Online Graduate Certificates in Nursing

Post-Master’s Credentials | Flexible Online & Hybrid Options | CCNE-Accredited | Term Start Date Varies

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Enhance your nursing career with a graduate certificate from the University of Nevada, Reno. Designed for post-MSN- or DNP-prepared registered nurses, the University’s advanced graduate 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.

Learn more about tuition and fees.

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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.

Tuition & Financial Aid

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.

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.

Program Duration & Format

A post-graduate certificate program typically takes 3-6 semesters to complete 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 Outcome
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) Online Credentialing in acute care nurse practitioner roles
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Online Certification eligibility in nurse leadership
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online Certification as a family nurse practitioner
Nurse Educator Online Preparation for certificate in nursing education
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP) Online Preparation for the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) Online Certification in psychiatric mental health

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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.

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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.

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Why choose the University of Nevada, Reno for your Graduate Certificate 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