Post-Master's (MSN) Nursing Certificate Programs

Build upon your nursing master's degree and elevate your career with a post-master's certificate in a variety of areas, including adult-gerontology CNS, executive nurse leadership, family nurse practitioner, and nursing education. 

Program Overview

Widener's post-master's nursing certificates will help you enhance your nursing skills and knowledge within a variety of nursing areas. Not only will you expand your already well-versed master's-level education, you'll do so with the support of faculty mentors who are leaders in their field and an extensive network of industry connections and Widener nursing alums.

Built with you in mind, our flexible post-master's certificate programs are offered in a hybrid format combining in-person and online coursework and can be completed part- or full-time on our Main Campus in Chester, PA as well as our Central PA campus in Harrisburg, PA. Here, you'll get the best of both worlds—in-person collaboration and the flexibility and agility of online study.

The nursing post-master's certificate programs at Widener University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Post-Master's Nursing Certificate Options

The adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner post-master's certificate focuses on the ability to provide advanced healthcare services to critically ill and unstable patients in the adult-gerontology population (12 years or older).

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The Adult-Gerontology CNS post-master's certificate focuses on the development of the advanced practice in nursing (APRN) role of the CNS for individuals with a master's degree in another nursing area.

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For details about this post-master's certificate, please request information.

The Family Nurse Practitioner post-master's certificate focuses on the development of the advanced practice in nursing (APRN) role of the CNS for individuals with a master's degree in another nursing area.

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A post-master’s certificate in nursing education is available for nurses with an MSN degree who would like to develop their pedagogical knowledge and teaching skills.

Students wishing to matriculate into the nursing science (PhD) doctoral program can apply 700-level academic credits earned through the certificate program with an earned grade of B (3.0) or above. 

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Admissions Information

  • August 15—for matriculation in the fall semester
  • December 15—for matriculation in the spring semester
  • April 15—for matriculation in summer sessions

Registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program.

  • Completed online application.
  • Transcript from completed master’s degree program.
  • Valid U.S. license as a registered nurse.

Additional Requirements for Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Applicants:

  • Valid PA State Board of Nursing licensure or as appropriate.
  • Two recommendations regarding applicant's practice and potential for the FNP or CNS advanced practice role. 
  • Goal statement related to FNP or CNS role.
  • Proof of health insurance coverage.
  • Copy of liability insurance within acceptable limits of the AP specialty.

Additional Requirements for International Students

  • International applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and U.S. permanent residents are required to submit the results of an English proficiency test taken with 2 years, unless they are from a TOEFL-exempt country.
    View English Proficiency Requirements
  • International applicants who will be seeking licensure in the U.S. should work with Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to utilize their credentials evaluation service

Many area health care systems offer their employees discounted tuition rates for Widener's graduate nursing programs. If you don't see your organization listed, reach out to your HR department to advocate for a partnership.

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Students wishing to matriculate into the nursing science (PhD) doctoral program can apply 700-level academic credits earned through the certificate program with an earned grade of B (3.0) or above. 

Completion of a certificate program is not a guaranteed admissions into the doctoral program. 

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Program Highlights

Go further, faster by pursuing a post-master's certificate that aligns with your career goals and the ever-changing nursing field.

Nursing Leadership Experience

Leadership Development

Our program emphasizes personal leadership development. Your student experience will be enriched with a specialized leadership course focused on the behaviors required as a leader and the necessary skills to overcome the challenges that face higher education and health care settings.

Nursing education faculty mentor

Faculty Mentorship

Thrive in a learning community that provides close mentorship and one-on-one support. Our full-time faculty members bring active clinical and academic research experience to the classroom. Here, you'll build a network that will follow you long after graduation.

Two health care professionals presenting research in front of a large projection screen

Research Opportunities

You'll have opportunities to collaborate with Widener's Leadership Center for Nursing Education Research whose mission is to advance the science of nursing education through rigorous educational and educational-clinical research. Expert research consulting services for constituents within the nursing and nursing education community and professional development are available. 

Take the Next Steps

Apply

We’re glad you made the decision to apply. All applications and supplemental materials are submitted through the online application system. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.