2026 Best Washington Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus offers a hybrid Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Certificate focused on comprehensive child health from infancy through young adulthood. This 12-15 month program for advanced practice registered nurses emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and managing acute and chronic conditions in pediatric primary care. It includes personalized curriculum planning and clinical experiences in diverse urban and rural settings, preparing graduates for national certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. No entrance exam is required for this online-hybrid program, which combines in-person training with flexible online components.

• 12-15 month certificate program
• Full-time, in-person training
• Personalized curriculum planning
• Urban and rural clinical settings
• Focuses on pediatric primary care
• For advanced practice registered nurses
• National certification preparation
• Culturally sensitive care approach
• Research-informed practice emphasis

At the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate is a hybrid program designed for experienced registered nurses seeking specialized expertise in acute and critical care. Spanning 12-15 months, it focuses on managing complex health conditions across the adult and older adult lifespan through comprehensive clinical training. The program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and evidence-based practice in diverse healthcare settings, preparing graduates for national certification. No entrance exam is required for this online-hybrid program, which includes full-time, in-person components alongside online learning.

• 12-15 months program length
• Full-time, in-person format
• Advanced practice registered nurse track
• Tailored curriculum via gap analysis
• Urban and rural clinical experiences
• National certification eligibility
• CCNE accredited program
• Designed for experienced nurses

The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus provides a hybrid Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate for advanced practice nurses aiming to enhance primary care skills across the adult lifespan. This 12-15 month program combines in-person learning with clinical practicum experiences, focusing on safe, competent, and culturally sensitive care. The curriculum is customized through a gap analysis of prior education and experience, preparing graduates for certification and licensure. No entrance exam is required for this online-hybrid program, which features weekly in-person attendance and admission on a space-available basis.

• 12-15 months program length.
• Hybrid learning mode.
• Customized curriculum plan.
• Eligible for certification post-completion.
• Focus on culturally sensitive care.
• Clinical experiences in urban/rural settings.
• Requires weekly in-person attendance.
• Designed for advanced practice nurses.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Admission on space-available basis.

Seattle University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate is an 18-month hybrid program for experienced nurses seeking specialization. This CCNE-accredited curriculum focuses on managing acute and complex adult health conditions through evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. The program requires 41 credit hours with monthly on-campus sessions, offering flexibility for working professionals. Graduates gain eligibility for national certification exams and can pursue roles in critical care settings like ICU, cardiology, and emergency medicine. As a post-master's program, no entrance exam is required. The hybrid format combines online learning with in-person components, enhancing clinical expertise in acute care environments.

• 18-month certificate program
• Hybrid learning format
• CCNE accredited program
• Certification exam eligibility
• Specialized acute care focus
• 41 total credit hours
• Monthly on-campus sessions
• Specialty practice opportunities

Washington State University's online Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate is a 9-credit program designed for RNs with at least one year of experience who want to transition into educational roles. It focuses on developing advanced teaching skills, curriculum design, and assessment techniques for academic and clinical settings. The program requires a 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license, with no GRE exam needed. Flexible online learning is complemented by optional practicum experiences and potential loan repayment programs, making it ideal for working nurses seeking to shape nursing education.

• 9-credit graduate certificate
• Standalone or additional program option
• Optional practicum experience
• No GRE required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• RN license required
• 1+ year nursing practice preferred
• Three core nursing education courses
• Multiple campus options
• Potential loan repayment programs

Washington State University's hybrid Nursing Leadership Graduate Certificate offers a 12-credit pathway for nurses with a master's degree to enhance leadership skills in healthcare. The program covers organizational systems, information management, and strategic leadership, preparing graduates to drive change in complex environments. It requires a 3.0 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and at least one year of nursing experience, with no GRE exam required. Designed for DNP students and professionals, it combines theoretical knowledge with practical application and includes WRGP tuition options for added flexibility.

• 12-credit graduate certificate
• No GRE required
• Designed for DNP students
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Current RN license needed
• Minimum 1 year nursing experience
• Four core leadership courses
• Focuses on healthcare leadership
• Multiple campus options
• WRGP tuition options available