and the need for students to plan and budget carefully becomes obvious.

Online Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs in Oklahoma

There are several institutions that accept Oklahoma residents into their online programs. Online post-grad certificate programs are ideal for RNs who wish to continue working or have other pressing obligations to attend to while they complete their education. These programs are also great for students who may live in more rural areas which make commuting to a university unrealistic.

Featured Online School

Maryville University offers online post-grad nursing certificates in no fewer than five specialties, each of which are designed to lead to an advanced practice certification:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric (Primary Care) Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Oklahoma

With a post-master’s nursing certificate in hand, RNs can find employment in a number of rewarding areas of healthcare, such as:

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists median annual wages for Nurse Practitioners at $107,030 and for Nurse Midwives at 103,770 for 2018. The job outlook for these fields plus Nurse Anesthesia was projected to grow 26% from 2018-2028. This means that RNs with post-grad certificates have an extremely favorable job outlook and stand to earn salaries at the top of the nursing payscale.

List of Oklahoma Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

With the above information, qualified Oklahoma RNs should be well-equipped to select the post-master’s certificate in nursing program that is right for them. Get started with the list below.

Jump to City:

Bartlesville, OK

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

  • Graduate Certificate - Nursing Informatics Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • Approximately six months completion.
    • Requires active RN license.
    • Accepts BSN degree holders.
    • Graduate-level academic credit.
    • Courses transfer to MSN/DNP.
    • Includes indirect clinical hours.
    • No renewal requirements.

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City University

  • Graduate Certificate - Advanced Practice Certificate: Adult Gerontology Acute Care

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 23 credit hours
    • Post-Master's Certificate program
    • Adult Gerontology Acute Care focus
    • Hybrid program format
    • Spring semester start
    • For advanced practice nurses
    • Requires master's in nursing
    • 3.25 GPA requirement
  • Graduate Certificate - Advanced Practice Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 22 credit hours.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Fall start date.
    • Requires master's degree.
    • 3.25 GPA minimum.
    • Current RN licensure needed.
    • Advanced practice role focus.
    • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
  • Graduate Certificate - Advanced Practice Certificate: Psychiatric Mental Health

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 24 credit hours.
    • Hybrid program format.
    • Spring semester start.
    • Post Master's Certificate program.
    • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track.
    • 23 credit hours coursework.
    • Advanced practice nurse focus.
    • Master's degree required.
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership

    Campus Based - Website

    • 15 credit hours.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Requires master's in nursing.
    • 3.0 GPA minimum.
    • Active RN licensure needed.
    • Admits once per year.
    • Fall, spring, summer start.
    • Two professional references.

University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center

  • Graduate Certificate - Post Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid flexible format.
    • Part-time option available.
    • 34 total credit hours.
    • 768 clinical hours required.
    • Prepares for certification exams.
    • Online and IPV components.
    • Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses.
    • Master's in Nursing required.
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 38 total credit hours.
    • 768 clinical hours required.
    • Hybrid online and on-campus format.
    • 2-year full-time or 3-year part-time options.
    • Available in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
    • Prepares for ANCC certification exam.
    • Requires Master's degree in Nursing.
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.

Tahlequah, OK

Northeastern State University

  • Graduate Certificate - Administrative Leadership in Nursing Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online delivery format.
    • 12 credit hour program.
    • Two-year completion timeframe.
    • Requires RN licensure.
    • Bachelor's degree required.
    • Focus on healthcare finance.
    • Covers organizational management.
    • Includes human resource management.
  • Graduate Certificate - Graduate Nursing Certificate in Nursing Informatics

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program delivery.
    • 12 credit hours required.
    • Two-year completion timeframe.
    • Bachelor's degree needed.
    • Current RN licensure required.
    • Master of Science in Nursing embedded.
    • Focus on nursing informatics.
    • Courses include system design.

Tulsa, OK

University of Tulsa

  • Graduate Certificate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post Master's Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • 18 credit hours.
    • Three semesters completion.
    • $614 per credit hour.
    • $11,052 total tuition.
    • 600 clinical hours required.
    • One brief campus visit.
    • For licensed APRNs.
*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2024. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/