Nurses have the opportunity to work in their desired specialty area when they earn a post-graduate certificate in nursing. Registered nurses (RNs) that already hold an MSN degree have several options when pursuing a Washington, D.C. post-graduate certificate in nursing.

Students that explore the options for completing a post-graduate certificate program in Washington, D.C. expand their career opportunities, and the opportunity to earn a better salary.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Washington, D.C.

The admission requirements at Howard University for the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner track include that prospective students submit the required application and fee. Additional admission requirements are as follows:

  • Holds a minimum of a BSN degree from an accredited nursing program with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Submits official transcripts from all previous college coursework
  • Completed a minimum of one-year post-BSN clinical work experience
  • Is eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the District of Columbia
  • Submits three letters of recommendation
  • Submits a current resume or CV
  • Completes a goals statement

Nurses need to comply with the admissions requirements in a timely manner when applying to every school.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses

The required courses and classes for obtaining a post-graduate certificate in nursing from a school in or around Washington, D.C. varies among schools, and according to the specific post-master’s certificate in nursing program.

The required coursework for the Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate at Marymount University include:

  • NU 510 – Population Health
  • NU 554 – Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NUF 552- Advanced Pharmacology
  • NU 707 – Leadership, Quality & Ethics in Health Care
  • NUF 501 – Introduction to Primary Care of the Family
  • NUF 500 – Advanced Assessment and Health Screening for the Family Nurse Practitioner
  • NUF 503-504 – Primary Care of the Family I & II

Program Length

The length for a post-graduate certificate in nursing program varies among different schools and programs. Some schools offer full-time options while others allow for a more flexible part time option. Post-doctoral/post-master's certificate options at Georgetown University are administered on a part-time basis.

The school's programs demonstrate how program length varies across different programs at the same school. The family nurse practitioner program is 19 credit hours in length, while the nurse-midwifery certificate is 27 hours in length.

Another example is the 17-credit-hour Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program offered by the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Nurses should also check the clinical hours required as a part of the program length.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

MSN prepared nurses that pursue a post-graduate certificate in nursing program at a school in or around Washington, D.C. will most likely consider tuition and other costs. The tuition rate covers the cost of participating in classes. It does not pay for other costs, including required fees, supplies, books, or equipment.

The tuition for the post-graduate certificate in nursing programs at George Washington University cost $1,040 per credit hour.

Online Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs in Washington, D.C.

Pursuing an online Washington, D.C. post-graduate certificate in nursing program allows working nurses the opportunity to complete requirements at their own pace and from any location. This is also a viable option for nurses with family or other responsibilities, which otherwise would limit their ability to physically attend classes.

Featured Online School 

Georgetown University offers four post-graduate certificate in nursing programs. The Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, and the Nurse Midwifery program are all offered in an online format. Students complete this post-doctoral/post-master's certificate program on a part-time basis.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Washington, D.C.

Students that complete a post-graduate certificate in nursing program have the opportunity to consider a number of career pathways. Some career pathways include:

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary and Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the anticipated job outlook for nurse practitioners is will be ‘much faster than average' growth for the next several years. The BLS lists the average annual salary for nurse practitioners at $110,030.

List of Washington, D.C. Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

Washington, D.C. post-graduate certificate in nursing programs allow nurses to enhance their career options, along with earning a greater salary.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Share This:
LinkedIn
Reddit