Post-MSN Certificate

The Post-Graduate 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 as an advanced practice nurse. The focus areas are Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

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

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:

Conduct a comprehensive and systematic assessment of health and illness parameters in complex situations, incorporating diverse and culturally sensitive approaches.
Design, implement, and evaluate therapeutic interventions based on nursing science and other sciences.
Develop and sustain therapeutic relationships and partnerships with patients (individual, family or group) and other professionals to facilitate optimal care and patient outcomes.
Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment and accountability in designing, delivering, and evaluating evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes.
Guide, mentor, and support other nurses to achieve excellence in nursing practice.
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 19 credit hours. The program prepares graduate level nurses to sit for the national certification examination as a family nurse practitioner. Each student's plan of study will be individualized based on educational background. 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 courses with health promotion content. 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:

Billie Sue Vance, MSN, FNP-BC

Positions: Clinical Assistant 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.

For more information about the Post-Graduate Certificate program, please contact:

Julie Turner

Position: Director of Admissions and Enrollment, Office of Student Services
Phone: 304-293-1386