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ACENaccredited
Complete in as few as16 months
Short7 weekcourses
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Online Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificates
Online Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificates
ACENaccredited
Complete in as few as16 months
Short7 weekcourses
100%online
Prepare for Your Nurse Practitioner Career in as Few as 16 months
We now offer three additional Nurse Practitioner Certificates to build on your credentials as an MSN-prepared nurse. Designed with the working nurse in mind, our certificates are flexible and quick to complete. These certificate programs prepare for certification exam within your desired field. We offer three specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology and Mental Health.

Next Apply Date:
2/2/26

Next Start Date:
3/9/26

Additional Start Dates in 2025:
January, March

Next Apply Date:
2/2/26

Next Start Date:
3/9/26

Additional Start Dates in 2025:
January, March

Nurse Practitioners are in High Demand
Nurse Practitioner jobs are growing by 38%*
Key Facts: Program Comparison
| Family Nurse Practitioner |
|---|
| As few as 16 months to complete |
| 21.5 total credits |
| $380 per credit* ($250 per credit for military) |
| $8,170 total cost* (Pay by the course tuition) |
| On Campus Skills Day |
| 12, 7-week courses** |
| Preps for certification exam |
| Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner |
|---|
| As few as 16 months to complete |
| 21.5 total credits |
| $380 per credit* ($250 per credit for military) |
| $8,170 total cost* (Pay by the course tuition) |
| On Campus Skills Day |
| 12, 7-week courses** |
| Preps for certification exam |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner |
|---|
| As few as 18 months to complete |
| 27.5 total credits |
| $510 per credit* ($250 per credit for military) |
| $14,025 total cost* (Pay by the course tuition) |
| No on campus skills day |
| 14, 7-week courses** |
| Preps for certification exam |
| Family Nurse Practitioner |
|---|
| As few as 16 months to complete |
| 21.5 total credits |
| $380 per credit* ($250 per credit for Military) |
| $8,170 total cost* (Pay by the course tuition) |
| On Campus Skills Day |
| 12, 7-week courses** |
| Preps for certification exam |
| Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner |
|---|
| As few as 16 months to complete |
| 21.5 total credits |
| $380 per credit* ($250 per credit for Military) |
| $8,170 total cost* (Pay by the course tuition) |
| On Campus Skills Day |
| 12, 7-week courses** |
| Preps for certification exam |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner |
|---|
| As few as 18 months to complete |
| 27.5 total credits |
| $510 per credit* ($250 per credit for Military) |
| $14,025 total cost* (Pay by the course tuition) |
| No on campus skills day |
| 14, 7-week courses** |
| Preps for certification exam |
*Tuition and fees are subject to change.
** If a Gap Analysis determines you must enroll in an individual plan of study, you will also need to complete three advanced nursing courses totaling nine credit hours. This may include a 14-week course.
Request Information
Submit the form below, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.
Ready to go?
Start your application today!
for help with any questions you have
Select a Program to Explore:
Family Nurse Practitioner- Post-Masters Certificate
The online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate elevates your professional practice by building on your credentials as an MSN-prepared nurse. This program prepares you to deepen your patient relationships, provide more comprehensive care, and increase positive healthcare outcomes in rural and urban communities. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
12 7-Week Courses, instructor-led
Gain In-Demand Skills in Areas of Critical Importance
Develop the knowledge and advanced expertise needed to thrive as a nurse leader and enjoy a rewarding career with comprehensive patient responsibilities. Explore dental health, radiology interpretation, telehealth, management of clients and families with minor to chronic health issues, and more.
Prepare for leadership roles across a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Internal medicine offices
- Community clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Specialty clinics
- University student health centers
- Rehab centers
- Ambulatory care centers
- Home care
- Prisons and jails
12 7-Week Courses, instructor-led
Prepare for leadership roles across a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Internal medicine offices
- Community clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Specialty clinics
- University student health centers
- Rehab centers
- Ambulatory care centers
- Home care
- Prisons and jails
Advanced Practice Courses
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Management of women who are well or have minor health problems, case studies related to women’s health.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Health Promotion, Musculoskeletal, Neurologic, Mental Health, Multisystem disorders & management of office emergencies.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Infectious Disease, Endocrine, Metabolic, Rheumatic, & Oncologic Disorders.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Management of pediatric clients and families who are well or have minor health problems, case studies related to pediatric clients.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Dermatology, HEENT, Hematologic, and GU/GI Disorders.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Nursing theory, research/role concepts, and exploration of issues specific to the role implementation, in family nurse practitioner practice.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Management of women who are well or have minor health problems, case studies related to women’s health.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Management of pediatric clients and families who are well or have minor health problems, case studies related to pediatric clients.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Health Promotion, Musculoskeletal, Neurologic, Mental Health, Multisystem disorders & management of office emergencies.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Dermatology, HEENT, Hematologic, and GU/GI Disorders.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Infectious Disease, Endocrine, Metabolic, Rheumatic, & Oncologic Disorders.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Nursing theory, research/role concepts, and exploration of issues specific to the role implementation, in family nurse practitioner practice.
Practicum Courses
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Clinical preceptorship: interview patients, build care plans, and work with clinical instructors and preceptors to apply knowledge of primary care processes.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Clinical preceptorship: increased clinical knowledge in primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts of advanced nursing practice.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Clinical preceptorship: apply knowledge, skills and concepts in a guided, progressive context of Family Primary Care Advanced Nursing Practice in a variety of clinical settings.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Clinical preceptorship: increased clinical knowledge in selected primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Clinical preceptorship: Emphasis on patient assessment and prioritization of treatments and interventions for patients across the lifespan.
Credits: 2.5
Key learnings: Create and finalize a professional portfolio. Research project to show professional research interests and educate others on potential upcoming changes within the health care system.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Clinical preceptorship: interview patients, build care plans, and work with clinical instructors and preceptors to apply knowledge of primary care processes.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Clinical preceptorship: increased clinical knowledge in selected primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Clinical preceptorship: increased clinical knowledge in primary health practice sites with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts of advanced nursing practice.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Clinical preceptorship: Emphasis on patient assessment and prioritization of treatments and interventions for patients across the lifespan.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Clinical preceptorship: apply knowledge, skills and concepts in a guided, progressive context of Family Primary Care Advanced Nursing Practice in a variety of clinical settings.
Credits: 2.5
Key learnings: Create and finalize a professional portfolio. Research project to show professional research interests and educate others on potential upcoming changes within the health care system.
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Post-Masters Certificate
Develop the advanced expertise necessary for administrative positions in the healthcare system with this post-masters online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
12 7-Week Courses, instructor-led
Gain In-Demand Skills in Areas of Critical Importance
Gain the skills and knowledge for advanced nursing and leadership roles in the healthcare system. Throughout the program you will learn how to care for complex adult and geriatric patients with chronic, acute, and critical illnesses in a variety of health care settings.
Prepare for leadership roles across a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Emergency rooms
- Inpatient Services
- Urgent care facilities
- Specialty medicine practices (dermatology, nephrology, etc.)
12 7-Week Courses, instructor-led
Prepare for nurse practitioner roles across a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Emergency rooms
- Inpatient Services
- Urgent care facilities
- Specialty medicine practices (dermatology, nephrology, etc.)
Advanced Practice Courses
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Diagnostic reasoning and management of complex acute and chronic health problems for adult and geriatric population.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Health systems, legal, and ethical standards, health promotion and maintenance for acute and chronic conditions from adolescents to older adults.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Health care economics, palliative or end of life care, emergency therapeutics, and disaster management strategies.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Develop care plans, role and scope of practice, coordination and collaboration across health care settings, and information systems.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Care for various illnesses with acute on chronic presentation in different acute care settings. Deliver high-quality healthcare and patient outcomes.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Prepare for national certification examinations by completing review courses and final comprehensive examination.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Diagnostic reasoning and management of complex acute and chronic health problems for adult and geriatric population.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Develop care plans, role and scope of practice, coordination and collaboration across health care settings, and information systems.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Health systems, legal, and ethical standards, health promotion and maintenance for acute and chronic conditions from adolescents to older adults.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Care for various illnesses with acute on chronic presentation in different acute care settings. Deliver high-quality healthcare and patient outcomes.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Health care economics, palliative or end of life care, emergency therapeutics, and disaster management strategies.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Prepare for national certification examinations by completing review courses and final comprehensive examination.
Practicum Courses
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Interview patients, build care plans, and work with clinical instructors and preceptors to apply knowledge of acute care processes.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Interpret and utilize diagnostic tests and develop treatment plans.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Practicum experience in specialized areas of advanced practice.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Develop discharge summaries, interpret diagnostic test and performance and management of therapeutic and technologic interventions.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Patient assessment and prioritization of treatments and interventions from hospital admission to discharge.
Credits: 2.5
Key learnings: Stabilization and maintenance of critical or emergent illnesses. Create and finalize a professional portfolio. Research project to show professional research interests and educate others on potential upcoming changes within the health care system.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Interview patients, build care plans, and work with clinical instructors and preceptors to apply knowledge of acute care processes.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Develop discharge summaries, interpret diagnostic test and performance and management of therapeutic and technologic interventions.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Interpret and utilize diagnostic tests and develop treatment plans.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Patient assessment and prioritization of treatments and interventions from hospital admission to discharge.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Practicum experience in specialized areas of advanced practice.
Credits: 2.5
Key learnings: Stabilization and maintenance of critical or emergent illnesses. Create and finalize a professional portfolio. Research project to show professional research interests and educate others on potential upcoming changes within the health care system.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Masters Certificate
Designed for MSN-prepared nurses and FNPs seeking a greater ability to provide mental healthcare to their patients, the Post-Master’s Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner online program prepares you for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
14 7-Week Courses, instructor-led
Gain In-Demand Skills in Areas of Critical Importance
Synthesize advanced knowledge in nursing, related science and leadership skills to guide clinical judgment across diverse settings. Throughout the coursework you will learn how to treat acute and chronic psychiatric disorders and mental health challenges.
Prepare for leadership roles across a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Outpatient clinics
- Substance use disorder treatment clinics
- Correctional facilities
- Schools
- Mental health facilities
- Hospitals
14 7-Week Courses, instructor-led
Prepare for mental health nurse practitioner roles across a variety of settings, including:
- Outpatient clinics
- Substance use disorder treatment clinics
- Correctional facilities
- Schools
- Mental health facilities
- Hospitals
Advanced Practice Courses
Credits: 3
Key learnings: Develop theoretical orientation to advanced nursing practice and the psychiatric interview. Practice therapeutic communication through recorded mock interviews.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions of younger children who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions of adults who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders across the lifespan. Analyze public health policies and approaches to the prevention of substance use disorders.
Credits: 3
Key learnings: Analyze the psychopharmacological interventions from national guidelines and evidenced-based practice, forming the foundation for the prescribing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions of adolescents who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions of older adults who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders across the lifespan. Analyze public policies to prevent substance use disorders.
Credits: 3
Key learnings: Develop theoretical orientation to advanced nursing practice and the psychiatric interview. Practice therapeutic communication through recorded mock interviews.
Credits: 3
Key learnings: Analyze the psychopharmacological interventions from national guidelines and evidenced-based practice, forming the foundation for the prescribing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions of younger children who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions of adolescents who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions of adults who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment interventions of older adults who have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders across the lifespan. Analyze public health policies and approaches to the prevention of substance use disorders.
Credits: 1.5
Key learnings: Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders across the lifespan. Analyze public policies to prevent substance use disorders.
Practicum Courses
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Assess, diagnose, and treat young children and families in crisis.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Assess, diagnose, and treat adults of reproductive age, including women who are pregnant.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Treatment of individuals and populations across the lifespan who have had traumatic experiences.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Assess, diagnose, and treat adolescents and families in crisis.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Assess, diagnose, and treat older adults with a focus on neurocognitive disorders.
Credits: 2.5
Key learnings: Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Assess, diagnose, and treat young children and families in crisis.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Assess, diagnose, and treat adolescents and families in crisis.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Assess, diagnose, and treat adults of reproductive age, including women who are pregnant.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Assess, diagnose, and treat older adults with a focus on neurocognitive disorders.
Credits: 2
Key learnings: Treatment of individuals and populations across the lifespan who have had traumatic experiences.
Credits: 2.5
Key learnings: Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders.
Highest Paid Nurse Practitioner Specialities
The median annual income for all nurse practitioners in $121,610 per year, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, there are a lot of different nurse practitioner specialties to choose from that will impact your salary potential. A-State NP graduates may work in a variety of these roles but can choose a certificate that prepares them to sit for additional certification in the roles highlighted below.
$138,081 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
$134,121 Emergency Nurse Practitioner
$130,987 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
$130,295 Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
$125,701 Oncology Nurse Practitioner
$101,569 Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
$100,035 Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
$157,580 Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
$134,571 Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
$127,976 Family Nurse Practitioner
$107,530 Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
A Clinical Experience Designed to Meet You Where You're At...And Prep You For Where You Want to Go
Our unique clinical experience is designed with the busy nurse in mind. You will gain hands-on experience, in a variety of settings, working with multiple patient types. You will cover the latest topics—and challenges—and experience a high level of support from our team—every step of the way.
- Can be completed at your place of work.*
- We offer assistance finding a preceptor if you need support
- Rotations in your field of specialty.
*Some restrictions may apply. Speak to us for additional information on our clinical experience.
The associate, baccalaureate, master's/post-master's certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice nursing programs at Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Contact ACEN by mail at 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326 or by phone at 404-975-5000.
Ranked #6 among the "Top 10 Best Colleges in Arkansas"
by collegechoice.net
A-State is ranked #5Top Public University in Arkansas
by Niche.com
Ranked a Top Public School
by U.S. News and World Report
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Looking for a master’s degree in nursing?
Join the PACK at A-State
The second largest university in Arkansas, Arkansas State is a doctoral-level national institution with more than 150 degrees, including our robust online program, and a diverse student body from across the nation and the world.
Over 90k total alumni
Over 10k alumni online
Request information to learn more.
Frequently Answered Questions
- Online application
- MSN degree
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Complete online application and submit application fee
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an ACEN-, CCNE- or CCNEA-accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
- Minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA in MSN coursework
- Official transcript(s) submitted by the registrar of any college/university you have attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institution.
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Satisfactory background check through Verified Credentials
Graduates of an MSN program with an FNP option that did not include the required certification eligibility requirements from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology; Advanced Health Assessment, including diagnostics and disease management; Advanced Pharmacology; and/or minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours) are also eligible to apply. A request for a curriculum “Gap Analysis” to determine an individual Plan of Study will be requested from the Program Coordinator prior to admission.
Request all official transcripts be sent directly to A-State from all colleges or universities attended. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.
English Proficiency Requirements
This program requires a high level of English proficiency to meet academic and clinical objectives, along with meeting the criteria for licensure. You may be required to provide proof of English proficiency per A-State School of Nursing English Proficiency Standards. Additionally, if you’ve ever attended a professional program in the past, you may be required to provide a letter of good standing.
Meeting the admissions requirements does not guarantee admission. Students will be admitted based on space availability.
International Students
Students from non-English speaking countries or for whom English is not a native language must take one of the following tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 83 on the preferred internet-based test (iBT), 570 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 6.5 and a spoken band score of 7
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a score of 56
Submit all documents to:
P.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
A-State Onlinec/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
The FNP and AGNP programs are eligible in the following states: Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri. The PHMHP program is available in Arkansas and Tennessee. We are unable to confirm the educational and licensure requirements of other states, territories, or foreign entities. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we advise you to contact the applicable credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements for licensure and determine if our program meets its eligibility criteria.
You will earn an Arkansas State University Post-Masters Certificate.
The clinicals average about 20 hours per week. Students can complete their clinicals at their place of work; however, they cannot have a family member, or a direct supervisor be the preceptor. Students will need 2-4 preceptors over the course of the program. The clinical coordinator will sign off on the preceptor. There will be rotations in your field of study.
Students work with the graduate clinical coordinator to secure clinical site placement.
The clinicals average about 20 hours per week.
FNP cert grads are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Adult Gerontology NP grads are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
Mental Health NP grads are eligible to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
This program is not eligible for financial aid. Students have the option to apply for private loans.
Request Information
Submit the form below, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.
Ready to go?
Start your application today!
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