School of Nursing

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates

Our Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates are designed for nurses who have completed an MSN or DNP degree. The specialty curricula will prepare you to take on more responsibility or change your career trajectory and achieve your next career goal in clinical advanced practice, nursing administration or nursing leadership. Programs are online and hands-on, and, for the FNP and PMHNP role specialties, conclude with a wide range of clinical practicum placements. In just two to six trimesters* you’ll be on the way to a rewarding new role!


See Requirements & Program Details

*Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.

40+

Years in Graduate Health Sciences Education

100%

Doctoral Prepared Faculty

100%

Clinical Placements in 2022 Future clinical education placement experience will vary based on individual student specialty and academic needs, as well as site availability for assignments from term to term.

95%

First-Time FNP Certification Pass Rate Based on 2022 USAHS MSN-FNP, DNP-FNP and PGC (FNP)graduates who took the ANCC or AANP certification exam. The 2022 AANP national first-time certification exam pass rate was 75%.

Add another role specialty.

Are you looking to grow your nursing career in clinical advanced practice, nursing administration or nursing leadership? We offer four of our five role specialties as certificates:

Our specialty curricula broaden your foundational knowledge, preparing you to take on more responsibility or change your career trajectory. Our certificate programs are designed for nursing students who’ve completed at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

We offer two entry paths for the PMHNP certificate. If you’re already an APRN, choose the APRN-entry path, with fewer credit hours and a shorter expected time to completion. If you are not yet an APRN, choose the non-APRN-entry path.

 

PG Certificates Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, a candidate must submit an online application, which includes the following:

  • A Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended. An official transcript is one that is sent directly to the Admissions Office by the Registrar of the issuing institution or one forwarded in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
  • Verified professional nursing license; licensure status must be maintained throughout the entire program.
    • FNP, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Executive: Evidence of an unrestricted/unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license.
    • Psychiatric Mental Health NP: Evidence of an unrestricted/unencumbered RN license (MSN-entry) or APRN license (DNP-entry)
  • Professional resume or curriculum vitae showing an equivalent of one full-time year of experience (2,000 hours) as a registered nurse by the start of the first practicum.
  • Essay demonstrating scholarly writing of approximately 500 words describing the applicant’s short- and long-term career goals and plans to achieve those goals.
  • Two professional references submitted electronically; one should be from a nurse educator familiar with your ability to do academic work and one should be from an immediate supervisor (e.g., nurse manager), preceptor, or mentor familiar with your clinical skills. Professional references from peers or personal relationships are not acceptable.
  • A comprehensive background check requiring fingerprints and drug screen to be administered after acceptance into the program and at the applicant’s expense. A felony charge and or conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the certification examination or to attain state licensure.
  • An original copy of a degree credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) if applicant completed his or her education in a foreign country. The evaluation must indicate previous education at the minimum level of a master’s degree earned at an accredited college or university in the United States.
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PG Certificates Curriculum

Students in the Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates program complete 12 credit hours when they choose either the Nurse Educator or Nurse Executive certificate. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certificate is 31 credit hours, while the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner–Primary Care certificate is 28 credit hours for licensed APRNs and 37 credit hours for others.

Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate

FNP Post-Graduate Certificate CoursesCredit Hours
NUR 7610 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology3
NUR 7560 Advanced Pharmacology 3
NUR 7580 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis3
NUR 7570 Primary Healthcare of the Family I REQUIRED INTENSIVE3
NUR 7571 FNP Role Practicum I (180 contact hours) 4
NUR 7575 Primary Healthcare of the Family II 3
NUR 7572 FNP Role Practicum II (180 contact hours) 4
NUR 7585 Primary Healthcare of the Family III 3
NUR 7573 FNP Role Practicum III (225 contact hours) 5
Total Credit Hours for Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate31

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate

Path 1: APRN-Entry
If you are already an APRN, your course of study will be 28 credits, which should take 5 trimesters, or 1.7 years. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.

PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate CoursesCredit Hours
NUR 7310 Advanced Neurobiology and Psychopathophysiology3
NUR 7315 Advanced Psychopharmacology3
NUR 7330 Psychotherapy for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice3
NUR 7350 PMHNP: Acute and Chronic Management of Child/Adolescent with Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions3
NUR 7541 PMHNP Role Practicum I Child & Adolescent Populations (180 contact hours) ♦4
NUR 7375 PMHNP: Acute and Chronic Management of the Adult and Older Adult with Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions3
NUR 7542 PMHNP Role Practicum II Adult and Older Adult Populations (180 contact hours) ♦4
NUR 7543 PMHNP Role Practicum III Diverse/Special Populations (225 contact hours) ♦5
Total Credit Hours for PMNHP Post-Graduate Certificate28

Path 2: Non-APRN-Entry
If you are not already an APRN, your course of study will be 37 credits, which should take 6 trimesters, or 2 years. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.

PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate CoursesCredit Hours
NUR 7610 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology3
NUR 7560 Advanced Pharmacology3
NUR 7580 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis3
NUR 7310 Advanced Neurobiology and Psychopathophysiology3
NUR 7315 Advanced Psychopharmacology3
NUR 7330 Psychotherapy for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice3
NUR 7350 PMHNP: Acute and Chronic Management of Child/Adolescent with Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions3
NUR 7541 PMHNP Role Practicum I Child & Adolescent Populations (180 contact hours) ♦4
NUR 7375 PMHNP: Acute and Chronic Management of the Adult and Older Adult with Psychiatric Mental Health Conditions3
NUR 7542 PMHNP Role Practicum II Adult and Older Adult Populations (180 contact hours) ♦4
NUR 7543 PMHNP Role Practicum III Diverse/Special Populations (225 contact hours) ♦5

Total Credit Hours for PMNHP Post-Graduate Certificate
37

Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate

Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate CoursesCredit Hours
NUR 7100 Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, Pharmacology for Nurse Educators3
EDF 7175 Foundational Theories in Education3
EDF 7161
Program and Curricular Design for Health Science Education
3
EDF 7050 Teaching Methods in Higher Education (22.5 indirect contact hours)3
Total Credit Hours for Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate12

Nurse Executive Post-Graduate Certificate

Nurse Executive Post-Graduate Certificate CoursesCredit Hours
HSA 7200 B Foundations of Healthcare Administration B3
HSA 7250 Human Resources Management & Organizational Development in Healthcare3
IPE 7133 Strategic Planning in Healthcare Administration3
HSA 7236 Accounting, Finance, and Economics for the Healthcare Leader3
Total Credit Hours for Nurse Executive Post-Graduate Certificate12

Course requires practicum hours

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PG Certificates Tuition & Fees

Total program tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic term are as follows.

Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive Post-Graduate CertificatesTuition and Fees
School Expenses
Tuition$9,334.00
Program Fees$800.00
Books & Associated School Expenses$666.00
Total Program Direct Expenses$10,800.00
Students whose address on record is in California at the time tuition is first charged and/or who attend the California campus will be responsible for paying a one-time Student Tuition Recovery Fund non-refundable fee, pursuant to California Code of Regulations §76120.
Choose your program to see the tuition and fee estimates. All tuition and fee numbers are subject to change.

Total program tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic term are as follows.

Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate CertificateTuition and Fees
School Expenses
Tuition Approximately – 31-credit program$24,113.00
Program Fees$2,250.00
Books & Associated School Expenses$1,590.00
Total Program Direct Expenses$27,953.00
Students whose address on record is in California when tuition is first charged and/or who attend the California campus will be responsible for paying a one-time Student Tuition Recovery Fund non-refundable fee, pursuant to California Code of Regulations §76120.
Choose your program and the campus you are interested in attending to see the tuition and fee estimates. All tuition and fee numbers are subject to change.

Total program tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic term are as follows.

PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate, APRN-EntryTuition and Fees
School Expenses
Tuition Approximately – 28-credit program$21,780.00
Program Fees$2,250.00
Books & Associated School Expenses$1,590.00
Total Program Direct Expenses$25,620.00

PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate, Non-APRN-EntryTuition and Fees
School Expenses
Tuition Approximately – 37-credit program$28,780.00
Program Fees$2,700.00
Books & Associated School Expenses$1,908.00
Total Program Direct Expenses$33,388.00
Students whose address on record is in California when tuition is first charged and/or who attend the California campus will be responsible for paying a one-time Student Tuition Recovery Fund non-refundable fee, pursuant to California Code of Regulations §76120.
Choose your program and the campus you are interested in attending to see the tuition and fee estimates. All tuition and fee numbers are subject to change.

*For additional details on the Cost of Attendance for your program, please refer to the University Catalog/Handbook. Students might incur additional costs for their program, including, but not limited to, costs associated with intensives, practica, and/or optional immersions.

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PG Certificates Accreditation and State Approvals/Post-Graduation Licensure

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate—Nurse Executive Speciality

State Approvals

We are currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate with a Nurse Executive specialty from the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota,  Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program.

Post-Graduation Licensure

The Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Nurse Executive Role Specialty program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.

 

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate—Nurse Educator Specialty

State Approvals

We are currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate with a Nurse Educator specialty from the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program.

Post-Graduation Licensure

The Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Nurse Educator Role Specialty program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.

 

CCNE does not accredit non-APRN post-graduate nursing certificate programs. As such, the USAHS Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate program specializations in Nurse Educator and Nurse Executive programs are not accredited by CCNE.

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate—Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty

State Approvals

USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Post- Graduate Nursing Certificate with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialty for residents in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming.

USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the program does not meet state licensure requirements and/or where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences.

Post-Graduation Licensure

The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate with an FNP specialty. For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in those states. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialty satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray.

USAHS has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following locations:  American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.  USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the program does not meet state licensure requirements and/or where the institution does not have state authorization.

It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, licensing or certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. For more information, students should contact the appropriate state licensure board to understand state licensure requirements as regulations vary from state to state.

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty

State Approvals

USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Post- Graduate Nursing Certificate –  Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty for residents in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the program does not meet state licensure requirements and/or where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future, as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences.

Post-Graduation Licensure

The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty. For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in those states. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate -Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray.

USAHS also has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following locations:  American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

 

It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, licensing or certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. For more information, students should contact the appropriate state licensure board to understand state licensure requirements, as regulations vary from state to state.

Higher Education State Approvals

The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences holds licensure/authorization to operate a physical campus in three states — California, Florida and Texas. Please refer to the Licensure page for more detailed information. The University has additional state approvals and exemptions to provide distance education. Please visit the State Licensure page for more detailed information.

CCNE Accreditation

Higher Education State Approvals

The Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate program with specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Note on Certification Exam

Nurse practitioner graduates must hold a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from a nurse practitioner program accredited by the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to be eligible to take the necessary role specialty national examination to be certified as a nurse practitioner, which most states require in order to be licensed to practice as an NP. Graduates should take the exam that aligns with their role specialty: FNP-BC or FNP, or PMHNP-BC or PMH-BC. The Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate program with specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Note on Licensure, Authorization, Endorsement, or Other State Credential Necessary to Practice as a Nurse Practitioner

Most states require that graduates pass a nurse practitioner national certification exam in order to apply for licensure or other credentials to practice as a nurse practitioner in a state. Graduates must hold a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from a nurse practitioner program accredited by the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in order to be eligible for an NP national certification exam; national certification as an NP is required for licensure to practice as an NP in most states. Graduates should take the exam that aligns with their role specialty: FNP-BC or FNP, or PMHNP-BC or PMH-BC. The Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate program with specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. While the Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates in nurse practitioner programs are designed to lead to licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential necessary to practice as a nurse practitioner, it is the prospective student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to nursing practice in the state in which he or she intends to practice and/or resides as requirements vary widely.

Prospective students are advised that relocation to another state may impact their ability to complete on-the-ground activities, practicum experiences and/or obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credentials in another state.  Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate. USAHS makes no representations or guarantee that completion of coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential, including prescriptive authority, where requirements may vary between different states. Additionally, current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities and practicum experiences.  For more information about the requirements to practice, students should contact the appropriate Board of Nursing or state agency.

Notice to State of Washington Students”: is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to conduct practice experiences in the state of Washington for MSN/Nurse Educator, MSN/Nurse Executive, MSN/FNP, MSN-entry DNP, DNP/FNP, and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (FNP) program tracks. Learn more.

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PG Certificates Program Data

The Following Programs Participate in Title IV Federal Student Loans (paper copies of disclosures are available upon request):

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate – FNP
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate – PMHNP (APRN Entry)
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate – PMHNP (Non-APRN Entry)

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Post-Graduate Certificates at a Glance

Family Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty

  • Expand your clinical practice beyond hospital settings to focus on family healthcare across the lifespan
  • Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive
  • 31 credit hours + 585 practicum contact hours
  • 5 trimesters* (1.7 years)
  • Sept., Jan. & May start dates

PMHNP Role Specialty: APRN-Entry

  • Learn the full range of specialized services that constitute mental health and psychiatric care and treatment
  • Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive
  • 28 credit hours + 585 practicum contact hours
  • 5 trimesters* (1.7 years)
  • Sept., Jan. & May start dates

PMHNP Role Specialty: non-APRN-Entry

  • Learn the full range of specialized services that constitute mental health and psychiatric care and treatment
  • Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive
  • 37 credit hours + 585 practicum contact hours
  • 6 trimesters* (2 years)
  • Sept., Jan. & May start dates

Nurse Educator** and Nurse Executive Role Specialties

  • Online coursework + optional on-campus immersions
  • 12 credit hours
  • 2 trimesters* (0.7 year)
  • Sept., Jan. & May start dates

Nurse Educator Details

Tuition Savings

Alum Appreciation Grant

USAHS supports your nursing journey with Special Tuition Grant savings.Over the life of the program. This offer is not a guarantee that all candidates eligible for the offer will be granted acceptance or admission into USAHS. All prospective students will be subject to the same standard admission and registration process when applying to USAHS. The Grant is applicable to tuition only and does not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees. This offer is only valid for eligible new students who enroll and start classes in the above programs at USAHS for in 2024 only. Please refer to the Financial Aid webpage for additional information.

All Alum Nursing  $5,000

Criteria
Available to all eligible students
No application is needed

How Our Certificates Stand Apart

We’re online + hands-on.

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate courses are delivered online, with both synchronous and asynchronous elements. Alongside their coursework, students earning their FNP or PMHNP certificate must complete one clinical intensive in our state-of-the-art Centers for Innovative Clinical Practice, which provides an opportunity to practice hands-on skills and meet faculty and peers.

Curricula That Bolster Your Qualification

Our Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate programs follow the same in-depth course curricula as the role specialties in our MSN and BSN-entry DNP programs. By course end, you’ll be prepared to take the respective certification exams. Note that to sit for some exams, you may need a specific number of hours of experience.

Clinical Practicum Placements

FNP and PMHNP certificate students must complete 585 practicum contact hours, working onsite with a preceptor who meets accreditation and state licensure requirements. Practicum placements are determined by USAHS based on the student’s academic needs and to provide the best educational experience. NP nursing students should plan on some travel or even to relocate for practica. There are no practica for the Nurse Educator or Nurse Executive certificates.

Getting Started

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