Online graduate certificate programs in nursing offer specialized education that empowers nurses to advance their careers and pursue focused roles in leadership, education, and clinical specialties. These programs help prepare nurses for roles such as nurse educator (median salary of $80,780) and advanced practice registered nurse ($129,480).
Whether you want to step into leadership, teach the next generation of nurses, or deepen your knowledge in a high-demand sector, these programs provide the skills and credentials needed to stand out.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Nursing degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 10 Online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
University of Connecticut
Intelligent Score: 99.91In-state: $14,406
Out-of-state: $37,074
In-state: $16,908
Out-of-state: $16,908
SAT: 1170-1390
ACT: 27-32
We've awarded our Intelligent Pick for the best online graduate certificate in nursing program to the University of Connecticut, which offers a Holistic Nursing Online Graduate Certificate. This nine-credit online graduate certificate teaches students about the core principles of Holistic Nursing, the theories and perceptions of Holistic Nursing, and the skills needed for integrative health approaches. This specialized course can be completed in about one year and is designed for Registered Nurses who already have a bachelor's degree or higher. This course is considered to be specialized owing to the fact that Holistic Nursing is not usually covered by standard nursing programs at other institutions.
$925
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
9
Stony Brook School of Nursing
Intelligent Score: 97.99In-state: $7,070
Out-of-state: $24,740
In-state: $11,310
Out-of-state: $11,310
SAT: 1230-1440
ACT: 26-32
The most affordable online graduate certificate in Nursing program on our list is the Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education program offered by the Stony Brook University's School of Nursing. This program is a 20-credit program that costs students $565 per credit. This online certificate program helps prepare nurse-educators to teach both new and advanced nurses. In the program, students will learn skills such as how to integrate scientific research to improve nursing care, how to demonstrate proper leadership, how to utilize data and information to achieve health outcomes, and more. Students must have completed a master's degree in nursing, maintained a GPA of 3.0, and have a current Registered Nurse license.
$565
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
20
Saint Louis University
Intelligent Score: 97.33In-state: $46,400
Out-of-state: $46,400
In-state: $21,420
Out-of-state: $21,420
SAT: 1160-1370
ACT: 25-31
The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate program offered by Saint Louis University is the top online graduate certificate in nursing from a private institution. The program helps students prepare to provide health care to patients of all ages. As part of the curriculum, students will learn how to assess and manage acute and chronic health issues, consult and refer patients within the health care system, and help prevent diseases. In order to be admitted to this postgraduate program, students must have completed their master's degree in a nursing specialty, have a cumulative GPA of 3.20, experience in an advanced practice role in nursing, and have completed a graduate-level physiology or pathophysiology course.
$1,250
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
20-37
Duquesne University School of Nursing
Intelligent Score: 95.76In-state: $41,892
Out-of-state: $41,892
In-state: $24,048
Out-of-state: $24,048
SAT: 1120-1270
ACT: 23-28
Some students want to get their education from an institution that matches their religious beliefs, and Duquesne University, a Catholic institution, offers just that - an online graduate certificate in nursing. The program has several specialization certificates that students can choose from to ensure their education aligns with their career goals. These certificates include subjects like Forensic Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management, Nurse Education and Faculty Role, Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program is designed to help students build upon their existing nursing education and advance their career in health care.
$1,699
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
15-33
Winona State University
Intelligent Score: 94.6In-state: $7,712
Out-of-state: $13,903
In-state: $7,710
Out-of-state: $7,710
SAT: 960-1130
ACT: 19-25
The postgraduate certificate in nursing offered by Winona State University is the best postgraduate certificate program offered by a public institution. The school offers a wide variety of online certificate options for students to choose from to continue to advance in their nursing careers. Students can choose from six different certificates: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing and Organizational Leadership, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The university also offers students the chance to take classes before they are accepted and earn up to 12 credits that count toward graduation, as well as the opportunity to earn credit by submitting a portfolio that shows prior learning and professional experiences that fulfill program requirements.
In-State: $462
Out-of-State: $697
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
24-Dec
Clarkson College
Intelligent Score: 93.85In-state: $14,119
Out-of-state: $14,119
In-state: $17,121
Out-of-state: $17,121
SAT: 1190 and 1370
ACT: 25-30
For adult learners who are looking for a part-time certificate in Nursing program, Clarkson College offers a postgraduate certificate program with several options for part-time students. Students who enroll in the program can choose from several verticals within the program, including Nursing Healthcare Administration, Nursing Education, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner. Each track has its own specialized online curriculum, and students can complete their in-person clinical requirements in their own region. The online program is 33 credit hours and costs students $718 per credit.
$718
Online
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
33
University of North Georgia
Intelligent Score: 92.07In-state: $3,969
Out-of-state: $14,123
In-state: $4,140
Out-of-state: $4,140
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$303
Online
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
16
University of Kansas
Intelligent Score: 90.98In-state: $10,092
Out-of-state: $26,960
In-state: $9,989
Out-of-state: $9,989
SAT: 1070-1320
ACT: 22-29
The online graduate certificate in Nursing program with the most flexible admissions is the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Kansas University Online. The main goals of this program include teaching students how to apply research skills in various health care systems, to demonstrate professional values in advanced nursing practice roles, to communicate and collaborate with colleagues, and to integrate science-based theories to provide leadership in the health care system. To be eligible for this certificate program, students must have a master's degree in Nursing and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program can be between 37 and 39 credit hours depending on your speciality and costs students just over $421 per credit.
$421
Online, On-campus
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
24
University of Arizona
Intelligent Score: 90.84In-state: $10,990
Out-of-state: $33,273
In-state: $11,938
Out-of-state: $11,938
SAT: 1090-1350
ACT: 21-29
For adult learners looking to earn their postgraduate certificate in Nursing and who need a flexible program that works for their schedule, the University of Arizona offers a quality program that ranks in the top 1% in the country. This certificate program is a part-time program that takes four semesters to complete and requires 31 credit hours along with 540 clinical hours. The cost for the program is $1,053 per credit, and a Master of Science in Nursing is required for admission to the program. Courses in the curriculum for this program include health assessment, pediatric health assessment, advanced primary care, and more. The goal of the certificate course is to prepare students to take a Family Nurse Practitioner national board-certifying examination.
$1,053
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
31
Ball State University
Intelligent Score: 88.54In-state: $9,482
Out-of-state: $26,470
In-state: $9,328
Out-of-state: $9,328
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
The postmaster's certificate in Nursing online program offered by Ball State University is the best online graduate certificate in Nursing program in the Midwest. Students in this program will learn how to diagnose and treat acute illnesses, infections, and injuries; write prescriptions; educate patients about managing their health; design patient treatment plans; and order and read diagnostic tests. In order to qualify for this program, students must have completed a master's degree in Nursing. The course consists of between 13 and 23 credit hours, and students must complete supervised clinical hours in a primary care setting.
In-State: $451
Out-of-State: $676
Online
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
13-23
What You Should Know About an Online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Program
There are plenty of other degrees and certificates in the medical field you can pursue, such as clinical laboratory science, cytotechnology, radiology, pharmacy, and audiology, among others. However, while nursing is a more general degree for overall patient care, these other programs typically require more specific science and technology courses.
Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
To be accepted into a graduate certicate in nursing program, you will likely need to possess a bachelor’s in nursing degree already.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online graduate certificate in nursing programs:
- What licensing or certifications are required? To become a registered nurse, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). CPR, basic life support, and other certifications may also be necessary depending on the area of work you want to pursue after graduation.
- How long does it take to complete this online program? Depending on the program and credit requirements, the timeline ranges from one to three semesters.
As you research individual programs to determine which is the best fit for you, keep track of application deadlines and admission requirements. Having an organized system for this information will make it easier for you to apply successfully when the time comes. Also, take note of the cost per credit at each institution to get a sense of the expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online graduate certificate in nursing?
These programs provide opportunities for specialized career paths, allowing you to advance your expertise in your chosen field. This might mean securing roles in nursing education, healthcare informatics, gerontology, pediatrics, or mental health. Overall, an online graduate certificate in nursing program will prepare you to excel in high-demand, niche areas, which may lead to leadership roles or further academic pursuits.
Are online graduate certificate in nursing programs as credible as on-campus programs?
Yes, these online certificate programs are often just as credible as their on-campus counterparts. Many share the same faculty, curriculum, and high standards, providing an identical education. The most noticeable difference, of course, lies in delivery: online programs offer flexibility but require greater self-discipline compared to traditional, on-campus learning.
Be sure to double-check accreditation, as this guarantees that your education meets industry standards and will be recognized by future employers. All our top picks are fully accredited, so you can be confident you’re receiving a high-quality education that will support your nursing career advancement.
How long does it take to complete an online graduate certificate in nursing program?
The length of an online graduate certificate in nursing program depends on the number of required credits, which often range from 15 to 33. For full-time students, this usually takes one to two years to complete. Part-time students will likely take longer depending on their course load and personal schedule.
Since these timelines can vary so significantly, it’s important to review specific requirements to plan accordingly.
Are there specialization options within online graduate certificate in nursing programs?
Many online graduate certificate in nursing programs offer specialization options in areas like nurse education, gerontology, acute care, mental health, and nurse leadership. These focused certificates allow nurses to build expertise in high-demand sectors, preparing them for advanced roles specific to their interests and career goals. By gaining specialized skills and knowledge, graduates become more competitive candidates for positions in their chosen fields, improving job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
What is the cost of an online graduate certificate in nursing?
The cost of these programs varies significantly, depending on the program and credit requirements. Most certificates require 15 to 33 credits, and the cost per credit can range from $565 to $1,700 or more.
When researching programs, evaluating the full cost, including fees, is essential to ensure it fits your budget. Speaking with a financial aid counselor will allow you to explore potential scholarships, grants, or other financial assistance options that may help offset costs and make earning your certificate more affordable.