2026 Best Tennessee Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Vanderbilt University's Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan) equips registered nurses with advanced skills for comprehensive mental health care across all ages. This hybrid program blends online learning with brief on-campus sessions, offering flexibility for working professionals. It requires a master's degree in nursing and RN licensure. The curriculum includes 500+ supervised clinical hours, preparing graduates for national certification. Tuition details and financial aid options are available. The program is accredited by CCNE and boasts high licensure pass rates and strong employment outcomes.

• 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 Post-Master's Certificate in the Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner specialty, available as part of its advanced nursing programs. This dual-focused program combines women's health and adult-gerontology primary care, preparing graduates for diverse clinical settings. The hybrid format blends online classes with in-person sessions, providing flexibility for working professionals. Students complete 1,190 clinical hours, gaining hands-on experience in areas like OB/GYN clinics and primary care. The curriculum aligns with AACN Essentials, ensuring up-to-date education. Admissions require a master's degree in nursing, with details on cost and specific requirements available through the university. This program supports career advancement in women's health nursing.

• 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's School of Nursing offers a Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Informatics. This program provides advanced training in health information technology and data management for nurses with master's degrees. The curriculum focuses on practical applications in clinical settings. Students gain skills to improve patient care through technology. The program is designed for working professionals seeking specialization. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare informatics.

• 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 offers a prestigious pathway for advanced nursing professionals. This hybrid program combines online and on-campus learning over 5 semesters full-time or part-time options. Students gain over 840 clinical hours at vetted sites nationwide. The curriculum aligns with American College of Nurse-Midwives competencies. No prior RN experience is required. Vanderbilt's program ranks #1 nationally. Graduates qualify for American Midwifery Certification Board exams. The program features small classes with personalized attention. Clinical placements are arranged by faculty across the U.S.

• 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 offers an online Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner certificate for MSN-prepared nurses. This program prepares graduates for FNP national certification with 24 credit hours of coursework, typically completed in four semesters. Tuition costs $672 per credit hour for Tennessee residents, $835.50 for eRate students, and $1,513 for out-of-state students. Admission requires an MSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 GPA in nursing, and current RN licensure. The online format provides flexibility for working professionals while preparing nurses to deliver comprehensive family care across diverse healthcare settings.

• 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

East Tennessee State University offers an online Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate for MSN-prepared nurses. This program prepares students for national certification with a high exam pass rate. It focuses on comprehensive mental health care across all ages, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The 24-credit hour program typically takes four semesters to complete. Cost is $672 per credit hour for Tennessee residents, with eRate and out-of-state options available. Admissions require an MSN from an accredited program, a minimum 3.0 GPA in nursing, and RN licensure in the U.S. with Tennessee eligibility. The curriculum is entirely online with in-person clinicals arranged locally.

• 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.

East Tennessee State University offers an online Post-Graduate Nursing Administration certificate for master's-prepared nurses. This flexible program provides a strong foundation in complex systems, organizational theory, financial management, and leadership practice. Students typically complete 24 credit hours over five semesters. The program prepares graduates for nurse executive certification through the ANCC. Cost varies by residency, with Tennessee residents paying $672 per credit hour. Admission requires an MSN degree with a 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure. The program is CCNE-accredited and designed for working professionals seeking leadership roles in healthcare organizations.

• 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 offers an online Post-DNP Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certificate. This program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare to patients from adolescence through elderly years. Students complete 32 credit hours of coursework online, with in-person clinical requirements. The curriculum focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and management of chronic conditions while promoting wellness. Tennessee residents pay $672 per credit hour, with eRate and out-of-state options available. Admission requires a DNP degree, RN licensure, and submission of a cover letter and resume. The program typically takes 4 semesters to complete and leads to national certification eligibility.

• 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's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education prepares registered nurses with master's or doctoral degrees to specialize in nursing education through a Christ-centered approach. This hybrid program combines online learning with in-person components, offering both full-time and part-time options to accommodate working professionals. The curriculum focuses on developing specialized teaching skills for nursing education roles. Students progress through the program in cohort groups that begin each August, creating a supportive learning community. Graduates are equipped for careers as nurse educators in academic settings, healthcare organizations, and clinical training programs. The program emphasizes practical application of educational theories in nursing contexts. Union University's nursing programs are recognized for excellence, ranked #2 for online nursing post-master's certificates in Tennessee. This certificate builds on existing nursing expertise to expand career opportunities in education and leadership roles within the nursing profession.

• 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. The program focuses on acute and chronic care, health promotion across all ages. It uses a hybrid format with online and on-campus components. Tuition is $739 per credit hour plus fees. Admissions require an MSN degree, RN licensure, and a 3.0 GPA. Applications open in August for fall starts. Financial aid is available to help manage costs. This certificate builds on prior education for career advancement in family care.

• 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 Nurse Practitioner Track offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. This hybrid program prepares nurses to manage mental health disorders across the lifespan. It requires 29 credit hours and 560 clinical hours. Tuition is $739 per credit hour for 2025-2026. Admission requires an MSN degree, a 3.0 GPA, and RN licensure. Rolling admissions have deadlines in October, December, and April. Financial aid is available. The curriculum includes courses like psychopharmacology and mental health assessment.

• 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 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner graduate certificate program. This program prepares Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for primary pediatric care roles. It features a hybrid learning format with both online and on-campus components. Applicants need a master's degree in nursing, current APRN certification, and recent prerequisite coursework. The program requires 840 clinical hours and includes mandatory on-site sessions. Tuition details are available on the university's graduate fees page. The holistic admissions process prioritizes applicant essays.

• 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 offers a Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. This hybrid program prepares you to provide care across the lifespan. It requires 840 clinical hours and includes mandatory on-site visits. Admission needs a master's degree, APRN certification, and prerequisites like advanced pharmacology. The application deadline is October 15, 2025, for a Spring 2026 start. Costs vary; check the tuition page for details. This certificate enhances skills in patient care and clinical management.

• 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 offers clinical graduate certificates in pediatric acute care and primary care nursing. These hybrid programs combine online coursework with mandatory on-site simulation labs, preparing APRNs for advanced roles. Students complete 840 clinical hours, building expertise in managing acute or primary pediatric conditions. Prerequisites in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment must be current within five years. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are equipped to deliver specialized care in hospitals, clinics, or community settings. Admission requires a master's or DNP, RN and APRN licenses, two recommendations, and an essay. The spring 2026 deadline is October 15, 2025.

• 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 Tech's Nursing Education Certificate program offers a focused pathway for masters-prepared nurses to become certified nurse educators. This 16-credit hour post-graduate certificate can be completed in just three semesters, providing efficient specialization without requiring a second master's degree. The curriculum covers essential content for teaching nursing students in specific clinical areas, preparing graduates to address the national shortage of qualified nursing faculty. Students learn alongside current MSN Nursing Education majors, gaining practical insights into both classroom instruction and clinical education settings. The program prepares nurses for roles in academic institutions and healthcare facilities, where they can maintain clinical education standards for nursing staff. Graduates become eligible to sit for the national certification exam as nurse educators, enhancing their professional marketability. This certificate represents an optimal solution for experienced nurses seeking to transition into educational roles while continuing to advance nursing practice in diverse healthcare environments.

• 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 Tech offers a Post-Graduate Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification, a fully online 23-credit hour program. Designed for registered nurses with a Master's degree in Nursing and a 3.0 GPA, this certificate prepares graduates for Advanced Practice licensure. The curriculum includes courses like Advanced Family Psychiatric Nursing I and II, each with 140 clinical hours, plus practicum and preceptorship components. Most students complete the program in four semesters with two courses per semester. Clinical hours are arranged with local preceptors. Tuition costs range from $17,000 to $21,000, with in-state rates at $730 per credit hour and out-of-state at $870. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, transcripts, a letter of intent, resume, and three references.

• 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