Post-MSN Certificate

The Post-MSN certificate program is offered to professional nurses who have previously earned a master's degree or higher in nursing and who are interested in obtaining national certification in advanced practice nursing. The four functional areas include Family (FNP), Pediatric Nurse (PNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP) Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Nurse Executive Leadership (NEL). 

Enrollment in nursing courses is based upon readiness, availability of space and an adequate cohort of students.

Learn more about our AGACNP, NEL, and MSN/MBA programs here:

MSN/MBA and Post Masters NEL Information Session

AGACNP Information Session

Please note: Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

Post-Master's Certificate Outcomes

At the completion of the Post-Master’s Certificate program the graduate will be prepared to demonstrate the following outcomes:

  1. Conduct a comprehensive and systematic assessment of health and illness parameters in complex situations, incorporating diverse and culturally sensitive approaches.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate therapeutic interventions based on nursing science and other sciences.
  3. Develop and sustain therapeutic relationships and partnerships with patients (individual, family or group) and other professionals to facilitate optimal care and patient outcomes.
  4. Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment and accountability in designing, delivering, and evaluating evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes.
  5. Guide, mentor, and support other nurses to achieve excellence in nursing practice.
  6. Educate and guide individuals and groups through complex health and situational transitions.

Areas of Study and Progression Plans

The Post-Graduate Certificate program requires a minimum of 16 credit hours. The program prepares graduate level nurses to sit for a national certification examination based on their chosen area of study, either FNP, PNP, AGACNP,  PMHNP or NEL. Each student's plan of study will be individualized based on educational background and gap analysis. Prerequisites to registration for the four required courses in the program are evidence of competence in the following three areas: advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacotherapeutics, and advanced assessment. Please click on an Area of Study below to learn more:

State Approvals for Clinical Placements

Universities offering distance education must abide by the laws of each state in which students are placed for their practicum experience. There are several states at this time that may not allow WVU nursing students to participate in a practicum experience, and therefore a site placement cannot be guaranteed. A State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) must be in place to allow a WVU nursing student to participate in clinicals. To determine if your state has been approved for clinical placements, go to WVU Online. 

Please contact with questions about State Authorization for clinicals:

A photo of Billie Vance.
Billie Sue Vance, PhD, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
Positions
Director of MSN/DNP Programs, Office of Academics
Clinical Associate Professor, Adult Health Department
Nurse Practitioner, Office of Faculty Practice and Community Engagement
Phone
304-293-1771

Information Request

Our Student Services staff will be glad to answer your questions in person or by phone/e-mail. Please fill out the information request form via WVU Online and someone will be in touch.