2026 Best West Virginia Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

West Virginia University's online Post-Graduate APRN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program is designed for master's-prepared nurses seeking advanced clinical skills. This 19–25 credit program includes 600 hours of supervised clinical practice focusing on primary care, health promotion, and evidence-based practices across patient lifespans. It emphasizes advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and assessment skills to prepare graduates for national certification. No entrance exam is required. The program is fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals to enhance their expertise in family-focused healthcare.

• Online 19-25 credit program
• 600 hours supervised clinical practice
• Prepares for national certification
• Prerequisites: advanced pathophysiology
• Primary care clinical focus
• Comprehensive healthcare training
• Evidence-based practice approach

West Virginia University's online Post-Graduate APRN Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate Program allows advanced practice nurses to specialize in mental health care. Spanning 21–25 credits, it includes 540 clinical hours and covers psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based interventions for diverse settings. Graduates are prepared for national certification with a focus on lifespan care. No entrance exam is required. The online format combines didactic courses with personalized clinical practicums, making it ideal for nurses aiming to advance in mental health roles.

• 21-25 credit hour program
• Online didactic courses
• 540 total clinical hours
• Prepares for national certification
• Covers lifespan psychiatric care
• Personalized clinical practicum
• Advanced practice nursing focus
• Diverse mental health settings
• Psychopharmacology training
• Evidence-based interventions

West Virginia University's online Nurse Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate equips master's-prepared nurses for administrative roles through a 22-credit curriculum. It features 300 clinical practicum hours and focuses on healthcare management, finance, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration. Students develop strategic leadership and policy analysis skills to enhance organizational effectiveness. No entrance exam is required. The program uses synchronous and asynchronous online learning, providing hands-on experience under mentorship for roles in nursing leadership and innovation.

• 22-credit post-master's certificate
• Synchronous and asynchronous online
• 300 clinical practicum hours
• Leadership competency framework
• Healthcare management focus
• Six didactic courses
• Two clinical practicum courses
• Advanced nursing leadership skills
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasis

West Virginia University's online Nurse Executive Leadership Graduate Certificate empowers master's-prepared nurses with 22 credits of web-based coursework and 300 clinical hours. It emphasizes strategic financial management, systems-based decision-making, and leadership competencies aligned with industry standards. Graduates gain skills to drive healthcare innovation and lead interprofessional teams. No entrance exam is required. The flexible online format, including synchronous and asynchronous elements, supports experienced nurses in advancing to high-level leadership positions with mentor-guided practicums.

• 22-credit post-master's certificate
• Web-based synchronous/asynchronous learning
• 300 clinical practicum hours
• Designed for master's nurses
• Leadership competency focused
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
• Advanced healthcare management skills
• Nurse Leader certification preparation

Marshall University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration prepares MSN-holding nurses for leadership roles through 18 credit hours focused on organizational dynamics, financial strategies, and healthcare management. The program does not require an entrance exam and emphasizes competitive admission, requiring an accredited MSN degree and current RN license. Graduates are eligible for the American Nurses' Credentialing Center Certification Examination, making it ideal for advancing careers in nursing administration through flexible online delivery.

• 18 credit hours required.
• Prepares for certification exams.
• Focus on nursing administration.
• Competitive admission process.
• Requires MSN degree.
• Current RN license needed.
• Covers financial strategies.
• Includes healthcare management.
• Organizational dynamics course.
• Limited number of spots.

Shepherd University's online Post-Graduate Certificate Program specializes in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) training, focusing on advanced skills for mental health care delivery. This hybrid program combines online coursework with clinical components, requiring a current nursing license, 3.0 GPA minimum, and prerequisite courses in statistics, research, and pharmacology. It prepares graduates for ANCC and AANP certification exams, emphasizing holistic, patient-centered approaches. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible for working professionals seeking to advance their credentials in psychiatric nursing practice.

• Advanced nursing practice certificate
• FNP and PMHNP tracks
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• National certification exam preparation
• Professional licensure mandatory
• Clinical hours evaluation
• Holistic patient-centered approach

West Virginia Wesleyan College offers an online Post-Graduate APRN Certificate with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, designed for MSN graduates seeking specialization in primary healthcare. This 29-35 credit hour hybrid program prepares nurses to diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions while emphasizing health promotion. Admission requires an accredited MSN degree, an unencumbered RN license, a 3.0 GPA, and a competitive application process. No entrance exam is required. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams, enhancing clinical expertise and professional opportunities in family healthcare. The program is accredited by CCNE and includes comprehensive clinical practicums.

• Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty
• 29-35 Credit Hours Program
• Requires Existing MSN Degree
• National Certification Eligible
• 3.0 GPA Requirement
• Advanced Healthcare Focus
• Accredited by CCNE
• Comprehensive Clinical Practicums