2026 Best Tennessee Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Vanderbilt University's Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan) is a hybrid program blending online coursework with brief on-campus sessions in Nashville. Designed for RNs with an MSN, it delivers advanced mental health training across the lifespan. Over four to five full-time semesters, students complete 500+ supervised clinical hours and can pursue part-time options. The curriculum, accredited by CCNE, meets AACN and NONPF recommendations, with expert faculty and individualized study plans. Graduates achieve high certification pass rates and 97% employment. The program does not list a standardized entrance exam such as the GRE among its admission requirements.

• Hybrid online/on-campus format.
• 4-5 full-time semesters.
• 500+ supervised clinical hours.
• Requires MSN and RN licensure.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• High certification pass rates.
• 97% employment after graduation.
• Individualized program of study.
• Expert practicing faculty.
• DNP combination option.

Vanderbilt University offers a hybrid Post-Master's Certificate in Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner, combining online learning with in-person sessions. This dual specialty prepares nurses as both Women's Health and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners. Students complete 1,190 clinical practice hours across five full-time semesters, with a part-time plan available. The curriculum aligns with AACN Essentials and emphasizes evidence-based, holistic care. Small classes ensure personalized faculty attention, while robust clinical placements allow geographic options. Graduates are prepared for certification exams and diverse employment settings. The program requires an MSN for admission; no GRE or other entrance exam is specified.

• Hybrid online/in-person format.
• 1,190 clinical practice hours.
• Dual WHNP/AGPCNP specialty.
• Five semesters full-time.
• Part-time plan available.
• Small class sizes.
• Personalized faculty attention.
• Robust clinical placements.
• Geographic placement options.
• Prepares for certification exams.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Informatics is an online program for nurses with master's degrees seeking specialization in health information technology. The curriculum focuses on practical applications, including data management, clinical systems, and patient care technology. Designed for working professionals, it prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare informatics. The non-clinical specialty is part of the MSN and post-master's certificate offerings, with a unique curriculum plan for the 2025-26 academic year. No entrance exam is required; admission is based on prior nursing education and experience.

• Post-Master's Certificate program.
• Nursing Informatics specialty.
• Part of MSN and PMC programs.
• Unique curriculum plan.
• 2025-26 academic year curriculum.
• VUSN curriculum plans available.
• Curriculum subject to revision.
• Non-clinical specialty focus.
• Advanced nursing education.
• Specialty completion option.

Vanderbilt University's Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery is a hybrid program ranked #1 nationally. It combines online coursework with on-campus sessions in Nashville over five semesters, full- or part-time. Students gain more than 840 clinical hours at faculty-arranged sites across the U.S., following American College of Nurse-Midwives competencies. No prior RN experience is required, and small classes offer personalized attention. Graduates are prepared for the American Midwifery Certification Board exam, with high pass rates. The program accepts 28-30 students yearly and offers MEADOW funding opportunities. Admission does not require a standardized entrance exam.

• Hybrid learning format.
• 5 semesters full-time.
• Over 840 clinical hours.
• Faculty arrange clinical sites.
• No RN experience required.
• Small class sizes.
• Part-time option available.
• Prepares for certification exam.
• Clinicals across the U.S.
• Low faculty-to-student ratios.

East Tennessee State University's online Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner certificate equips MSN-prepared nurses for national FNP certification. This 24-credit hour program spans four semesters and emphasizes comprehensive family care across diverse settings, including primary care and chronic illness management. Tuition is $672 per credit for Tennessee residents, $835.50 for eRate students, and $1,513 for out-of-state learners. Applicants must hold an MSN from an accredited institution, a 3.0 nursing GPA, and current RN licensure. The curriculum, which requires no GRE, is designed for working professionals and includes clinical placement assistance and evidence-based practice training.

• Online program format
• 24 credit hours required
• Four semester completion time
• Prepares for FNP certification
• MSN degree required for admission
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• RN licensure required
• Tennessee resident tuition: $672/credit
• eRate tuition: $835.50/credit
• Out-of-state tuition: $1,513/credit

ETSU offers an online Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate for MSN-prepared nurses seeking national certification. Delivered over four semesters, the 24-credit curriculum covers assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders across all ages, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The program boasts a high exam pass rate and features in-person clinicals arranged locally for convenience. Tuition for Tennessee residents is $672 per credit, with eRate and out-of-state rates available. Admission requires an MSN, a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure in the U.S., and Tennessee eligibility. No GRE is required, and the program is designed for working professionals.

• Online program format.
• 24 credit hours required.
• Four semesters completion time.
• $672 per credit hour cost.
• MSN degree required for admission.
• 3.0 minimum GPA requirement.
• RN licensure in U.S. needed.
• Tennessee licensure eligibility required.
• Prepares for national certification exam.
• High certification exam pass rate.

This online Post-Graduate Nursing Administration certificate from East Tennessee State University prepares master's-prepared nurses for executive leadership roles. The 24-credit hour program, typically completed in five semesters, covers complex systems, organizational theory, financial management, and leadership practice. Graduates are eligible for ANCC nurse executive certification. Tuition for in-state students is $672 per credit hour, with eRate and out-of-state options. Applicants must hold an MSN with a 3.0 GPA and active RN licensure. The program is CCNE-accredited and requires no GRE. Its flexible format accommodates working professionals seeking to enhance healthcare coordination and quality care.

• Online program format
• 24 credit hours required
• 5 semester completion time
• CCNE accredited
• MSN degree required
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• RN licensure required
• $672 per credit hour
• Tennessee resident rate
• eRate available

East Tennessee State University's online Post-DNP Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certificate prepares DNP-prepared nurses for advanced practice with patients from adolescence through older adulthood. Spanning 32 credit hours over four semesters, the curriculum emphasizes assessment, management of chronic conditions, wellness promotion, and disease prevention. In-person clinicals are required, and graduates are eligible for national certification. Tennessee residents pay $672 per credit; eRate and out-of-state rates also apply. Admission requires a DNP degree, current RN licensure, a cover letter, and a resume. The program does not specify a graduate entrance exam requirement, focusing instead on professional credentials and experience.

• Online coursework format.
• 32 credit hours required.
• 4 semesters completion time.
• $672 per credit hour.
• Tennessee resident tuition rate.
• eRate for out-of-state students.
• Out-of-state tuition $1,513.
• DNP degree required.
• RN licensure required.
• Cover letter required.

Union University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education for registered nurses holding a master's or doctoral degree. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person sessions, accommodating both full-time and part-time schedules. Students progress in a supportive cohort model, starting each August. The curriculum develops specialized teaching skills for academic, healthcare, and clinical training settings, integrating a Christ-centered approach to nursing vocation. Graduates are prepared for roles as nurse educators, building on their existing expertise to expand career opportunities. Union's program is recognized for excellence, ranking #2 for online nursing post-master's certificates in Tennessee.

• 3 concentration options
• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall
• Cohort-based structure
• Christ-centered nursing vocation focus
• Blended hybrid program format
• For RNs with graduate degrees

Union University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares nurses for advanced practice across the lifespan. This hybrid program requires 26 credit hours and 560 clinical hours, focusing on acute and chronic care, health promotion, and clinical prevention. Tuition is $739 per credit hour plus fees. Admission requires an MSN degree, RN licensure, and a 3.0 GPA. The curriculum includes advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Applications open in August for fall starts, with priority and final deadlines of October 1 and April 1. Financial aid is available to support students.

• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Hybrid program format.
• $739 per credit hour.
• Requires MSN degree.
• RN licensure needed.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• 560 clinical hours.
• 26 credit hours.
• Fall semester start.
• Rolling admissions process.

Union University's Post-Graduate Certificate with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses to manage mental health disorders across the lifespan. This hybrid program comprises 29 credit hours and 560 clinical hours, including courses in psychopharmacology, advanced health assessment, and specialty practicum. Tuition is $739 per credit hour for 2025-2026. Admission requires an MSN degree, 3.0 GPA, and RN licensure. Rolling admissions feature deadlines in October, December, and April for fall starts. The curriculum integrates Christian faith and is nationally ranked, offering financial aid and a supportive learning environment.

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Hybrid program format.
• 29 total credit hours.
• 560 clinical hours required.
• $739 per credit hour tuition.
• Admission requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• RN licensure required.
• Rolling admissions process.
• Fall semester start only.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers a post-master's graduate certificate in Pediatric Primary Nurse Practitioner in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with mandatory on-campus sessions. This program prepares APRNs for primary pediatric care roles, requiring 840 clinical hours and completion of prerequisite courses. Applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing, current APRN certification, and submit an essay as part of the holistic admissions process. Two recommendations and transcripts are also needed. The curriculum is competency-based, emphasizing critical thinking and evidence-based practice. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program also considers state licensure and clinical site collaboration. Tuition details are available on the university's graduate fees page.

• Hybrid program format.
• 840 clinical hours required.
• APRN certification needed.
• Master's degree prerequisite.
• Holistic admissions process.
• Mandatory on-site sessions.
• Primary pediatric care focus.
• Prerequisite courses required.
• Competency-based curriculum.
• State licensure considerations.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a hybrid, post-master's program designed for APRNs seeking to deliver comprehensive care across the lifespan. Students complete 840 clinical hours and attend mandatory on-site visits. Prerequisites include advanced pharmacology, with coursework required within the past five years. Admission necessitates a master's degree, APRN certification, RN license, two recommendations, and an essay. The holistic admissions process prioritizes the applicant's personal statement. No entrance exam is required. The competency-based curriculum enhances skills in patient care and clinical management. Applications are due October 15, 2025, for a Spring 2026 start. Tuition costs are detailed on the university's website.

• Hybrid program type.
• 840 clinical hours required.
• Mandatory on-site visits.
• APRN certification needed.
• Master's degree prerequisite.
• Advanced pharmacology prerequisite.
• Holistic admissions process.
• Essay given priority.
• Two recommendations required.
• RN license required.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville provides a hybrid Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner graduate certificate for APRNs aiming to manage acute pediatric conditions. The post-master's program includes online coursework and mandatory on-site simulation labs. Students accumulate 840 clinical hours and must have current prerequisite coursework in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment. Applicants require a master's or DNP, RN and APRN licenses, two letters of recommendation, and an essay. No entrance exam is required. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice. The application deadline is October 15, 2025, for spring 2026 admission. This certificate prepares graduates for specialized roles in hospitals, clinics, or community settings.

• Apply by 2025-10-15
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 840 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Mandatory on-site clinical sessions
• Requires primary care PNP certification
• Gap analysis of previous coursework
• Prerequisites must be within 5 years
• Essay required for admission

Tennessee Technological University offers an online Nursing Education Certificate for masters-prepared nurses seeking certified nurse educator status without a second master's degree. This 16-credit hour, three-semester program prepares graduates to teach nursing in clinical and classroom settings, directly addressing the national nurse faculty shortage. Students learn alongside MSN Nursing Education majors, gaining practical skills for academic and healthcare education roles. The curriculum supports eligibility for the national nurse educator certification exam and includes no thesis or capstone. Full-time and part-time enrollment options provide flexibility. The program does not require an entrance exam; admission focuses on prior graduate-level nursing preparation.

• 3-Semester program
• 16 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• No thesis or capstone required
• Prepares for national certification exam
• Prepares for nurse educator certification
• Addresses national nursing faculty shortage
• Designed for masters-prepared nurses
• Teaches nursing students in specific areas
• Enhances marketability without second master's

Tennessee Technological University's fully online Post-Graduate Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification is a 23-credit hour program for RNs with a Master's in Nursing and a 3.0 GPA, leading to Advanced Practice licensure. Featuring Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing I and II, each with 140 clinical hours, plus practicum and preceptorship, the curriculum is typically completed in four semesters at two courses per semester. Clinical experiences are arranged with local preceptors. Tuition ranges from $730 per credit hour (in-state) to $870 (out-of-state), totaling $17,000–$21,000. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, transcripts, letter of intent, resume, and three references, with no entrance exam required. Prerequisites include advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment.

• Fully online program
• 23 credit hours
• 4 semesters completion
• 2 courses per semester
• Flexible course loads
• Local clinical preceptors
• In-state tuition $730
• Out-of-state tuition $870
• Total cost $17,000-21,000
• RN license required