2026 Best Virginia Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-Professional) certificate at the University of Virginia prepares advanced nursing professionals to become primary care providers. This intensive program equips students with comprehensive skills to work across patient lifespans, with a focus on family and individual healthcare in diverse settings, including rural and underserved communities. Graduates are prepared to take national certification examinations, gaining advanced clinical competencies through 616 clinical hours and a robust curriculum covering child health, women's care, and specialized practicum experiences.

• 23 total credit hours
• 616 clinical training hours
• Prepares for ANCC/AANP exams
• Covers child and family health
• Multiple clinical practicums
• Primary care provider focus
• Rural healthcare preparation
• Comprehensive practitioner training

The University of Virginia's Post-Master's Certificate offers advanced practice nurses an opportunity to expand their expertise and specialize in various critical nursing domains. Designed for working professionals, these hybrid programs provide comprehensive training across six specialty tracks, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health. Graduates gain advanced theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and preparation for specialized certification exams. Tuition ranges from $888-$1,450 per credit for Virginia and non-Virginia residents, with part-time options accommodating professional schedules. Admission requires a master's degree from an accredited nursing school, active APRN licensure, and completion of advanced physiology, health assessment, and pharmacology courses.

• Six specialty post-master's certificate tracks
• Hybrid learning format
• Part-time options for working nurses
• Preparation for specialty certification exams
• 500-600 clinical hours per track
• No GRE score requirement
• Guaranteed admission for UVA alumni
• National program ranking (#7 public MSN)
• Unencumbered RN license required

Elevate your nursing career with Shenandoah University's Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate, designed for experienced RNs with an MSN. This fully online program prepares advanced practice nurses to serve critical primary care needs, especially in rural and underserved communities. In just 5 semesters, participants gain comprehensive clinical expertise through 600 clinical hours, preparing to take national certification exams. With competitive career prospects and an average nurse practitioner salary of $110,000 annually, graduates can practice in diverse healthcare settings, teach, or pursue further education.

• Fully online synchronous format
• 600 total clinical hours
• 5 semester program length
• National certification preparation
• For MSN-prepared RNs
• Primary care focus
• Rural healthcare emphasis
• $110k average salary potential
• Flexible clinical site options
• Weekly synchronous meetings

Shenandoah University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) offers a comprehensive pathway for experienced nurses to expand their mental health expertise. Designed for RNs with an MSN, the program provides advanced training in psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic patient care across all life stages. With 600 clinical hours and fully online synchronous classes, students can prepare for national certification exams through the ANCC or AANP. The curriculum covers critical areas including behavioral neuroscience, complex mental health management, and specialized clinical practicums in adult, geriatric, and child/adolescent settings.

• 600 total clinical hours
• Fully online synchronous format
• 5-7 semester completion time
• National certification preparation
• Covers lifespan psychiatric care
• For current RNs with MSN
• No part-time option available
• Recommended 3.0 GPA
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Interprofessional dialogue emphasis

Shenandoah University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery offers a transformative pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. Designed for RNs with a graduate nursing degree, this intensive 26-credit program prepares professionals to provide comprehensive women's healthcare across reproductive lifecycles. Students complete 720 clinical hours, gaining expertise in primary care, gynecologic health, and perinatal management. The hybrid learning model combines one intensive on-campus week per semester with online coursework, enabling flexible advanced practice training. Graduates become eligible to take the national certification examination, positioning themselves as certified nurse-midwives in diverse healthcare settings.

• Three-semester certificate program
• 26 total program credits
• 720 clinical training hours
• Hybrid learning format
• National certification preparation
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Women's healthcare specialization
• CCNE accredited program

Elevate your nursing career with Old Dominion University's innovative online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education. Designed for nurses holding a graduate nursing degree, this comprehensive program transforms experienced clinicians into skilled educators. You'll gain advanced teaching skills through a dynamic curriculum, including professional ethics, instructional methods, and curriculum design. The program features a hands-on practicum, allowing you to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. With flexible online learning and just 12 credit hours, you'll be prepared to shape the next generation of nursing professionals.

• Online Graduate Certificate
• 12 total credit hours
• Designed for graduate nurses
• Includes teaching practicum
• Virginia in-state rate $620/credit
• Four graduate-level courses
• Flexible online learning environment

Old Dominion University's Post-Professional Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner is a targeted program for licensed registered nurses with an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) MSN seeking board certification in family care. The comprehensive curriculum prepares nurses to provide primary care services across the lifespan, focusing on advanced nursing skills, patient diagnosis, treatment, and holistic healthcare management. With competitive per-credit costs ranging from $620 for Virginia residents to $1,486 for non-residents, the program offers a strategic pathway for nurses to expand their professional capabilities and potentially increase their earning potential.

• 4-semester completion time
• Graduate-level certificate program
• On-campus delivery mode
• Prepares for board certification
• Advanced primary care skills
• Limited number of seats available
• For nurses with APRN MSN
• Lifespan patient care focus
• Advanced clinical assessment
• Evidence-based care approach

Virginia Commonwealth University's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides advanced practice registered nurses an efficient pathway to expand clinical capabilities. This two-year hybrid program prepares nurses to deliver comprehensive primary care across patient lifespans. Designed for existing advanced practice nurses with a master's or doctoral degree, the program offers a low-cost, time-efficient route to specialization. Graduates become eligible for national certification, gaining skills to independently assess, diagnose, and treat patients from children to older adults.

• Two-year part-time hybrid program
• For existing advanced practice nurses
• Four in-person lecture courses weekly
• Clinical courses in professional settings
• No personal preceptor required
• Expand nursing practice abilities
• National certification preparation
• Primary care across lifespan

Virginia Commonwealth University's 21-credit Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate empowers experienced nurses to expand their clinical expertise. Designed for master's or doctorate-prepared nurses, this program enables professionals to enhance their practice across patient lifespans. Graduates develop advanced skills in mental health diagnosis, management, and comprehensive patient care, including physical examinations, diagnostic interpretation, case management, medication prescription, and psychotherapy. The curriculum prepares nurses for certification and state licensure, focusing on holistic mental health maintenance from infancy to geriatrics.

• 21 graduate credit hours
• Lifespan mental health focus
• Certification exam preparation
• Master's/Doctorate prerequisite
• Advanced practice nursing skills
• Active RN license required
• Clinical practicum included
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Six-year completion window
• Psychotherapy and pharmacology training

Virginia Commonwealth University's Care Coordination Graduate Certificate offers healthcare professionals a robust 12-credit program designed to transform patient care strategies. Delivered 95% online with minimal in-person components, this certificate equips practitioners to effectively manage complex healthcare needs, reduce system burdens, and improve patient outcomes. Ideal for registered nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals seeking advanced care coordination skills, the program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, healthcare infrastructure understanding, and innovative patient empowerment techniques.

• 12-credit graduate certificate
• 95% online delivery
• Health professionals only
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• In-person weekend sessions
• Capstone project required
• Five-year completion window
• Minimum B grade in courses

George Mason University's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate prepares nurses to excel in educational roles across academic and clinical settings. This comprehensive 15-credit hour program offers flexible part-time scheduling and includes practical practicum experiences with expert preceptors. Designed for licensed RNs holding graduate degrees, the certificate can be completed concurrently with MSN, DNP, or PhD programs. Students must maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA, with opportunities to develop advanced teaching skills in diverse healthcare environments.

• 15 credit hour certificate
• Part-time scheduling options
• Post-master's certification available
• 6 credits practicum experience
• Minimum 3.00 GPA requirement
• Academic and clinical education preparation

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate at George Mason University equips students for advanced practice psychiatric nursing across various clinical settings. This program prepares graduates for prescriptive authority and delivering mental health services, including medication management and psychotherapy. Focused on serious mental illness, the curriculum requires 23 graduate credits with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Additional credits may be needed for those not yet certified as nurse practitioners. Graduates are eligible for the ANCC national certification exam. The program offers part-time study options and emphasizes practical skills for mental health care delivery.

• 23 graduate credits required.
• Minimum GPA of 3.00.
• Part-time study available.
• Eligible for ANCC certification.
• Focus on serious mental illness.
• Prepares for prescriptive authority.
• Includes medication management training.
• Psychotherapy skills development.
• Additional credits for non-certified NPs.
• U.S. RN license required.