Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Online

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.

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leader
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

How Much Does the Post-Master’s Certificate Program Cost?

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 West Coast University.

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leader
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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):

1. Completion of the application for admission.
2. Completion of all university admissions requirements.
3. Submission of official transcripts with proof of a conferred Master of Science (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program, with a 3.0 GPA or better.
   1. Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period to be admitted to the program.
4. A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
   1. Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
   2. An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
   3. A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.

^*Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.

PMC Additional Admissions 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:

1. Recommendation for admission by the program dean/director and admission committee members. Past academic performance and professional achievements will be evaluated using a rubric to determine the applicant’s level of qualification.
2. A valid and unencumbered license as an RN in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes practicum experiences.
3. Applicants who have been dismissed from a previous WCU nurse practitioner program track do not qualify for admission into any of the Post-Master’s Certificate APRN tracks.
4. Applicants will have a formal transfer of credit gap analysis prior to acceptance of admission.
5. Applicants who do not meet full admissions criteria will not be considered.
6. Applicants to the APRN tracks must have a minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care RN experience before entering APRN core courses as verified using the experience verification form.
7. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Track applicants must have one (1) year of intensive care unit (ICU) experience as a registered nurse (RN) within the past 5 years prior to admission as verified using the experience verification form.
8. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track applicants must have one (1) year of registered nurse (RN) experience in direct patient care or a minimum of six (6) months of direct patient care experience in psychiatric mental health nursing (preferred) within the last 5 years prior to admission as verified using the experience verification form.
9. All students will be required to complete the Supplemental Application Form.

 For additional information, please visit our catalog.