Career
Graduate
Nursing
Post-Master’s Certificates
8-week course sessions allow for start dates throughout the year
There are six specialized tracks to choose from for our post-master’s certificate program
Our post-master’s certification APRN tracks are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1
Specialized tracks that build on your previous graduate-level nursing education
Flexible online classes with mobile-accessible learning and 24/7 technical support
Industry-current curriculum with hands-on practice and one-on-one faculty mentoring
Comprehensive Career Services that you can access for life
You may be looking for a way to develop leadership skills, learn a new nursing specialty, or simply expand your overall knowledge and professional skill set. A post-master’s certificate program is an excellent way to do that!
Because a post-graduate certificate is not a degree, you can complete the program quickly. Furthermore, with our post-master’s certificate coursework being completed online, you have greater flexibility and control over your study schedule, making it easier to fit in around your shifts as a working nurse.
Whether you’re looking to become a specialized nurse practitioner, a nurse educator, a nurse leader, or another type of nurse specialist, our post-graduate certificate program can help position you to make a difference in your chosen field.
Explore the many different nursing specialty tracks offered through our online post-master’s certificate program:
We know you’re eager to get started… and get finished! Our online nursing certificates are streamlined for working nurses looking to complete their education with speed. Check out program lengths for our different post-master’s specialized tracks.
Post-Master’s Track | Accelerated Plus |
Accelerated | |
---|---|---|---|
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | 20 months | ||
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner | 16 months | ||
Family Nurse Practitioner | 20 months | ||
Nurse Educator | 8 months | 16 months | |
Nurse Leader | 8 months | 16 months | |
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | 20 months | ||
MSN Track | Accel. Plus |
Accel. |
---|---|---|
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | 20 mos. | |
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner | 16 mos. | |
Family Nurse Practitioner | 20 mos. | |
Nurse Educator | 8 mos. | 16 mos. |
Nurse Leader | 8 mos. | 16 mos. |
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | 20 mos. | |
The post-graduate certificate program curriculum is curated by specialty. The number of credits needed and the number of months your certificate will take will vary, depending on the track you choose. We advise that you thoroughly review your prospective curriculum, so you are fully aware of the program details and requirements.
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of post-master’s certificate costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. Visit the page for your post-master’s specialized track of interest below for a breakdown of the costs at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥.
We offer several post-master’s nursing certificate financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.
For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
Applicants to the program must meet the following requirements (Post-Master’s Certificates All Track Options):
*Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to theÌý.
PMC Additional ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ Requirements Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Tracks Only:
In addition to the admissions requirements above, applicants to the Post-Master’s Certificate – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) tracks must also meet the following admissions requirements:
ÌýFor additional information, please visit our .
New academic sessions begin, on average, every eight weeks. The number of trimesters needed depends on the track selected for the post-master’s certificate program. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the .
Hands-On Experience
In addition to your online post-master’s certificate coursework, you will need to complete on-site intensives and clinicals2 to ensure you’re getting the right level of hands-on experience in your selected nursing specialty. Clinicals can be completed at a WCU-approved site and preceptor in your local area.
Below is the list of precepted hours required for each track within the post-master’s certificate program:
If you need assistance finding a clinical site and preceptor to complete your hours, our dedicated Clinical Placements team can support you through the process. They can help you locate a facility that meets program requirements.
Support Through Your Job Search
As a WCU graduate, you’ll be able to leverage our knowledgeable Career Services team. Get professional support every step of your job search, including resume writing workshops, interview coaching, and more.3 The Career Services department also works to keep our graduates and alumni informed of potential job opportunities in their field.
Additionally, you’ll have access to this resource for the rest of your career! As a WCU alumni, you can contact Career Services whenever you need a little help.
WCU’s post-master’s certificate program is designed for working nurses. Online coursework makes it easier to study on a schedule that makes sense for you, whether that’s in the mornings, evenings, or weekends. While there are general due dates to help ensure you stay on track, you decide when to complete each assignment within each week.
A post-master’s certificate is not a degree. It is a specialized certification that allows professionals with master’s degrees advance their skills, knowledge, and professional development. A post-graduate certificate can help open the door to specialized areas of practice and provide new opportunities for career advancement.
WCU’s post-master’s certificate programs are completed through online coursework. Keep in mind that some in-person practice experience is necessary to complete your post-graduate certificate, but these can generally be completed through WCU-approved healthcare facilities within your local area.
Time for completion will vary depending on the specialty track you are pursuing for your
post-master’s certificate.
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available for those who qualify. Among the scholarships and grants offered are the Alumni Pathway Grant (covers up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Health Services Grant (covers up to 10% of tuition), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (covers up to 15% of tuition). For additional information and eligibility requirements, visit the of our online catalog.
We know online study can feel overwhelming at first if you’re not used to it. That’s why we make sure to provide support every step of the way. At WCU, we offer a wealth of online resources, 24/7 technical support, free tutoring, and your own personal Student Success advisor. Additionally, our professors provide one-on-one mentoring and typically respond to student questions within 24 hours.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 ().
1 The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 ().
2 Students enrolled through the Orange County campus must complete their OSIs in California. Students enrolled through the Texas campus must complete them in Texas. Travel costs are not included in tuition and fees, and students are responsible for arranging transportation.
3 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
WCU Distance education programs are delivered out of the California and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.
Practice Experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP degree and Post-Master’s certificate programs.