2026 Best South Carolina Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of South Carolina's online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education transforms experienced MSN graduates into skilled academic and clinical educators. This specialized program cultivates advanced teaching strategies, curriculum development techniques, and cutting-edge educational technologies. Students gain comprehensive training to revolutionize healthcare learning environments, with eligibility for the National League of Nursing CNE Exam. Designed for currently licensed RNs with a minimum 3.0 GPA, the program emphasizes professional development and educational innovation in nursing practice.

• Online Post-Master's Certificate Program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• Currently Unencumbered RN License
• 3 Professional References Needed
• National League of Nursing CNE Exam Eligibility
• Focused on Healthcare Education Skills
• Designed for Experienced MSN Graduates

USC's online Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides advanced nursing professionals an accelerated pathway to primary care expertise across patient lifespans. This post-master's program prepares students for national certification through comprehensive clinical training, focusing on interprofessional healthcare delivery. Requiring a master's degree and maintaining a 3.0 GPA, students engage in 18-32 credit hours of rigorous coursework. Graduates are equipped for diverse employment opportunities in federally qualified health centers, urban and rural practices, emphasizing holistic patient management and professional advancement.

• Post-master's certificate program
• Primary care across lifespan
• 18-32 credit hours
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• National certification preparation
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Flexible admission routes
• Interprofessional healthcare training
• Clinical practicum included
• Multiple primary care settings

The University of South Carolina's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate offers an intensive online post-master's pathway for advanced practice nurses. Focused on comprehensive mental health care, the program develops expertise in neuroscientific principles, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapeutic interventions. Students learn to evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across diverse settings like clinics, psychiatric facilities, and schools. With 18-32 credit hours and a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, the curriculum prepares graduates for national certification and meaningful career advancement in psychiatric nursing.

• Post-master's certificate program
• 18-32 total credit hours
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• National certification preparation
• Multiple practice settings available
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Holistic mental health approach
• Diverse clinical practicum experiences

USC's Certificate of Graduate Study in Healthcare Leadership provides a strategic online platform for advanced practice nurses seeking multifaceted professional development. Offering concentrations including Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health, the program delivers flexible 18-32 credit hour tracks. Designed for working professionals, this certificate requires an MSN and nursing experience, with no GRE prerequisite. Graduates gain advanced clinical skills, preparation for certification exams, and expanded leadership opportunities in complex healthcare environments.

• Multiple nursing specialization tracks
• 18-32 credit hour programs
• Flexible online learning
• Clinical experience included
• Prepares for certification exams
• No GRE required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred
• 2400 hours nursing experience
• National program rankings
• Post-master's certificate options

The University of South Carolina's online Nursing Informatics Certificate equips experienced nurses with cutting-edge technological skills for modern healthcare delivery. This post-master's program provides targeted training in digital healthcare systems, data management, and technological integration. Completed in 3-6 semesters with 18-32 credit hours, the certificate requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and 2400 nursing hours. Without GRE requirements, the program offers flexible learning for nurses seeking to enhance their technological expertise and leadership potential in evolving healthcare landscapes.

• Online flexible learning format
• Multiple nursing specialization tracks
• 18-32 credit hour programs
• 3-6 semester completion time
• No GRE required
• Preferred 3.0 GPA
• Minimum 2400 nursing hours required
• National certification preparation
• Advanced practice and leadership options
• Clinical practicum experiences

USC's Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate delivers specialized online training for advanced practice nurses. This comprehensive post-master's program prepares healthcare professionals for high-intensity clinical environments like critical care, trauma, cardiology, and surgical units. Requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and master's degree, students complete at least 18 credit hours of intensive coursework. The curriculum emphasizes direct patient management, clinical reasoning, and professional credentialing, positioning graduates for national certification and expanded career opportunities in acute care specialties.

• Post-master's certificate program
• Prepares for national certification
• Multiple acute care specialties
• Minimum 18 credit hours
• Requires 3.0 GPA
• Practicum included
• Advanced clinical preparation

Francis Marion University's Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training in mental healthcare. This 23-27 credit hour hybrid program combines online coursework with 780 clinical practicum hours, offering flexibility while maintaining hands-on experience. The curriculum prepares nurses to serve diverse populations across acute and non-acute settings, with particular emphasis on rural and underserved communities. An individualized gap analysis ensures personalized learning paths for MSN-prepared nurses. No entrance exam is required for admission. Graduates become eligible for AANP/ANCC certification exams, positioning them as critical mental healthcare providers in high-need areas.

• 23-27 credit hour certificate
• 780 clinical practicum hours
• Fully online curriculum
• Individualized gap analysis
• Prepares for AANP/ANCC exams
• MSN degree required
• Serves lifespan population
• Advanced practice focus
• Rural healthcare emphasis
• Flexible learning options

The online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate at Medical University of South Carolina equips advanced practice nurses to meet critical mental health workforce shortages. This program focuses on comprehensive mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across diverse populations including children, adolescents, and adults. Students develop specialized skills in medication management and psychotherapy, preparing for the 45% projected job growth in this fastest-growing non-physician specialty. The curriculum includes telemedicine training and certification exam preparation, with no entrance exam required for admission. Graduates are prepared to work in various healthcare settings through an interprofessional learning environment.

• 45% projected job growth
• Holistic mental health approach
• Interprofessional learning environment
• Specialized psychotherapy training
• Optional psychodynamic psychotherapy certificate
• Multiple patient population options
• Certification exam preparation
• Telemedicine and diverse care settings