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.

2027 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Oklahoma

Registerednursing.org has ranked the best online post-master's graduate certificate programs in Oklahoma. For nurses who already hold a master's degree, these certificates offer a way to gain specialized skills without disrupting their careers. Online options are crucial for working professionals, allowing them to balance studies with clinical commitments. Hybrid and partially online programs count as online, providing flexibility while still offering face-to-face components. Many programs use distance learning to connect students with top faculty across the state. These rankings help nurses find quality education that fits their busy lives. To see how these rankings were determined, visit our methodology page: https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-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 Kramer School of Nursing offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This 24-credit hour hybrid program, starting in spring semesters, is designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to expand into mental health care. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across diverse populations. Admission requires a master's in nursing with a 3.25 GPA, current APRN licensure, and graduate coursework in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment. No entrance exam is required. Additional materials include a personal essay, CV, two recommendations, and official transcripts. The program admits once yearly and aims to prepare graduates for PMHNP certification.

  • 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.
  • 3.25 GPA minimum.
  • APRN licensure needed.

Graduate Certificate - Advanced Practice Certificate: Adult Gerontology Acute Care

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Post-Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Oklahoma City University's Kramer School of Nursing is a 23-credit hour hybrid program with a spring start. It equips advanced practice nurses with skills to manage acute and complex health conditions in adult-gerontology patients. The curriculum includes three progressive management courses, three advanced practice courses, an adult-gerontological advanced practicum, and a procedural skills course. Admission necessitates a master's in nursing, a 3.25 GPA, current RN licensure, and prerequisite graduate courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment. No entrance exam is required. Applicants must submit a 750-word essay, CV, two recommendations, and transcripts. The program is accredited by ACNE or CCNE and admits once annually.

  • 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
  • Current RN licensure needed
  • Advanced Pathophysiology prerequisite
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#2

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 delivers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner through a hybrid format that blends online coursework with minimal campus visits at its Oklahoma City and Tulsa locations. Designed for working nurses, the program offers flexible part-time study while completing 34 credit hours and 768 clinical practicum hours in primary care settings. Admission demands a Master of Science in Nursing, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and an active Oklahoma RN license. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, health promotion, advanced assessment, pharmacology, and collaborative care. Graduates gain eligibility for national FNP certification examinations. No standardized entrance exam is required; the application includes a resume and possible interview.

  • 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.
  • 3.0 minimum GPA.
  • Oklahoma RN license needed.

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

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center uses a hybrid structure, coupling online theory with hands-on skills labs and clinical rotations across Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Spanning two to three years, the 38-credit curriculum includes 768 clinical hours and covers lifespan mental health, psychopharmacology, advanced assessment, and clinical management. Applicants must hold an MSN, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and possess a current RN license to be considered. Graduates are prepared to sit for the ANCC psychiatric-mental health certification exam. While the program does not require a graduate entrance exam, applicants should have a resume and may undergo an interview. Clinical experiences are exclusively within Oklahoma, ensuring localized training.

  • 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.
  • Current RN license needed.
  • Resume or CV required for application.
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#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 equips RNs for director-level roles in healthcare. This 12-credit program, embedded within MSN certificates, concentrates on healthcare finance, organizational management, and human resources, with coursework in leadership development, systems management, and financial strategies. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, current RN licensure, a 2.5 GPA, and a statistics prerequisite. Completion is achievable within two years, including 25% of coursework at NSU. The program is CCNE-accredited and offers year-round open enrollment. No entrance exam is specified, but applicants should meet standard graduate admission requirements. Graduates gain the administrative expertise needed for leadership positions in diverse healthcare settings.

  • 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.
  • Part of MSN embedded certificates.
  • 25% coursework at NSU required.

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Nursing Certificate in Nursing Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northeastern State University’s online Graduate Nursing Certificate in Nursing Informatics prepares registered nurses to integrate technology and data into healthcare practice. This 12-credit-hour program includes coursework in system design, data management, and evidence-based practice, plus leadership, quality improvement, and legal/ethical standards. Students explore the information systems lifecycle and professional practice standards. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree and current RN licensure, with completion expected within two years. The certificate is part of the Master of Science in Nursing and requires 25% of coursework at NSU. Identified by program code 7892 and CIP 513813, this graduate credential does not list an entrance exam requirement, making it accessible for working nurses seeking informatics specialization.

  • 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.
  • Data management coursework.
  • Leadership development included.
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#4

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 provides an online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post Master's Certificate tailored for practicing APRNs seeking to specialize in acute care. The 18-credit curriculum spans three semesters with a $614 per-credit tuition, totaling $11,052. It includes 600 clinical hours and a single on-campus skills assessment. Applicants must hold an MSN or DNP from an accredited school, maintain an active APRN license, and complete prerequisite courses; no GRE or other entrance exam is required. The program supports ANCC/AACN certification and offers clinical rotation assistance, financial aid, and payment plans.

  • 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.
  • Post-MSN and DNP tracks.
  • Hands-on patient care.
#5

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

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

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Informatics Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Oklahoma Wesleyan University's online Nursing Informatics Certificate is a graduate-level program designed for RNs with a BSN seeking to integrate technology with patient care. The curriculum focuses on data management, healthcare analytics, and information exchange to improve healthcare delivery. Students can complete the certificate in approximately six months, with all coursework transferring toward OKWU's MSN or DNP programs. Indirect clinical hours are embedded within the courses. The program requires an active RN license and a BSN degree. No graduate entrance exam, such as the GRE, is specified as a requirement. The program is accredited by HLC and CCNE, prepares nurses for ANCC informatics certification, and emphasizes interdisciplinary teamwork. Oklahoma Wesleyan is military-friendly and grounded in Wesleyan Christian values.

  • 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.
  • Accredited by HLC.
  • CCNE accreditation mentioned.
*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2025 data files.

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.

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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.

Browse Our List of Programs

We've gathered a wide range of programs to help find the right fit. The table below lists each school with its city and state, along with program highlights. Click the links to visit the school's program page for more details. Take a look and explore what these programs offer. We hope this makes your search easier and helps you move forward with confidence. Start browsing and see which program matches your goals.
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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.
*Original data: IPEDS 2025, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.