Post-Master's Certificate Programs

A post-master's specialty certificate that prepares advanced practice nurses to become AGCNSs and specialize in the management and assist in the provision of care for acutely and chronically ill adults

• Hybrid format that takes two years (full-time) to complete
• Graduates are eligible for the adult-gerontology acute care CNS certification exam administered by AACN or ANCC
• Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
• Application deadline: January 5

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The AGCNS post-master's certificate program is for advanced practice nurses who have already earned a master's degree in another specialty area who seek the additional specialty certification the AGCNS post-master's certificate offers.

Nurses who have earned an AGCNS specialty certification are advanced practice nurses specially prepared to manage adult patients in acute, critical, and specialty care units. UVA's program emphasizes the advanced theoretical knowledge, practice and skills needed to manage adult gerontology patients through all phases of their hospitalization and follow-up. AGCNS students also develop exceptional diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills, strategies to communicate and collaborate with clinicians and health care team members, and the ability to manage and monitor clinical outcomes. A keen focus on evidenced-based practice, quality improvement through system-based leadership, teaching and clinical research are also hallmarks.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the post-master's certificate, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application
• Possess an active state license and certification to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse at program start
• Have a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school (CCNE or ACEN)
• Have completed three separate comprehensive graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
• Hold an unencumbered RN license in the US at the time of application. All matriculating students who are not active-duty military nurses must have a Virginia RN license before the first day of classes.
• Have at least 1 year of full-time RN practice
• Submit three satisfactory recommendations (academic, professional, and clinical), one of which should be from an APRN
• Submit a resume or CV
• Be available for an interview, if requested
• International applicants have additional application requirements

Please note:

• UVA no longer requires GRE scores as a component of the application
• Students in UVA's post-master's certificate programs at UVA are ineligible for scholarship assistance or student loans. University aid is restricted to those who are enrolled in degree programs (MSN, DNP, PhD, etc.)
• Applicants who are master’s prepared and currently certified as nurse practitioners are not required to re-take advanced pharmacology (GNUR 6020), advanced pathophysiology (GNUR 6010), and advanced health assessment (GNUR 6025)—the “3 Ps”—or APRN Roles (GNUR 6031). The academic history of other advanced practice registered nurses will be examined on a case-by-case basis. Any of the 3 Ps not showing on the applicant’s transcript will need to be completed in order to receive a post-master’s certificate

Classes

Coursework is designed with working nurses in mind, and is in hybrid format. Full-time students begin study in the fall, and complete the AGCNS post-master's certificate in two years, including summer session in year 1. In the second year, in addition to the didactic component, clinical practica are held as students' and preceptors' schedules permit.

The UVA School of Nursing is a leader in integrating compassionate care and the central precepts of palliative care into the education of future nurses and advanced practice nurses. Students who attend UVA can be mentored by a growing faculty of over 15 national and international experts in palliative care—educators, clinicians, researchers. Great opportunity awaits the student to develop palliative care as a specialty in their practice—across the lifespan and all care settings. This experience is enriched by the student's access to other disciplinary programs across the University such as religion, ethics, contemplative sciences, mindfulness, and medicine.

Clinical Rotations

Students complete over 500 clinical hours in the AGCNS track in two semester-long preceptorships, the first of which is typically completed at the top-ranked UVA Health University Medical Center. The second practicum may be completed at another facility in Virginia with prior arrangement of the program coordinator and based upon optimal learning experiences, students' requests, interagency contracts, and availability.

Students determine their specialization focus (e.g., cardiology, digestive health, nephrology, neurology, oncology, surgical-trauma, etc.) and learn to provide care across the lifespan and care settings within this specialty.

All clinical/practicum activities are generally conducted within Virginia but may be done outside Virginia if the University is authorized to place students in that state and pending faculty approval.

Apply

A post-master's specialty certificate that prepares advanced practice nurses to become AGACNPs and specialize in caring for patients with acute and chronic illnesses

• Hybrid format that takes two years (full-time) to complete
• Graduates are eligible for the adult-gerontology acute care NP certification exam administered by AACN or ANCC
• Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
• Application deadline: January 5 for entry the following fall

Apply

The AGACNP post-master's certificate program is for advanced practice nurses who have already earned a master's degree in another specialty area and seek the additional specialty certification the AGACNP post-master's certificate offers.

AGACNPs are advanced practice nurses prepared to manage adolescent and adult gerontology patients with acute or critical illness or injury and/or chronic disease across the trajectory of their care needs. UVA's program emphasizes the advanced theoretical knowledge, practice and skills, and systems’ leadership needed to manage these patients and their families for optimal outcomes. AGACNP students also develop exceptional diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills, preparation for prescriptive authority, strategies to communicate and collaborate with clinicians and all members of the interdisciplinary team, and the ability to manage and improve clinical outcomes. A keen focus on evidenced-based practice, teaching and clinical research are also program hallmarks.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the post-master's certificate, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application
• Possess an active state license and certification to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse at program start
• Have a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school (CCNE or ACEN)
• Have completed three separate comprehensive graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
• Hold an unencumbered RN license in the US at the time of application.  All matriculating students who are not active-duty military nurses must have a Virginia RN license before the first day of classes.
• Have at least 1 year of full-time RN practice
• Submit three satisfactory recommendations (academic, professional, and clinical), one of which should be from an APRN
• Submit a resume or CV
• Be available for an interview, if requested
• International applicants have additional requirements

Please note:

• UVA no longer requires GRE scores as a component of the application
• Students in UVA's post-master's certificate programs at UVA are ineligible for scholarship assistance or student loans. University aid is restricted to those who are enrolled in degree programs (MSN, DNP, PhD, etc.)
• Applicants who are master’s prepared and currently certified as nurse practitioners are not required to re-take advanced pharmacology (GNUR 6020), advanced pathophysiology (GNUR 6010), and advanced health assessment (GNUR 6025)—the “3 Ps”—or APRN Roles (GNUR 6031). The academic history of other advanced practice registered nurses will be examined on a case-by-case basis. Any of the 3 Ps not showing on the applicant’s transcript will need to be completed in order to receive a post-master’s certificate

Classes

Coursework is designed with working nurses in mind, and is in hybrid format. Full-time students begin study in the fall, and complete the AGACNP post-master's certificate in two years, including summer session in year 1. In the second year, in addition to the didactic component, clinical practica are held as students' and preceptors' schedules permit.

The UVA School of Nursing is a leader in integrating compassionate care and the central precepts of palliative care into the education of future nurses and advanced practice nurses. Students who attend UVA can be mentored by a growing faculty of over 15 national and international experts in palliative care—educators, clinicians, researchers. Great opportunity awaits the student to develop palliative care as a specialty in their practice—across the lifespan and all care settings. This experience is enriched by the student's access to other disciplinary programs across the University such as religion, ethics, contemplative sciences, mindfulness, and medicine.

Clinical Rotations

Students complete over 500 clinical hours in the AGACNP track in two semester-long preceptorships, the first of which is typically completed at top-ranked UVA Health University Medical Center. The second practicum may be completed at another facility in Virginia with prior arrangement of the program coordinator and based upon optimal learning experiences, students' requests, interagency contracts, and availability.

All clinical/practicum activities are generally conducted within Virginia but may be done outside Virginia if the University is authorized to place students in that state and pending faculty approval.

Apply

Preparing students to provide care to vulnerable infants and children across a variety of settings, both inpatient and outpatient.

• Hybrid format is designed for the needs of working nurses
• Graduates are eligible for the NNP certification exam administered by NCC
• Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
• Application deadline: January 5

The NNP post-master's certificate program is for advanced practice nurses who have already earned a master's degree in another specialty area and seek the additional specialty certification that the NNP post-master's certificate offers.

UVA School of Nursing is dedicated to providing exceptional, affordable education guided by AACN and NANN standards, preparing neonatal nurse practitioners as leaders, scholars, and expert licensed independent practitioners in the care of neonates and children up to age two.

Apply

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the NNP post-master's certificate, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application
• Possess an active state license and certification to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse at program start
• Have a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school (CCNE or ACEN)
• Have completed three separate comprehensive graduate-level courses in: advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
• Hold an unencumbered RN license in the US at the time of application.  All matriculating students who are not active-duty military nurses must have a Virginia RN license before the first day of classes.
• Submit three satisfactory recommendations (academic, professional, and clinical), one of which should be from an APRN
• Submit a resume or CV
• Be available for an interview, if requested
• International applicants have additional admissions requirements

Please note:

• UVA no longer requires GRE scores as a component of the application
• Students in UVA's post-master's certificate programs at UVA are ineligible for scholarship assistance or student loans. University aid is restricted to those who are enrolled in degree programs (MSN, DNP, PhD, etc.)
• Applicants who are master’s prepared and currently certified as nurse practitioners are not required to re-take advanced pharmacology (GNUR 6020), advanced pathophysiology (GNUR 6010), and advanced health assessment (GNUR 6025)—the “3 Ps”—or APRN Roles (GNUR 6031). The academic history of other advanced practice registered nurses will be examined on a case-by-case basis. Any of the 3 Ps not showing on the applicant’s transcript will need to be completed in order to receive a post-master’s certificate

Classes

• GNUR 6730 Genetics, Embryology & Developmental Physiology (2 credits)
• GNUR 6621 NNP Seminar I: Theory and Management of the Transitioning Neonate (3 credits)
• GNUR 6622 NNP Seminar II: Theory and Management of the High-Risk Neonate (3 credits)
• GNUR 6623 NNP Seminar III: Theory and Management of the High-Risk Neonate (3 credits)
• GNUR 6624 NNP Practicum I (1 credit)
• GNUR 6625 NNP Practicum II (5 credits)
• GNUR 6626 NNP Practicum III (5 credits)

Clinical Rotations

Students complete 600 clinical hours in the NNP track. Clinical placement sites are established with collaboration between the student and faculty and are assigned based upon optimal learning experiences, students' requests, and availability. All clinical/practicum activities are generally conducted within Virginia. Clinical/practice activities may be conducted outside Virginia if the University is authorized to place students in that state and pending faculty approval.

Apply

Preparing nurses in advanced practice roles to promote and maintain health and to prevent, detect and treat acute and chronic mental illness.

• Part-time class 1x/semester
• Graduates eligible for the PMHNP certification exam administered by ANCC
• Active APRNs may satisfy clinical rotation hours in their home communities
• Application deadline: January 5

Apply

The PMHNP post-master's certificate program is for advanced practice nurses who have already earned a master's degree in another specialty area who seek the additional specialty certification the PMHNP post-master's certificate offers.

The psychiatric-mental health nursing track emphasizes the preparation of advanced practice nurses to promote and maintain health and to prevent, detect and treat acute and chronic mental illness. Addressing the needs of underserved, rural populations is highlighted throughout the program.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the PMHNP post-master's certificate, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application
• Possess an active state license and certification to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse at program start
• Have a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school (CCNE or ACEN)
• Have completed three separate comprehensive graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
• Hold an unencumbered RN license in the US at the time of application.  All matriculating students who are not active-duty military nurses must have a Virginia RN license before the first day of classes
• Have at least one year of full-time RN experience (previous mental health experience is helpful)
• Submit three satisfactory recommendations (academic, professional, and clinical), one of which should be from an APRN
• Submit a resume or CV
• Be available for an interview, if requested
• International applicants have additional admissions requirements

Please note:

• UVA no longer requires GRE scores as a component of the application
• Students in UVA's post-master's certificate programs at UVA are ineligible for scholarship assistance or student loans. University aid is restricted to those who are enrolled in degree programs (MSN, DNP, PhD, etc.)
• Applicants who are master’s prepared and currently certified as nurse practitioners are not required to re-take advanced pharmacology (GNUR 6020), advanced pathophysiology (GNUR 6010), and advanced health assessment (GNUR 6025)—the “3 Ps”—or APRN Roles (GNUR 6031). The academic history of other advanced practice registered nurses will be examined on a case-by-case basis. Any of the 3 Ps not showing on the applicant’s transcript will need to be completed in order to receive a post-master’s certificate
• The University is establishing regulations to support out-of-state students for distance-learning. If you are a non-Virginian student interested in enrolling in a distance-learning program, please contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at nursing-admissions@virginia.edu to see if you are eligible to enroll.

Classes

Designed with working nurses in mind, the PMHNP post-master's certificate program is entirely online with live, synchronous lectures that take place once a week and are also broadcast live online. Building on the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of the BSN-prepared nurse, the PMHNP seminars focus on assessment and management of serious mental illness. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of neuro-biologic, psychosocial, and psychiatric nursing knowledge in delivery of care to individuals experiencing a wide range of psychiatric, mental health disorders.

Students who have already earned generalist MSN degrees that are not APRNs and need to take graduate advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced physical health assessment are taught live, in-person at UVA School of Nursing in Charlottesville only. Applicants interested in the online/distance learning option should indicate this in the goals statement part of the application.

All graduate nursing students are required to have a laptop; information about these requirements will be sent to enrolling students before classes begin. 

Clinical Rotations

While the School does not provide clinical assignments for students, faculty and staff help students coordinate and secure them. Those who have completed an MSN in PMH nursing take 280 or more additional clinical practicum hours for PMHNP preparation (GNUR 7254). Those who have an MSN in a clinical area other than PMH will complete at least 500 clinical hours for NP preparation as GNUR 7251 (fall) and GNUR 7254 (spring).

All clinical/practicum activities are generally conducted within Virginia. Clinical/practice activities may be completed outside Virginia if the University is authorized to do so in that state and pending faculty approval.

Apply

Preparing students to be advanced practice nurses providing exceptional front-line care to children as clinicians, educators and researchers.

• Graduates are eligible for the PNP-PC certification exam administered by PNCB
• Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
• Application deadline: January 5

Apply

The PNP-PC post-master's certificate program is for advanced practice nurses who have already earned a master's degree in another specialty area and seek the additional specialty certification the PNP-PC post-master's certificate offers.

PNP-PCs keep our nation’s children emotionally and physically strong, conducting well-child visits, sick and episodic encounters, providing individual and family counseling, and teaching kids and their family and caregivers how to get and stay healthy. PNP-PCs also conduct home visits, perform research, provide education and leadership to impact public policy, and are prepared to practice autonomously, in collaboration with physicians or as members of interdisciplinary teams.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the PNP-PC post-master's certificate, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application
• Possess an active state license and certification to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse at program start
• Have a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school (CCNE or ACEN)
• Have completed three separate comprehensive graduate-level courses in: advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
• Hold an unencumbered RN license in the US at the time of application.  All matriculating students who are not active-duty military nurses must have a Virginia RN license before the first day of classes.
• Have at least 1 year of full-time RN practice
• Submit three satisfactory recommendations (academic, professional, and clinical), one of which should be from an APRN
• Submit a resume or CV
• Be available for an interview, if requested
• International applicants have additional admissions requirements

Please note:

• UVA no longer requires GRE scores as a component of the application
• Students in UVA's post-master's certificate programs at UVA are ineligible for scholarship assistance or student loans. University aid is restricted to those who are enrolled in degree programs (MSN, DNP, PhD, etc.)
• Applicants who are master’s prepared and currently certified as nurse practitioners are not required to re-take advanced pharmacology (GNUR 6020), advanced pathophysiology (GNUR 6010), and advanced health assessment (GNUR 6025)—the “3 Ps”—or APRN Roles (GNUR 6031). The academic history of other advanced practice registered nurses will be examined on a case-by-case basis. Any of the 3 Ps not showing on the applicant’s transcript will need to be completed in order to receive a post-master’s certificate
• The ANCC Commission on Certification retired the exam for the Pediatric Primary Care NP board certification after December 31, 2018. As of January 1, 2019, nurses seeking certification as a primary care PNP must apply to the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) for initial certification

Classes

Building on the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of the BSN-prepared nurse, the PNP-PC track emphasizes community-based primary health care for pediatric patients. Skills include identification of acute illnesses; nursing and medical management of commonly encountered acute and chronic illnesses in collaboration and consultation with an interdisciplinary team; development of a knowledgebase of community needs and resources available for health promotion; health teaching, guidance, and counseling of children and their families about illness and its prevention; and health promotion, maintenance, and management.

All graduate nursing students are required to have a laptop; information about these requirements will be sent to enrolling students before classes begin.

Clinical Rotations

Students complete over 600 clinical hours in the PNP-PC track, most in two semester-long preceptorships in the final two semesters of enrollment. Clinical placement sites are established with collaboration between the student and faculty and are assigned based upon optimal learning experiences, students' requests, and availability.

All clinical/practicum activities are generally conducted within Virginia. Clinical/practice activities may be completed outside Virginia if the University is authorized to do so in that state and pending faculty approval.

Apply

Preparing students to provide care as advance practice nurses to vulnerable pediatric populations across a multitude of inpatient and outpatient settings.

• Graduates are eligible for the PNP-AC certification exam administered by PNCB
• Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
• Application deadline: January 5

Apply

The PNP-AC post-master's certificate is for advanced practice nurses or nurses who have already earned a master's degree in another specialty area and seek the additional specialty certification that the PNP-AC post-master's certificate offers.

PNP-ACs—on the cutting edge of advanced practice—provide care to the most vulnerable pediatric populations across a multitude of inpatient and outpatient settings. UVA School of Nursing is dedicated to providing exceptional, affordable education in accordance with AACN, NONPF, and PNCB standards in the preparation of pediatric nurses as leaders, scholars, and expert licensed independent practitioners in the care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with acute, complex, critical, and chronic illness.

The PNP-Acute Care role is distinct from the PNP-Primary Care role in a number of ways, the most important of which has to do with patient acuity. PNP-ACs most typically care for pediatric patients with critical and complex, often life-limiting illnesses, and support family members and caregivers in their care as well.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the PNP-AC post-master's certificate, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application
• Possess an active state license and certification to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse at program start
• Have a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school (CCNE or ACEN)
• Have completed three separate comprehensive graduate-level courses in: advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology
• Hold an unencumbered RN license in the US at the time of application.  All matriculating students who are not active-duty military nurses must have a Virginia RN license before the first day of classes.
• Have at least 1 year of full-time RN practice
• Submit three satisfactory recommendations (academic, professional, and clinical), one of which should be from an APRN
• Submit a resume or CV
• Be available for an interview, if requested
• International applicants have additional admissions requirements

Please note:

• UVA no longer requires GRE scores as a component of the application
• Students in UVA's post-master's certificate programs at UVA are ineligible for scholarship assistance or student loans. University aid is restricted to those who are enrolled in degree programs (MSN, DNP, PhD, etc.)
• Applicants who are master’s prepared and currently certified as nurse practitioners are not required to re-take advanced pharmacology (GNUR 6020), advanced pathophysiology (GNUR 6010), and advanced health assessment (GNUR 6025)—the “3 Ps”—or APRN Roles (GNUR 6031). The academic history of other advanced practice registered nurses will be examined on a case-by-case basis. Any of the 3 Ps not showing on the applicant’s transcript will need to be completed in order to receive a post-master’s certificate

Classes

PNP-AC post-master's certificate students are required to take:

• GNUR 6730 Genetics, Embryology & Developmental Physiology (2 credits)
• GNUR 6620 Pediatric Health & Wellness (2 credits) - may be waived for practicing primary care PNPs
• GNUR 6632 PNP-AC Seminar II (3 credits)
• GNUR 6633 PNP-AC Seminar III (3 credits)
• GNUR 6634 PNP-AC Practicum I (1 credit) - may be waived for practicing primary care PNPs
• GNUR 6635 PNP-AC Practicum II (5 credits)
• GNUR 6636 PNP-AC Practicum III (5 credits)

All graduate nursing students are required to have a laptop; information about these requirements will be sent to enrolling students before classes begin. 

Clinical Rotations

PNP-AC post-master's certificate students complete 600 clinical hours while enrolled in the PNP-AC track, most in two semester-long preceptorships in the final two semesters of enrollment. Clinical placement sites are established with collaboration between the student and faculty and are assigned based upon optimal learning experiences, students' requests, and availability.

All clinical/practicum activities are generally conducted within the Virginia. Clinical/practice activities may be conducted outside Virginia if the University is authorized to place students in that state and pending faculty approval.

Apply

Post-Master's Certificate [part-time] - Fall and Spring Terms

Supplemental Fees

Post-Master's Certificate - January Term

Post-Master's Certificate - Summer Term

Cost of estimated living expenses for graduate students (2024-2025)