WGU LEAVITT SCHOOL OF HEALTH
WGU Certificate Programs
You’re a busy healthcare professional. The work you do saves lives. But your sacrifice of time for others often means you’re left with little time for yourself and your needs and goals. That’s why we’re here. To help you grow and progress in your career and life with the help of a relevant healthcare certificate. In helping yourself, you’ll also become equipped to provide better patient care.
We make it easier to take a step up in your career with a certification program built for your busy schedule. Get relevant education on your time from an accredited college, earn a certificate quickly, and boost your résumé so you can progress in your career.
All Certificates in Nursing
Health & Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate
This is a program for individuals who already have an MSN and are looking...
This is a program for individuals who already have an MSN and are looking to now become a family nurse practitioner with a post-master's certificate program.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the FNP is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Washington.
- Time: This program can be finished within 1.5 years, depending on transfer credit and how quickly you move through core coursework. Please note the clinical components of this program are set.
- Tuition: $6,850 per six-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Adult Primary Care
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Special Populations Primary Care
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Health & Nursing
Nursing Education – Post-Master's Certificate
A specialty certificate in nursing education for nurses with MSNs....
A specialty certificate in nursing education for nurses with MSNs.
This program will prepare you to teach the next generation of nurses.
- Time: Students typically finish this program in 12 months.
- Tuition: $5,035 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development
- Assessment of Student Learning
- Facilitation of Student-Centered Learning
Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers. This program will prepare you to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Executive (CNE) exam.
Health & Nursing
Nursing Leadership and Management – Post-Master's Certificate
A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who...
A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.
- Time: Students typically finish this program in 12 months.
- Tuition: $5,035 per 6-month term. The cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam is included in tuition.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Strategic Planning
- Resource Management
- Business Case Analysis
- Evaluating Healthcare Improvements
Health & Nursing
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are...
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are wanting to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through a post-master's certificate program.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP post-master's certificate program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Time: This program can be finished within 1.5 years, depending on transfer credit and how quickly you move through core coursework. Please note the clinical components of this program are set.
- Tuition and fees: $6,955 per six-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their MSN but are wanting to add a specilization to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This post-master's certificate program is only available in select states.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Assessment and Diagnostics
- Behavioral health
- Advanced Pharmacology
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Health & Nursing
Nursing Leadership Certificate – Leavitt School of Health
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of a nursing leadership certificate from the Leavitt School of Health.
- Time: 3 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,000 for the certificate.
- Courses: 3 courses total in this program.
This program is for emerging nursing leaders, however this program does not require a bachelor’s degree, and provides transferable credit towards a WGU degree program. The three courses are:
- Interprofessional Communication and Leadership in Healthcare
- Intrapersonal Leadership and Professional Growth
- Nursing Leadership Capstone
How Much Do Nursing Certificate Programs Cost?
Less Than $5,000
Our nursing certificate programs vary in cost, but all are less than $5,000 per six-month term or per program. This is an affordable way to add additional credentials to your résumé and improve your skill set for your healthcare career.
How Long Do Nursing Certificate Programs Take?
Less than 12 months
As soon as you master the material, you can move on. That’s what competency-based education is all about. It’s a unique model that allows you to move through requirements more quickly and earn your certificate sooner. Most of our students finish their certificate programs in a year or less.
Are Nursing Certificate Programs Valuable For My Career?
Yes
Nursing certification is a common way for healthcare professionals to add to their résumés and improve their career outlooks. Healthcare professionals tend to earn more as they gain more specialties, certifications, pass certification exams and acquire years of experience.
What is a Nursing Certificate Program?
A nursing certificate program is a non-degree program that gives nurses the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in a specific area within their field. Certificate programs are generally shorter than degree programs, making it possible for most to earn their certificate in a year or less. Registered nurses can pursue a number of different certifications as part of their continuing education goals. Our certificate programs help you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, provide superior patient care, and set yourself apart as a qualified candidate for leadership roles.
Our nursing certificate programs are tailored to nurses wanting to gain nursing care skills and credentials from an accredited institution to serve specific patient types or move into certain job roles. Our certifications are laser-focused on nurses who need additional credentials to expand career opportunities, increase earning power, and advance into management positions.
Why WGU?
Be Career Ready
Designed with input from industry leaders, our accredited programs give you the skills and credentials today’s employers need. That’s why 97% of employers said they’d hire another WGU grad.1
1: 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU grads.
Get and Keep the Job You Want to Have
85% of WGU graduates are employed in their degree fields—and 87% are employed full-time.2
2: 2023 Harris Poll of 1,655 WGU grads.
Save Money
With flat-rate tuition that is 53% lower than the national average3 and generous need-based scholarships, our degrees are an excellent investment that you can afford.
3: National rates reported by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System in 2023. WGU average rate does not include rates for WGU Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Prelicensure program.
Work as You Need While Going to School
At WGU, you can complete courses, take tests, and graduate on your schedule. In fact, many of our students work full-time while earning their life-changing bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
Online. Nonprofit. Affordable.
Celebrating Nurse Leaders with a Special Scholarship
One thing the pandemic has shown us is just how much America needs nurses, especially nurse leaders. Named for Dr. Margaret McClure, the catalyst for today’s magnet hospital program, this $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to one recipient each quarter who has demonstrated activism or innovation in nursing that improves patient outcomes.
Join Our Alumni Network
WGU has over 75,000 healthcare graduates who are dedicating their careers to helping others. When you attend WGU, you join an impressive group of healthcare professionals who are committed to changing lives. And 95 of our graduates say they would recommend WGU to someone else.* Discover why so many healthcare professionals trust WGU.
Directly Applicable Programs
85 of WGU graduates are employed in their degree field.* Our industry-relevant curriculum is focused on helping ensure you are prepared for real-world scenarios in healthcare. What you’re learning today can be used in your daily work tomorrow. Our program teaches you relevant skills while letting you keep your job and working hours.
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.
