2026 Best Virginia Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Virginia Commonwealth University's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a hybrid post-master's program designed for RNs holding a master's degree. This two-year, part-time curriculum blends four hybrid lecture courses with one on-campus day weekly and in-person clinical training across six consecutive semesters. Students receive clinical placement support, with preceptors matched to their learning needs, and train at a Magnet-designated health sciences campus. The program emphasizes team-based primary care across the lifespan, boasting a 91% certification exam pass rate. Admission requires official transcripts, a personal statement, resume, RN license, and application fees; no graduate entrance exam is mentioned among requirements. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

• Two-year part-time program
• Hybrid format delivery
• 91% certification exam pass rate
• Clinical placement support provided
• Team-based health care training
• For registered nurses with master's degree
• Post-professional certificate
• Primary care across lifespan
• Official transcripts required
• Personal statement needed

VCU offers a hybrid Post-Professional Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, a 21-credit program for nurses with a master's or doctorate degree. The curriculum covers psychiatric disorders, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and includes practicum courses, preparing graduates for ANCC certification. Students gain skills in diagnosing and managing mental health conditions across the lifespan. Admission requires current RN licensure, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite coursework; no entrance exam is required. Rolling admissions allow spring entry, and learners have up to six years to complete the program. A gap analysis helps create an individualized study plan. This certificate enhances collaboration with health professionals and patient care expertise.

• 21 credit hours required.
• Hybrid program format.
• Prepares for certification exam.
• Master's or doctorate degree needed.
• Current RN license required.
• Rolling admissions for spring.
• No specific test requirements.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA needed.
• Courses include psychiatric disorders.
• Includes psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.

Virginia Commonwealth University's Graduate Certificate in Care Coordination is a 12-credit program delivered 95% online, with only occasional in-person weekend sessions. Designed for healthcare professionals including nurses, social workers, and pharmacists, it focuses on transforming patient care through effective care coordination, reducing system burdens, and improving outcomes. Coursework emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, healthcare infrastructure, and patient empowerment techniques, culminating in a capstone project. Candidates must hold a healthcare professional degree and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, with a B or higher in courses. Completion is expected within five years. The program does not list a graduate entrance exam requirement, making it accessible for working practitioners.

• 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

University of Virginia's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a hybrid program that blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. Designed for working nurses, the curriculum includes 23 credits and 616 clinical hours, covering primary care and family health across the lifespan. Students engage in practicums across diverse settings and gain skills to serve rural and underserved communities. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing and current licensure; no entrance exam is specified. Flexible scheduling supports professional practice while advancing education.

• 23 credits required.
• 616 clinical hours.
• Hybrid program format.
• Prepares for national exams.
• Focus on primary care.
• Family health across lifespan.
• Includes practicum courses.
• Master's in nursing required.
• Nursing licensure needed.
• Cost varies by residency.

The University of Virginia's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-professional certificate is a hybrid program combining online classes with once-monthly on-campus sessions. This flexible format is ideal for working nurses. The curriculum includes over 500 clinical hours, focusing on mental health promotion and treatment for acute and chronic illnesses, particularly for underserved populations. Graduates are eligible for PMHNP certification. Admission requires an active APRN license, a graduate nursing degree, and specific prerequisites. No GRE is required. Part-time study, a January 5 deadline, and state authorization for most states add convenience, though financial aid is limited and tuition is per credit.

• Hybrid format for flexibility.
• Classes once a month.
• Over 500 clinical hours.
• Eligible for PMHNP certification.
• Active APRN license required.
• Graduate nursing degree needed.
• Specific coursework prerequisites.
• No GRE scores required.
• Limited financial aid available.
• Tuition per credit basis.

Old Dominion University's online Nurse Educator Certificate prepares experienced nurses for academic leadership. This 12-credit graduate certificate uses an accelerated 8-week format with flexible online learning, including synchronous and asynchronous courses. The curriculum covers instructional methods, curriculum design, assessment strategies, professional ethics, and legal concepts in nursing education. A community-based teaching practicum provides real classroom experience, often arranged with local nursing schools. This certificate builds on existing nursing expertise and qualifies graduates for roles as nursing instructors or postsecondary teachers. No entrance exam is required, and the program offers financial aid and scholarships. With a projected 17.9% job growth and median salary of $80,780, this certificate supports career advancement.

• $486 per credit
• 8-Week program
• 12 total credit hours
• 4 total courses
• Full-time and part-time options
• Synchronous and asynchronous options
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Capstone required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available

Old Dominion University's Post-Professional Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner is designed for licensed APRN MSN nurses seeking FNP board certification. This hybrid graduate certificate focuses on primary care across the lifespan, including pediatric and women's health coursework. Completion takes four semesters, with classes delivered on-campus. Virginia residents pay $486 per credit; non-residents pay $1,334.50. Admissions require an APRN MSN degree, RN licensure, and recent completion of advanced pathophysiology, physical assessment, and pharmacology courses. TOEFL is required for non-native English speakers. Applications are due August 1 for January admission. The program emphasizes evidence-based care, health promotion, and disease prevention. Limited seats are available, and three letters of recommendation are required.

• Four semester completion time
• On-campus delivery mode
• Prepares for board certification
• Requires APRN MSN degree
• RN licensure required
• Virginia resident cost: $486/credit
• Non-resident cost: $1,334.50/credit
• Advanced coursework prerequisites
• August 1 application deadline
• January admission cycle

Shenandoah University's online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate prepares MSN-prepared RNs for primary care roles, with a strong emphasis on serving rural and underserved populations. The 25-credit curriculum includes 600 clinical hours and offers two tracks depending on prior NP certification. Students attend synchronous weekly online classes, with full-time study spanning five semesters. No part-time option is available. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, an unencumbered Virginia or multi-state RN license, 2,080 documented RN hours, and a current resume, alongside two recommendations and an essay. No entrance exam such as the GRE is required. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams. Mandatory orientation and specified technology requirements apply.

• Online program format.
• 600 clinical hours required.
• Two curriculum tracks available.
• Synchronous weekly class meetings.
• 25 credits total.
• 5 semesters full-time.
• Requires MSN degree.
• 3.0 GPA minimum.
• Unencumbered RN license needed.
• National certification exam eligible.

Shenandoah University's Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate is a hybrid program blending online synchronous coursework with 600 clinical hours. Designed for RNs with an MSN, it prepares graduates for ANCC or AANP certification, addressing mental health care across the lifespan. The curriculum comprises 24-29 credits and may take five semesters for current NPs or up to seven for non-NPs, with cohorts starting each summer. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA, a current RN license, and 2,080 patient care hours, plus two letters of recommendation and an essay. The program is accredited by AACN and offers clinical placement collaboration. No GRE or entrance exam is required. Priority applications are due in February.

• Hybrid program format.
• 600 clinical hours required.
• Online synchronous classes.
• 5 semesters for current NPs.
• Up to 7 semesters for non-NPs.
• 24-29 total credits.
• Starts in summer cohorts.
• MSN degree prerequisite.
• 3.0 GPA recommended.
• RN license required.

Shenandoah University's Nurse-Midwifery Post-Graduate Certificate is a hybrid offering for RNs with graduate nursing degrees, combining online courses on Canvas with on-campus intensive weeks each semester. This 26-credit, three-semester program includes 720 clinical hours and prepares students for the American Midwifery Certification Board exam. Accredited by ACME, it covers antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care, emphasizing evidence-based, family-centered practice and physiologic birth. Clinical site assistance is provided, with placements in diverse settings. Prerequisites include advanced nursing courses, and a minimum B grade is required. No entrance exam is required for admission. Cohorts start annually in Fall, and the program promotes leadership and interprofessional healthcare.

• Hybrid online and campus format.
• Three semesters to complete.
• Requires MSN or graduate degree.
• Prepares for AMCB certification exam.
• Includes clinical practicum hours.
• Accredited by ACME.
• Focuses on women's health care.
• Covers antepartum and postpartum care.
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
• Clinical site assistance provided.

George Mason University's online Nursing Education Graduate Certificate prepares registered nurses for educational roles in academic and healthcare settings. This 15-credit hybrid program combines online coursework with a six-credit in-person practicum alongside an expert preceptor. Coursework covers curriculum development, teaching strategies, and student assessment tailored to nursing. The certificate can be pursued as a post-master's credential or concurrently with an MSN, DNP, or PhD. Full-time and part-time schedules are available, requiring a 3.0 minimum GPA. Scholarships are offered through the College of Public Health. No graduate entrance exam is specified. Graduates are equipped to teach the next generation of nurses in universities, hospitals, and community organizations.

• 15 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Scholarships available
• Prepares for nursing education roles
• Includes 6 credits of practicum
• Post-master's or concurrent enrollment
• Scholarships available from college
• Competitive application process

George Mason University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a hybrid program blending online coursework with clinical experiences. Spanning 23 graduate credits, it requires a 3.00 GPA and a current RN license. Curriculum focuses on the assessment and management of serious mental illness, incorporating medication management and psychotherapy training. Graduates are prepared for national certification and prescriptive authority. Part-time enrollment is available; however, non-certified nurse practitioners may need additional credits. Clinical placements mandate immunizations, background checks, and BLS CPR certification. The program adheres to standard graduate admissions and does not specify an entrance exam. Offered through NC-SARA, it is accessible to students in 49 states, with scholarship opportunities.

• 23 graduate credits required
• Minimum 3.00 GPA needed
• Hybrid program format
• Prepares for national certification
• Eligible for prescriptive authority
• Focus on serious mental illness
• Provides medication management training
• Includes psychotherapy education
• Part-time study available
• Current RN license required