Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Preparing students to be advanced practice nurses delivering care across the continuum as key members of 21st century health care teams
Advance practice nurses, including clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners, often seek post-master's certificates when they want to increase the span of their expertise and specialty area in order to care for a broader range of patients outside the populations they currently work in. Post-master's students also often seek preparation for specialty exams so they may earn additional credentials.
- Ranked among the top 3% of American graduate nursing MSN programs
- Six specialty post-master's certificate specialty tracks (listed below)
- Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
- Application deadline: January 5 for entry the following fall
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
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 graduate 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
- All graduate nursing students, except those in the CNL master’s-entry program, active-duty military nurses, and PhD students, are required to have an active, unencumbered nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact license from the state in which they reside. We will not accept international nursing licenses
- 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.)
- Upon admission to the program, the School will complete a transcript (gap) analysis for all students to ensure eligibility for national certification upon program completion
Classes
Designed with working nurses in mind, the APRN curriculum is offered in an executive hybrid format with students coming to Grounds roughly once a month for engaging, hands-on learning activities.
Clinical Rotations
Students complete over 500 clinical hours to satisfy national certification requirements for their advanced practice specialty. All clinical/practicum activities are facilitated by UVA School of Nursing faculty members who collaborate with students to ensure a high, quality precepted learning experience.
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
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 graduate 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
- All graduate nursing students, except those in the CNL master’s-entry program, active-duty military nurses, and PhD students, are required to have an active, unencumbered nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact license from the state in which they reside. We will not accept international nursing licenses
- 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.)
- Upon admission to the program, the School will complete a transcript (gap) analysis for all students to ensure eligibility for national certification upon program completion
Classes
Designed with working nurses in mind, the APRN curriculum is offered in an executive hybrid format with students coming to Grounds roughly once a month for engaging, hands-on learning activities.
Clinical Rotations
Students complete over 500 clinical hours to satisfy national certification requirements for their advanced practice specialty. All clinical/practicum activities are facilitated by UVA School of Nursing faculty members who collaborate with students to ensure a high, quality precepted learning experience.
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 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 graduate 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
- All graduate nursing students, except those in the CNL master’s-entry program, active-duty military nurses, and PhD students, are required to have an active, unencumbered nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact license from the state in which they reside. We will not accept international nursing licenses
- 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.)
- Upon admission to the program, the School will complete a transcript (gap) analysis for all students to ensure eligibility for national certification upon program completion
Classes
Designed with working nurses in mind, the APRN curriculum is offered in an executive hybrid format with students coming to Grounds roughly once a month for engaging, hands-on learning activities.
Clinical Rotations
Students complete over 500 clinical hours to satisfy national certification requirements for their advanced practice specialty. All clinical/practicum activities are facilitated by UVA School of Nursing faculty members who collaborate with students to ensure a high, quality precepted learning experience.
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 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 graduate 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
- All graduate nursing students, except those in the CNL master’s-entry program, active-duty military nurses, and PhD students, are required to have an active, unencumbered nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact license from the state in which they reside. We will not accept international nursing licenses
- 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.)
- Upon admission to the program, the School will complete a transcript (gap) analysis for all students to ensure eligibility for national certification upon program completion
Classes
Designed with working nurses in mind, the APRN curriculum is offered in an executive hybrid format with students coming to Grounds roughly once a month for engaging, hands-on learning activities.
Clinical Rotations
Students complete over 500 clinical hours to satisfy national certification requirements for their advanced practice specialty. All clinical/practicum activities are facilitated by UVA School of Nursing faculty members who collaborate with students to ensure a high, quality precepted learning experience.
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
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 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 graduate 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
- All graduate nursing students, except those in the CNL master’s-entry program, active-duty military nurses, and PhD students, are required to have an active, unencumbered nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact license from the state in which they reside. We will not accept international nursing licenses
- 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.)
- Upon admission to the program, the School will complete a transcript (gap) analysis for all students to ensure eligibility for national certification upon program completion
Classes
Designed with working nurses in mind, the APRN curriculum is offered in an executive hybrid format with students coming to Grounds roughly once a month for engaging, hands-on learning activities.
Clinical Rotations
Students complete over 500 clinical hours to satisfy national certification requirements for their advanced practice specialty. All clinical/practicum activities are facilitated by UVA School of Nursing faculty members who collaborate with students to ensure a high, quality precepted learning experience.
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
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 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 graduate 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
- All graduate nursing students, except those in the CNL master’s-entry program, active-duty military nurses, and PhD students, are required to have an active, unencumbered nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact license from the state in which they reside. We will not accept international nursing licenses
- 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.)
- Upon admission to the program, the School will complete a transcript (gap) analysis for all students to ensure eligibility for national certification upon program completion
Classes
Designed with working nurses in mind, the APRN curriculum is offered in an executive hybrid format with students coming to Grounds roughly once a month for engaging, hands-on learning activities.
Clinical Rotations
Students complete over 500 clinical hours to satisfy national certification requirements for their advanced practice specialty. All clinical/practicum activities are facilitated by UVA School of Nursing faculty members who collaborate with students to ensure a high, quality precepted learning experience.
Apply
Post-Master's Certificate [part-time] - Fall and Spring Terms
| 2024-25 | Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $888 per credit | $1,450 per credit |
| Regular Session Comprehensive Fee | $3,572 | $4,254 |
| University Activity Fee | $58 | $58 |
| Nursing Activity Fee | $30 | $30 |
| Total | $3,660 + Tuition | $4,342 + Tuition |
Supplemental Fees
| 2024-25 | Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Clinical Laboratory Fee (per credit for courses with clinical/lab components) | $100 per credit | $100 per credit |
| International Student Fee | $240 | $240 |
Post-Master's Certificate - January Term
| 2024-25 | Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition - January 2025 Session | $551 per credit | $1,117 per credit |
| January Session Comprehensive Fee | $216 | $246 |
| January 2025 Session Total | $216 + Tuition | $246 + Tuition |
Post-Master's Certificate - Summer Term
| Tuition - Summer 2025 Session | $551 per credit | $1,117 per credit |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Session Comprehensive Fee | $475 | $535 |
| Summer 2025 Session Total | $475 + Tuition | $535 + Tuition |
Cost of estimated living expenses for graduate students (2024-2025)
State Authorization and Professional Licensure Disclosures
As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, UVA is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)).
Upon completion of this certificate, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state.
Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C))
Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).
