Nursing

Post-MSN Certificate Program FAQ

Individuals with a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally and ACEN (formerly NLNAC) or CCNE accredited institution can apply for the post-master's certificate programs.

The courses you took as part of your MSN will determine the curriculum of your post-master's certificate. You will be required to take only the courses in your specialty that you did not complete as part of your previous degree. For this reason, the curriculum is highly individualized.

Students can choose a full- or part-time courseload. Once advisors review your master's coursework and determine which classes you must take, you will be able to forecast how long the program will take to complete.

Several post-master's specialties require certification to work as an advanced practice nurse in those areas. Check the program page of your specialty of interest for more information.

Post-master's certificate students are not eligible for funding through the college or the federal government. Students can seek external funding from scholarships or their employer through benefits programs.

Yes, current advanced-practice nurses with at least one year of APRN experience in their specialty can earn an additional specialty with their DNP by combining the a post-MSN certificate with the post-MSN DNP program.

Those interested in this pathway must apply to the specialty-specific BSN to DNP program. Individuals are considered for advanced standing (transfer credit) for their MSN-level core coursework only after they are admitted to the program.

The following specialties are eligible:

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
  • Family NP
  • Pediatric Acute Care NP
  • Psych-Mental Health NP

With the exception of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP program, coursework can be taken up to 100% online; however, the post-MSN DNP requires two site visits throughout the program. Students have the opportunity to visit campus three times:

  • Students attend a one- or two-day orientation in the first fall semester of their program. This is a mandatory site visit for all new DNP students.  
  • Students can attend a DNP summer workshop. This half-day workshop focuses on understanding, preparing, writing and presenting the DNP project. This event is optional, but highly encouraged to help create a successful DNP project.
  • Students must visit campus during their final semester to defend their DNP project.