2026 Best Pennsylvania Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The Advanced Certificate Program in Nursing Education: Academic Nursing at Thomas Jefferson University prepares registered nurses for teaching roles in academic settings. This 9-credit online graduate certificate focuses on contemporary curriculum design, instructional methodologies, student assessment, and program evaluation methods. Students complete three courses totaling 9 credits, including 224 hours of preceptor-facilitated experiential learning through two practicums. The program develops core knowledge in nursing education and aligns with National League for Nursing competencies. Graduates gain skills for teaching in various academic environments and become eligible to apply for NLN Certified Nurse Educator certification exams. This flexible online format allows working professionals to advance their careers while maintaining current employment. The certificate serves as a foundation for Jefferson's MSN in Nursing Education program and credits may transfer to other graduate nursing programs.

• National League for Nursing accredited
• 9 credits program
• 9 total credit hours
• 3 total courses
• Full-time and part-time options
• Asynchronous online classes
• 224 clinical hours
• Prepares for NLN-CNE certification
• Preceptor-facilitated practicums included
• Credits transfer to MSN programs

Thomas Jefferson University's Post-Graduate Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate prepares graduate nurses for advanced pediatric care. This 18-credit hybrid program combines online coursework with clinical experiences. It focuses on managing direct care for infants and children across various settings. Graduates meet eligibility requirements for the CPNP-PC certification exam. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. It's designed for nurses seeking specialized pediatric primary care expertise. The curriculum covers holistic care planning and quality improvement strategies. Students develop skills for diverse healthcare environments. The program supports career advancement in pediatric nursing.

• 18 credit hours
• Hybrid format delivery
• Center City campus location
• Graduate certificate degree
• Online coursework available
• Prepares for CPNP-PC exam
• Focuses on pediatric primary care
• For master's or doctoral nurses
• Advanced nursing practice focus
• Clinical practice integration

Thomas Jefferson University's Post-Graduate Family-Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner Certificate prepares graduate nurses for advanced primary care roles. This 18-credit online program focuses on comprehensive care from infancy through adulthood. Students learn family-centered approaches to health promotion and illness intervention. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice. Graduates qualify for both ANCC and AANPCB Family Nurse Practitioner certification exams. The program accepts applicants with master's or doctoral nursing degrees. Credit may be granted for prior clinical experience through portfolio review. The hybrid format combines online coursework with practical clinical components. This certificate builds on existing nursing expertise to expand career opportunities in primary care settings.

• 18-credit graduate certificate
• Online program format
• Center City campus location
• Hybrid program type
• Prepares for FNP certification
• Family-centered care approach
• Comprehensive lifespan care
• Interdisciplinary collaboration focus
• Primary care specialization
• Requires master's or doctoral degree

Thomas Jefferson University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate Program for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. This online program requires 36 credits and prepares graduate nurses with master's or doctoral degrees. Graduates meet eligibility for the ANCC certification exam. The curriculum includes training in substance use disorders and clinical opportunities across diverse settings. Focus areas include integrated healthcare practice and lifespan care. Admissions require an existing graduate nursing degree. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration.

• Online format.
• 36 credits required.
• Graduate certificate program.
• Post-graduate certificate program.
• Prepares graduate nurses.
• Requires master's or doctoral degree.
• Training in substance use disorders.
• Clinical opportunities across lifespan.
• Clinical opportunities across multiple settings.
• Focus on integrated healthcare setting.

Thomas Jefferson University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Midwifery is designed for health professionals who already hold a master's or doctoral degree in a related field. This three-year, part-time program starts each fall and combines online coursework with full-time clinical rotations, making it a flexible hybrid option for working clinicians. The curriculum closely mirrors the MS in Midwifery, omitting four master's-level courses, and includes essential topics in women's health, evidence-based care, and midwifery practice. Students develop hands-on skills through clinical experiences and may qualify for the Advanced Placement Option, which reduces repetition for nurse practitioners, physicians, and experienced midwives. The program also offers a Certified Midwife pathway for those without a nursing background. Graduates are prepared to pursue national board certification and work as midwives in hospitals, birth centers, and community practices. With dedicated faculty and a strong focus on clinical excellence, this certificate supports career advancement for clinicians seeking to expand their scope of practice.

• 3-Year program
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Become a board-certified midwife
• Advanced Placement Option for clinicians
• Same curriculum as MS in Midwifery
• Clinical portions are full-time
• CM pathway requires three extra CM courses

• 18 credit hours
• Hybrid online format
• Center City campus
• Graduate certificate program
• College of Nursing
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Prepares for AANPCB certification
• For master's or doctoral nurses
• Primary care focus
• Adult-gerontology population

Villanova University's Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate empowers experienced nurses to enhance their teaching skills and pursue academic or clinical teaching roles. This flexible 12-credit program can be completed entirely online or through a hybrid format, accommodating busy professionals. Designed for master's and doctoral-level nurses, the curriculum focuses on curriculum development, instructional design, and advanced teaching strategies. With a minimum completion time of one year and a five-year maximum window, nurses can strategically advance their educational expertise while maintaining their current career trajectory.

• Post-Master's Certificate Program
• 12 total credit hours
• Online and hybrid options
• One-year minimum completion
• Five-year maximum completion
• Core courses in curriculum development
• Elective courses in teaching strategies
• For master's/doctoral nurses
• Synchronous online format
• Professional teaching preparation

Villanova University's Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate prepares experienced nurses for advanced primary care roles. This hybrid program requires 25-35 credits and 730 clinical hours. Students complete support courses online or on-campus in Villanova, PA. Clinical courses occur on-site. The program takes at least 1.5 years to finish, with up to five years allowed for completion. Admissions require a master's degree in nursing. Contact [email protected] for program details and tuition information.

• 25-35 credit hours
• 730 clinical hours required
• Minimum 1.5 year completion
• Up to five years to finish
• Hybrid program format
• Support courses online or on-campus
• Clinical courses on-site
• Prepares for primary care roles
• For experienced nurses
• Career advancement focus

Villanova University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate prepares experienced nurses for advanced roles in mental and behavioral health care. This hybrid program combines online support courses with on-site clinical training, requiring 25-35 credits and 600 clinical hours. Students can complete the certificate in as little as 1.5 years, with up to five years allowed for completion. The curriculum builds on existing nursing skills to provide comprehensive mental health services across the lifespan. Clinical experiences occur in diverse settings with physician and nurse practitioner preceptors. This certificate offers career advancement opportunities for nurses seeking specialization in psychiatric care.

• 25-35 credit hours
• 600 clinical hours required
• 1.5 year minimum completion
• Five year maximum completion
• Hybrid program format
• Online support courses
• On-site clinical courses
• Villanova University location
• Post-graduate certificate level
• Psychiatric mental health focus

Villanova University's Nurse Manager Certificate Program is an innovative online professional development course designed for nursing leaders seeking advanced management skills. The six-module program integrates cutting-edge educational methodologies like design thinking and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare. Participants engage in a blended learning approach, earning 48 contact hours while developing critical leadership competencies. The comprehensive curriculum covers leadership theory, decision-making, team building, performance management, and financial skills. At $1,549, the program offers professional assessments, emotional intelligence training, and a digital badge aligned with 2021 AACN Essentials, providing a transformative learning experience for healthcare professionals.

• Online Professional Certificate Program
• 48 Contact Hours Awarded
• Six 4-Week Modules
• $1,549 Total Cost
• Digital Badge Earned
• Pre/Post Competency Assessments
• Emotional Intelligence Training
• CliftonStrengths Assessment
• Synchronous/Asynchronous Learning
• Prepare for ANCC Certification

Villanova University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate prepares experienced nurses for advanced roles in adult and older adult care. This hybrid program combines online support courses with on-site clinical training. It requires 25-35 credits and 730 clinical hours. Students complete the certificate in 1.5 to 5 years. The program builds on existing nursing skills for primary care practice. Contact [email protected] for program details and admission requirements.

• 25-35 credit hours
• 730 clinical hours required
• 1.5 year minimum completion
• 5 year maximum completion
• Hybrid program format
• Online support courses
• On-site clinical courses
• For experienced nurses
• Adult gerontology focus
• Primary care specialization

Carlow University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This program prepares nurses to specialize in mental health care. It focuses on assessment, treatment, and medication management. The cost is $918 per credit. Admissions require a 3.0 GPA, graduate transcript, CV, essay, and three recommendations. Applications are accepted anytime for a fall start. The program is 100% online and can be completed in as few as 28 months. It suits working professionals seeking advanced certification.

• Online delivery format.
• $918 per credit cost.
• 3.0 GPA minimum required.
• Fall semester start.
• As few as 28 months.
• 14 courses for Post-MSN.
• Transfer up to 18 credits.
• Requires CV and essay.
• Three professional recommendations.
• Accepts international students.

Carlow University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. This CCNE-accredited program prepares nurses for board certification. Licensed nurse practitioners can finish in three semesters. Others take seven semesters. The curriculum includes 525-600 clinical hours. It covers women's health across the lifespan. Courses focus on health promotion and advanced practice. The cost is $946 per credit hour for 35 credits. Admission requires an MSN with a 3.0 GPA. Applicants need an unrestricted RN license. They must submit transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation. A personal statement is also required. The program prepares graduates for in-demand nursing careers.

• CCNE-accredited program.
• Online and on-campus options.
• Cost: $946 per credit.
• 35 credit hours total.
• Duration: 2 years.
• Licensed NPs: 3 semesters.
• Others: 7 semesters.
• 525-600 clinical hours.
• Prepares for board certification.
• 100% board pass rate.

Carlow University's online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers specialized training for compassionate nurses. The program focuses on treating mental health disorders through assessment, counseling, and medication management. Students can specialize in working with children, families, or substance abuse patients. The cost is $918 per credit, with 14 courses required for the Post-MSN certificate. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, current CV, graduate transcript, essay, and three professional recommendations. Applications are accepted anytime for fall start terms. The program prepares graduates for national certification exams with strong pass rates. This flexible online format suits working professionals seeking advanced practice credentials.

• Online delivery format.
• $918 per credit cost.
• 14 Post-MSN courses required.
• 3.0 GPA admission minimum.
• Fall semester start dates.
• Transfer up to 18 credits.
• International students accepted.
• CV and essay required.
• Three professional recommendations.
• Specialize in children patients.

Carlow University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Families concentration. This program prepares nurses to provide specialized mental health care through counseling and medication management. It requires 14 courses at $918 per credit, with a 3.0 GPA minimum for admission. Applicants need a current CV, graduate transcript, essay, and three professional recommendations. The program accepts applications anytime for fall start terms and allows transfer of up to 18 post-Master's credits. It is designed for working professionals and includes board exam preparation.

• Online delivery format.
• Families concentration available.
• $918 per credit cost.
• 14 courses required.
• 3.0 GPA minimum admission.
• Fall semester start.
• Apply anytime.
• Transfer up to 18 credits.
• Current CV required.
• Graduate transcript needed.

Carlow University offers an online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program with a Post-Master's Certificate option, including a Substance Abuse concentration. The program is designed for working nurses, with a cost of $918 per credit and a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. It can be completed in as few as 28 months, with start dates in the fall. Admissions require a current CV, graduate transcript, essay, and three professional recommendations. The curriculum focuses on specialized assessment and treatment for mental health disorders, preparing graduates for national certification and state licensure.

• Online program delivery.
• Substance Abuse concentration available.
• Cost is $918 per credit.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• Start dates in fall semester.
• As few as 28 months to complete.
• 19 courses for MSN.
• 14 courses for Post-MSN.
• 9 courses for Post-MSN NP.
• Transfer up to 18 credits.

Duquesne University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner. This program prepares nurses for advanced primary care roles across all ages. It requires 33 credit hours and 700 clinical hours over 2.5 years. Admissions need a BSN and MSN, an RN license, and a statistics course. The curriculum includes courses like physical assessment and pharmacology. It focuses on family care from infancy to older adulthood. The program is accredited by CCNE. It aims to address the primary care shortage. Students gain skills for national certification exams. The online format provides flexibility with some on-campus labs.

• Online program modality.
• 2.5 years duration.
• 33 credit hours required.
• 700 clinical hours included.
• Post-Master's Certificate degree.
• Family Nurse Practitioner focus.
• Prepares for national licensure exam.
• BSN and MSN prerequisites needed.
• Current RN license required.
• Statistics course with C or higher.

Duquesne University's online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate equips nurses to address mental health and substance abuse issues. This 2.5-year program requires 35 credit hours and 550 clinical hours, preparing students for PMHNP-BC certification. Admissions require a BSN and MSN from accredited institutions, a current RN license, and a statistics course. The curriculum blends online learning with campus residencies, focusing on advanced pharmacology, neuroscience, and clinical practice across diverse populations.

• Online program format.
• 2.5-year duration.
• 35 credit hours required.
• 550 clinical hours included.
• Prepares for PMHNP-BC exam.
• BSN and MSN prerequisites.
• Current RN license needed.
• Statistics course required.
• Blends online and residency learning.
• Two campus residency experiences.

Duquesne University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management. This one-year program requires 18 credit hours and is designed for nurses with an MSN. It focuses on leadership, management, and health care innovation. Admissions require a 3.0 GPA, an RN license, and an MSN. The curriculum blends business and nursing courses. The program is accredited by CCNE. It prepares graduates for executive roles in health care.

• Online program.
• One-year duration.
• 18 credit hours required.
• Post-Master's Certificate.
• Focus on executive nurse leadership.
• Blended business and nursing curriculum.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Requires MSN for admission.
• 3.0 GPA required.
• RN license needed.

Duquesne University offers an online Post-Master's Forensic Nursing Certificate for nurses with an MSN. This program prepares you to advocate for crime victims and use forensic science in legal settings. It enhances your skills in medical analysis and patient care. The certificate is fully online, providing flexibility for working professionals. Admissions require a master's degree in nursing. Costs vary, so check the university's website for current tuition rates. This program helps you specialize in forensic nursing without relocating. It's ideal for nurses seeking career advancement or a new focus. The curriculum builds on existing knowledge to support patient recovery and legal processes. Apply through Duquesne's School of Nursing for more details.

• Online program format.
• Post-Master's Certificate type.
• Forensic Nursing specialization.
• Requires MSN degree.
• Builds on graduate coursework.
• Focus on victim advocacy.
• Uses forensic science.
• Enhances legal defense skills.
• Supports patient recovery.
• Part of nursing graduate programs.

Drexel University offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for nurses with a master's degree. This 34-credit hybrid program combines online learning with on-campus intensives, preparing graduates for ANCC certification. It requires Pennsylvania RN licensure and one year of psychiatric nursing experience. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, psychopathology, and collaborative care across diverse settings.

• Post-Master's Certificate program.
• 34 credits required.
• Hybrid online and campus format.
• About 2 years part-time.
• Eligible for ANCC certification.
• Requires master's degree in nursing.
• Minimum 1 year psychiatric experience.
• Pennsylvania RN licensure needed.
• Quarter-based calendar system.
• Financial aid eligible.

Drexel University's Nursing Leadership in Health Systems Management Certificate equips registered nurses with essential administrative skills. This online graduate program focuses on leadership development, conflict resolution, and operational strategy. Students earn 13.5 quarter credits through four core courses covering healthcare economics, operations management, and business principles. The curriculum prepares nurses for leadership roles by teaching stewardship and team-building strategies. Admission requires a BSN from an accredited program, a 2.75 GPA, and an unrestricted RN license. No standardized tests or references are needed, but a resume and personal statement are required. The program uses a quarter system, allowing completion in up to one year. Credits may apply toward Drexel's MSN in Nursing Leadership. The program is CCNE-accredited and open to most U.S. residents, with some state restrictions.

• Online instructional delivery.
• 13.5 credits to completion.
• Quarter calendar system.
• Maximum time frame: 1 year.
• Post-baccalaureate certificate type.
• Graduate admission level.
• BSN degree required.
• 2.75 minimum GPA.
• No standardized tests.
• Official transcripts required.

Drexel University offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner, designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced specialization. This online program requires 37 credits and can be completed in about 1.5 years part-time, ideal for working professionals. It focuses on reproductive and gynecologic health across the lifespan, including well-woman care, prenatal and postpartum services, and gender-related health promotion. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing with a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, two professional references, and a personal statement. Costs and application dates are available on Drexel's tuition page. Graduates are eligible for national certification, with synchronous online lectures and optional on-campus intensives enhancing learning.

• Post-Master's Certificate program.
• 37 credits required.
• Online instructional delivery.
• Part-time study option.
• 1.5 years completion time.
• MSN degree prerequisite.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• RN licensure required.
• Two professional references.
• Personal statement needed.

Drexel University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate prepares nurses with a master's degree for advanced practice in acute care settings. This online program offers 29 credits, typically completed in one year part-time, with flexible scheduling for working professionals. It includes mandatory on-campus or virtual intensives during clinical courses. Graduates become eligible for certification through ANCC or AACN. Admission requires a master's in nursing with a 3.5 GPA, Pennsylvania RN licensure, two professional references, and a personal essay. Costs vary; check Drexel's tuition page for details. The curriculum focuses on diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making for acutely ill patients.

• Online delivery format.
• 29 credits total.
• One-year part-time completion.
• Mandatory on-campus intensives.
• Eligible for ANCC certification.
• Master's degree required.
• 3.5 GPA admission requirement.
• Pennsylvania RN license needed.
• Two professional references required.
• Personal essay under 1,000 words.