2026 Best Tennessee Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Vanderbilt University's School of Nursing offers Post-Master's Certificates (PMC) for nurses seeking to specialize or broaden their expertise in advanced nursing roles. With options to become a nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, nurse informaticist, or nurse educator, the program is designed for RNs with a master's degree in nursing. The curriculum is available in online/hybrid formats, accommodating working professionals. Specialties include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Informatics, among others. The program emphasizes exceptional outcomes, with high licensure and certification pass rates. Clinical experiences are robust, offering hundreds of hours of patient care. Vanderbilt's PMC is accredited and prepares nurses for national certification in their chosen specialty.

• Online/hybrid format available.
• 4 to 5 full-time semesters.
• 7 to 8 part-time semesters option.
• 500+ supervised patient care hours.
• High licensure pass rates.
• 97% employment rate post-graduation.
• Expert, practicing faculty.
• 13 clinical nursing specialties.
• 2 non-clinical specialties.
• Accredited by CCNE.

Vanderbilt University's Women's Health Gender-Related and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses with comprehensive skills in women's healthcare across the lifespan. Students complete a rigorous five-semester curriculum focusing on primary care and specialized women's health, gaining 1,190 clinical practice hours. The program equips graduates to serve diverse patient populations in various healthcare settings, from internal medicine to specialized clinics. Graduates are prepared to take national certification exams and develop strong clinical reasoning skills through innovative classroom and clinical training.

• Five full-time semesters
• Online/hybrid learning format
• 1,190 clinical practice hours
• Dual specialty certification
• Small collaborative classes
• National certification preparation
• Diverse practice settings
• Comprehensive patient care focus

Vanderbilt University's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Informatics is a specialized 18-credit program designed for graduate-prepared nurses seeking expertise in healthcare technology. This part-time curriculum provides comprehensive training in nursing informatics, focusing on advanced analytics and technology integration. Professionals can transition into or advance their careers in informatics roles without a full-time commitment. The program offers foundational and sophisticated concepts tailored for working nurses, enabling seamless skill development and career transformation in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape.

• 18-credit part-time program
• No practicum required
• Six total courses
• Four semester completion
• Graduate nurse focused
• Analytics-focused curriculum
• Technology integration training

Vanderbilt's Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery offers healthcare professionals an advanced pathway to becoming Certified Nurse-Midwives. This prestigious #1 ranked program provides comprehensive training in women's healthcare, covering primary care, pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecological services. Students gain over 840 clinical hours of hands-on experience, preparing them to deliver holistic care across diverse healthcare settings. The hybrid learning format combines virtual and in-person instruction, ensuring rigorous academic preparation and practical skills development.

• Number 1 Nurse-Midwifery Program
• 840+ Clinical Practice Hours
• Hybrid Learning Format
• Comprehensive Women's Healthcare Training
• 5 Full-time Semesters
• National Certification Preparation
• Low Faculty-to-Student Ratio
• Clinical Sites Across U.S.

Union University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education is tailored for registered nurses holding a master's or doctoral degree aiming to specialize further. This program, blending online and on-campus learning, offers flexibility with full-time and part-time tracks. It emphasizes Christ-centered excellence, equipping nurses with advanced skills for educational roles. The curriculum is cohort-based, starting each August, ensuring a collaborative learning environment. While specific costs and admissions requirements are not detailed, the program is designed to advance careers in nursing education, making it a valuable option for those seeking to impact future nurses.

• Blended online and on-campus learning.
• Full-time and part-time tracks available.
• Cohort-based program starting each August.
• Designed for registered nurses with advanced degrees.
• Focus on Christ-centered nursing education.
• Equips nurses for educational roles.
• Specialized skills for career advancement.
• Collaborative learning environment.
• Flexible scheduling options.
• Emphasis on excellence in nursing vocation.

Union University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nursing professionals two specialized tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. These comprehensive programs prepare nurses for expanded clinical roles, offering in-depth curriculum focusing on comprehensive patient care across different life stages. With 560 total clinical hours, students gain extensive hands-on experience. Tuition ranges from $13,302 to $15,519, depending on the track. Admission requires an earned MSN degree, current RN licensure, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students must complete a NursingCAS application, submit professional references, and provide a personal statement outlining career goals.

• Two specialized nurse practitioner tracks
• 560 total clinical hours
• Comprehensive advanced nursing curriculum
• Tuition $739 per credit hour
• MSN degree prerequisite
• Unencumbered RN licensure required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA needed
• NursingCAS application process
• Fall semester admission
• Professional reference letters mandatory

Union University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Practitioner offers advanced nursing professionals two specialized tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Designed for experienced nurses seeking to expand their clinical expertise, the program provides comprehensive training across patient lifespans. Students complete 26-29 credit hours with 560 clinical hours, focusing on advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and specialized clinical management. Tuition ranges from $13,302-$15,519, with competitive admission requirements including a master's degree, 3.0 GPA, and current RN licensure. The program prepares nurses for enhanced healthcare roles with rigorous academic preparation and practical clinical experience.

• Two specialized NP tracks
• 560 total clinical hours
• $739 per credit hour
• Admits once annually
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• 26-29 total credit hours
• Advanced health assessment focus
• Comprehensive clinical training
• Requires current RN license

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers specialized Clinical Graduate Certificates for advanced nursing practice across various specialties. These programs prepare nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare through intensive training in clinical skills, resource management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Designed for already licensed nurses with a master's degree, these certificates provide pathways to specialize in Family, Psychiatric Mental Health, Pediatric Acute, and Pediatric Primary care. Students complete a rigorous curriculum and 840 clinical hours, gaining advanced practice competencies recognized by national nursing standards.

• 840 direct patient care hours
• Four specialized nursing tracks
• Master's degree prerequisite
• Advanced clinical skills training
• Mandatory on-site clinical sessions
• High-fidelity simulation center
• Competency-based curriculum
• Holistic admissions process
• National nursing standards aligned

The University of Tennessee's Clinical Graduate Certificate offers specialized nursing training across four advanced practice areas: Family, Psychiatric Mental Health, Pediatric Acute, and Pediatric Primary Care. Designed for experienced nurses with a master's degree, these programs prepare Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to deliver comprehensive, high-quality healthcare across diverse patient populations. Applicants must hold an accredited nursing master's degree, complete specific prerequisites within five years, and meet licensure requirements. The competency-based curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and advanced clinical skills through rigorous coursework and hands-on training.

• 840 hours direct patient care
• Four specialty certificate options
• Master's degree required
• State licensure prerequisites
• Mandatory clinical on-site sessions
• Advanced clinical skills training
• Interdisciplinary collaboration focus
• High-fidelity simulation center
• Holistic admissions process
• Competency-based curriculum

The University of Tennessee's Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate equips Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with specialized skills to provide comprehensive acute care in pediatric settings. This hybrid program prepares healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, complex medical interventions for critically ill children. Designed for certified primary care pediatric nurse practitioners, the program offers advanced clinical training with a minimum of 840 clinical practice hours. Prospective students must hold a master's degree from an accredited nursing program and complete specific prerequisite courses within the past five years.

• Hybrid program format
• 840 clinical practice hours
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Specialized pediatric acute care
• Requires prior pediatric certification

East Tennessee State University offers flexible, cutting-edge online nursing graduate certificates designed for working professionals seeking specialized healthcare expertise. With multiple concentrations including mental health, gerontology, genetics, and administration, these programs enable nurses to advance their careers strategically. Certificates range from 12-32 credit hours, featuring affordable per-credit rates ($646-$1,487) with no GRE requirement. Programs are fully online with in-person clinical components, providing comprehensive training for nurses wanting to expand their professional capabilities and meet critical healthcare needs.

• 100% Online Nursing Certificates
• No GRE Required
• 15-32 Credit Hour Options
• CCNE Accredited Programs
• Specialties: Mental Health, Gerontology
• Designed for Working Professionals
• Competitive Per-Credit Rates
• Multiple Nursing Concentrations
• Terminal Degree Faculty
• Clinical Placement Support

East Tennessee State University offers comprehensive online nursing graduate certificates designed for working professionals seeking specialized expertise. These flexible programs enable nurses to advance their careers by gaining focused skills in areas like healthcare genetics, adult/gerontology primary care, family nursing, psychiatric mental health, and nursing administration. With 100% online coursework and competitive tuition rates ranging from $646-$1,487 per credit hour, these certificates provide accessible pathways to enhance professional qualifications and meet critical healthcare needs.

• Multiple nursing certificate specializations
• 100% online coursework available
• No GRE required
• 15-32 credit hours
• CCNE accredited programs
• Designed for working professionals
• Competitive per-credit tuition rates
• Prepare for national certification exams
• Requires prior nursing degree
• Clinical experiences included

East Tennessee State University offers comprehensive online nursing graduate certificates designed for working professionals seeking specialized expertise. These flexible programs cover crucial healthcare domains like genetics, gerontology, mental health, and administration. Students can enhance their nursing skills through 100% online coursework with targeted clinical experiences. With credit hour requirements ranging from 12-32 credits, certificates provide pathways to advanced specializations and national certification. Affordable tuition options include in-state and out-of-state rates, with per-credit costs ranging from $646 to $1,487.

• 100% Online Nursing Certificates
• 12-32 credit hours
• No GRE Required
• Multiple Specialization Areas
• Working Professional Friendly
• CCNE Accredited Programs
• Flexible Clinical Placement
• National Certification Preparation
• $646-$1,487 per credit
• DNP and MSN Prerequisites

The Post-DNP Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certificate provides advanced practice nurses an opportunity to specialize in comprehensive healthcare for patients from adolescence to elderly. Designed for working professionals, this 32-credit online program prepares nurses to enhance their clinical skills, manage chronic conditions, and promote wellness across diverse patient populations. Coursework leads to national certification eligibility, with tuition ranging from $646-$1,487 per credit hour. Ideal for DNP-prepared nurses seeking to expand their professional capabilities in primary care settings.

• 32 credit hour program
• 100% online coursework
• Prepares for national certification
• Requires existing DNP degree
• Flexible for working professionals
• Multiple practice setting options
• Promotes community health leadership

Tennessee Tech's Post Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education empowers master's-prepared nurses to excel in teaching roles. This specialized 16-credit program provides comprehensive training for educators seeking to address the critical nursing faculty shortage. Designed for professionals with existing master's degrees, the certificate enhances career opportunities in academic and clinical settings, enabling graduates to teach nursing students and prepare for national certification exams.

• 16 credit hour post-graduate certificate
• For masters-prepared nurses
• Completed in 3 semesters
• National certification exam eligible
• Classroom and clinical education focus
• Addresses nursing faculty shortage
• No second master's degree required

Tennessee Tech's Post-Graduate Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification offers a flexible, fully-online pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced practice licensure. This comprehensive 23-credit hour program enables professionals to expand their clinical expertise through specialized coursework and clinical practicum. With an estimated total program cost between $17,000-$21,000, students can complete the certification in approximately 4 semesters, balancing professional commitments with advanced educational goals.

• Fully online certification program
• 23 credit hour curriculum
• 4 semester completion timeline
• Flexible course load
• Local clinical hour preceptorships
• Master's degree prerequisite
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• $17,000-$21,000 estimated cost
• Graduate nursing faculty instruction
• Advanced practice licensure preparation