WGU LEAVITT SCHOOL OF HEALTH
Post-Master's Certificates in Nursing
Claudio, M.S. Nursing grad
Post Master's Certificates in Nursing
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: $4,795 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: $4,795 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
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, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, 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: $6,252 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
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, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, 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: $6,625 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.
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.
Add the Specialty Skills That Take Your MSN Further
As an MSN-educated nurse, your work in health care changes lives every day. Now, you have more opportunity to advance your health care career and impact patient care with a post-master’s certificate in nursing. You already have critical skills and knowledge that have brought you to an impactful career—now you can add additional specialty skills that will allow you to go further.
At WGU, there are four post-master’s certificate nursing programs that help master’s degree-holding nursing professionals advance in or diversify their career paths:
- Post-Master’s Certificate, Nursing–Education
- Post-Master’s Certificate, Nursing–Leadership and Management
- Post-Master's Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
These post master nursing certificate programs allow current MSN-educated nurses to take on additional specialties, pivot their careers, and boost their résumés.
How Long Does a Post-Master’s Certificate Take?
6–24 Months
Flexibility makes our post-master's certificate programs work for your life. While some of our programs have a set completion time due to clinical requirements, for some courses you can accelerate based on your existing skill and knowledge. You can also continue to work full-time, taking on courses whenever it works for your busy schedule.
How Much Does a Post-Master’s Certificate Cost?
Varies
At WGU, tuition is charged per six-month term, not per credit. Our post-master's certificates vary in price from $4,367 to $6,350 depending on the program. You can take as many credits as you are able during the term and not pay more. This allows students to save money the faster they are able to go through their courses.
Do I Need an MSN to Apply to a Certificate Program?
Yes
In order to apply for these post-master’s certificate programs, you must already hold an MSN degree. These specific nursing certificates are meant to be added on to your current MSN degree. They do not take the place of an advanced nursing degree.
Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing–Education
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing–Education program is designed for nursing professionals who want to move into nursing education or clinical instruction. If you are passionate about helping other nurses who are looking to advance their own careers, a nursing education career could be the perfect fit for you. This certificate prepares nurses who already hold a master’s degree to improve their career outlook and work in education roles such as preceptor, clinical instructor, and nursing educator.
The 16-competency unit (WGU's equivalent of credits) program can be completed in two terms (about 12 months). Students will learn about nursing course design, strategies to measure learning, emerging trends in nursing education, and more. This post-master’s certificate includes valuable field experience, which will prepare students for the real-world experiences that come with being a nurse educator.
Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing–Leadership and Management
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing–Leadership and Management program is designed for nursing professionals who are ready to become managers and leaders in their hospital or clinic. This certificate qualifies master’s degree-holding nurses to advance into roles in nurse management, including job titles like director of nursing, chief nursing officer, and clinical nurse leader.
This accredited post-master’s certificate program contains 16 competency units (WGU's equivalent of credits) and can be completed in two terms (about 12 months).
In this program you will learn about strategic planning, business care, managing resources, and more. Field experience will be critical in preparing you for the rigors of management positions in nursing.
Post-Master’s Certificate–Family Nurse Practitioner
The Post-Master’s Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner program is built for current MSN holding nurses who want to become a nurse practitioner expanding their scope of practice. If you are interested in advancing your career and becoming a family nurse practitioner, seeing patients and supporting them in new ways, this program is a great fit for you. You can make a difference for patients and communities with this post-master's certificate.
This program consists of 10 courses, with the option to transfer in some credits, and can be completed in two years or less. Students will learn about primary care for adults, pediatric care, special population care, as well as advanced pharmacology and and health assessments. These courses will prepare you for the clinical work you will participate in in order to become a nurse practitioner.
Post-Master’s Certificate–Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Post-Master’s Certificate–Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is designed for current nurses who hold an MSN. This program is ideal for those who are ready to advance their career and become a nurse practitioner. If you're interested in helping individuals with mental health concerns so you can make a difference for patients, their families, and their communities, this program is the right fit for you.
This program consists of 11 courses, with the option to transfer in credits, and can be completed in two years or less. Due to clinical requirements, accelerating this program isn't an option for students. Within this program students will focus on mental health assessment, diagnosis, strategy, and have clinical opportunities so they can grow from experience. Students will also be prepared to sit for the ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam and gain licensure in their state.
Who Should Get a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing?
A post-master’s certificate in nursing is a great option for nursing professionals with an MSN degree to further their education and expand their certifications and career opportunities. To satisfy admission requirements, you will need to have an active, unencumbered RN license and have completed an MSN degree program from an accredited institution in order to qualify for a post-master’s certificate in nursing. Post-master’s certificates at WGU allow nurses who can fulfill the admission requirements to accelerate their current health care career progression or potentially make a shift to a different role within the field of nursing. Whether you’re considering an additional nursing program to become a nurse educator or expanding your options within nurse leadership, one of our post-master’s certificates in nursing can provide the skills and credentials you need to stand out.
Online. Nonprofit. Affordable.
Benefits of a Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing
A post-master’s certificate in nursing can open up a number of career opportunities to nursing professionals, including:
- A career change. If you’re a nurse with a master’s degree looking to shift to another career within the field of nursing, a certificate can help. Coursework and the credentials you will earn are critical in demonstrating that you are prepared for a different field of work inside nursing.
- Increased job stability. Earning a post master certificate adds to your healthcare qualifications, and it can help improve your job security. The more qualified you are, the more indispensable you become, and the more value you can provide to your employer.
- Increased earning potential. With an advanced nursing certificate, you can often qualify for higher-paying positions within the field of nursing. For instance, a chief nursing officer can make an average of more than $239,000 per year. You may also be able to increase your pay grade in your current position.
WHAT IS A POST-MASTER'S CERTIFICATE?
A post-master’s certificate allows individuals who already hold an MSN degree to gain additional skills and credentials that often qualify them for a new job or better trajectory within their healthcare careers. Certificates are less broad and more specialized than general master’s degrees. Post-master’s certificates provide specialty knowledge and training in a subject area the student has not already studied in their master's program, giving students the experience they need for a specific career.
IS A POST-MASTER'S CERTIFICATE WORTH IT?
Yes. A post-master’s certificate can provide a great return on investment. It not only increases your value in your current healthcare role, but also helps you learn additional skills and gain qualifications to progress into a higher-paying position with a better career outlook. Most graduates report having a 13–25% pay increase due to a post-master’s certificate. That bump in pay helps you see great ROI for your investment.
Why WGU?
A post master certificate in nursing from WGU has a number of benefits, including:
A Flexible Online Course Format
Our online courses are available anytime, anywhere. This allows you to study around your busy work schedule without worrying about going to class at a specific time and location.
A Learning Model That Allows You to Graduate Faster
Our competency-based model allows you to use your current skills and experience to move through some courses more quickly, instead of spending time on subjects or materials you already know or understand well.
Curriculum Designed for Immediate Application to Your Current Job
Our online competency-based model makes it easy to maintain your current work schedule while using what you’re learning in your day-to-day work. Our curriculum aligns with the latest trends and challenges in nursing and provides immediately actionable knowledge.
A Lower Tuition Cost Than Other Online Certificate Options
At WGU, our goal is to make education accessible and valuable. That’s why we work to make sure our tuition is as affordable as possible. Scholarships and federal aid also make our already-low tuition even more affordable for most students
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 97% of our graduates say they would recommend WGU to someone else. Discover why so many healthcare professionals trust WGU.
Directly Applicable Programs
89% of WGU Leavitt School of Health 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.
Where WGU Nursing & Healthcare Graduates Work
