Credits required
Varies
Cost per-credit*
$353.50
Delivery
Online
Start Terms
Varies
Online Graduate Certificates in Nursing
Post-Master’s Credentials | Flexible Online and Hybrid Options | CCNE-Accredited
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Enhance your nursing career with a graduate certificate from the University of Nevada, Reno. Designed for MSN-prepared registered nurses, the University’s post-master’s certificate programs help you develop specialized clinical or academic expertise. Whether you’re looking to become a nurse practitioner, lead in healthcare systems or pursue a path in nursing education, these certificate programs help you gain advanced knowledge in high-demand areas of the profession.
Each nursing certificate program supports nursing professionals in pursuing new credentials, expanding their scope of practice and preparing for national certification in advanced practice roles. The Orvis School of Nursing offers a flexible range of certificates in nursing options to help you reach your goals while continuing to serve your community.
*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include student fees or differential tuition. Please note everyone's net tuition costs are specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Why Choose the Orvis School of Nursing’s Graduate Nursing Certificates?
Each graduate certificate in nursing provides a focused path for MSN-prepared nurses to advance their career, meet national certification requirements or transition into leadership roles in healthcare and education.
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Online and hybrid delivery formats available across different programs
- Practice-based learning with clinical opportunities in Nevada
- Faculty with experience in advanced practice, leadership and education
- Programs aligned with current healthcare workforce needs and career opportunities in primary care, mental health, acute care and nurse education
Certificate Program Overview
The Orvis School of Nursing offers a variety of post-graduate APRN certificate programs and specialty-focused nursing certificates. These programs allow students to build on an existing degree in nursing, sharpen clinical skills and prepare for national exams.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into one of the University of Nevada, Reno’s graduate nursing certificate programs, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A completed Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited institution
- A current, unrestricted RN license (Nevada licensure eligibility may be required for clinical components)
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in graduate-level coursework
Prospective students are encouraged to speak with an advisor for further clarification on admission requirements for each certificate program of interest.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition is calculated at $353.50 per credit. Total cost depends on the number of credits required for your chosen program.
- Family Nurse Practitioner: $5,852–$11,360
- PMHNP: $9,983
- AGACNP: $5,852–$8,951
- Nurse Educator: $5,852
- Clinical Nurse Leader: $5,164
*Based on current base in-state tuition; excludes additional fees.
For information about financial aid eligibility or tuition assistance, students should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Certificate programs may be eligible for employer reimbursement, private scholarships, or loan repayment programs depending on individual circumstances.
Program Duration & Format
A post-graduate certificate program typically takes one year to complete if attending full-time and up to two years for nurses pursuing the program part-time while working. Coursework is delivered through an online learning platform, and clinical experiences are coordinated in partnership with healthcare facilities throughout Nevada when applicable.
Capstone and practicum experiences focus on real-world healthcare challenges and support nurses in gaining applied, hands-on expertise in their area of focus.
| Certificate | Delivery Format* | Credits | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) | Online and/or Hybrid | 17–26 | Credentialing in acute care nurse practitioner roles |
| Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) | Online and/or Hybrid | ||
| Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) | Online and/or Hybrid | 15 | Certification eligibility in nurse leadership |
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | Online and/or Hybrid | 17–33 | Certification as a family nurse practitioner |
| Nurse Educator | Online and/or Hybrid | 17 | Preparation for certificate in nursing education |
| Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP) | Online and/or Hybrid | 15 | Preparation for the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam |
| Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) | Online and/or Hybrid | 29 | Certification in psychiatric mental health |
Career Pathways
Each certificate program provides preparation for specialized career tracks within the field of nursing:
- FNP: Practice as a primary care nurse practitioner
- PMHNP: Provide community-based psychiatric mental health services
- AGACNP: Deliver care as an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- Nurse Educator: Pursue faculty positions in nursing education
- CNL: Lead clinical quality improvement in healthcare systems
These post-master’s certificate programs are designed to prepare nurses for national board exams and expanded scope of practice.
Faculty & Student Support
Students in the nursing certificate program have access to:
- Individual academic advising based on certificate track
- Practicum coordination support for eligible clinical placements
- Online access to academic resources, writing tools and peer support
- Guidance from faculty with deep experience in advanced nursing and graduate nursing education
The Orvis School of Nursing foster a learning environment where certificate students are supported from enrollment through program completion.
Accreditation & Compliance
The Orvis School of Nursing’s graduate certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and meet national standards for post-graduate APRN certificate education. Clinical components of eligible programs must follow the regulatory requirements of the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
Note: Students planning to enroll in a learning placement outside the state of Nevada must contact their college for approval.
Advance Your Nursing Career with a Post-Master’s Certificate
The Orvis School of Nursing offers a variety of graduate certificate programs designed to help registered nurses enhance their knowledge, expand their scope of practice and prepare for advanced roles in clinical care, education and leadership. Whether you're interested in becoming a family nurse practitioner, nurse educator or acute care nurse practitioner, a nursing certificate from the University of Nevada, Reno gives you the academic foundation to lead with confidence.
Why choose the University of Nevada, Reno for your Graduate Certificated in Nursing?
Earn an online Graduate Certificate in Nursing from Nevada Online and advance your career in specialized nursing areas. Offered by the University of Nevada, Reno's Orvis School of Nursing, these flexible programs prepare you for leadership, education or nurse practitioner roles. Complete your certificate online or through hybrid options and gain advanced knowledge in high-demand fields. Apply now or connect with an advisor.
Benefits of learning online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Most nursing graduate certificates can be completed in one year if studying full-time, or up to two years part-time.
Many programs are delivered online or in hybrid formats. Campus visits may not be required for most programs, but students should confirm with an advisor.
Yes. Each certificate is designed for nurses seeking eligibility for national certification in their chosen field. Students should verify certification requirements with the appropriate national body.
Some certificate coursework may align with DNP program requirements. Students should contact an advisor to explore future degree program pathways.