Post-Master's Certificates
For nursing professionals who have earned a master's degree and are looking to further their education, we offer a post-master's FNP certificate, PMHNP certificate, nursing leadership certificate, or a nursing education certificate that heightens opportunities and opens doors, especially in specialty care. All tracks are offered in an online format and are designed to comply with national certification requirements, when applicable.
-
Family Nurse Practitioner Track
- Students in the Family Nurse Practitioner option will receive educational preparation that will enable them to provide patient-family centered, evidence-based health care for individuals across the lifespan. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to sit for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The program does include clinical requirements, and students may participate in the identification of appropriate clinical sites and clinical preceptors, as they are family with their geographic location. Students are required to attend two on-campus intensives at our new, state-of-the-art Harrison Hall and Simulation Laboratory.
-
Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner Track
- Students in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) option will receive educational preparation that will enable them to provide mental health care across the life span. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to sit for national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program does include clinical requirements, and students may participate in the identification of appropriate clinical sites and clinical preceptors, as they are familiar with their geographic location. Students are required to attend two on-campus intensives at our new, state-of-the-art Harrison Hall and Simulation Laboratory.
-
Leadership Track
- A post-master's certificate in nursing leadership will prepare you to function at an advanced level in the health care environment regarding politics and legislation, budgeting and economics, and leadership and management, such that these nurses may positively impact the management aspects of nursing and health care in society.
-
Teaching and Learning Track
- A post-master's certificate in nursing education will equip registered nurses with tools that will enable them to facilitate the education of nursing students, health care clients, and health care colleagues. Will qualify graduates to serve as a faculty member in an institution of higher learning and serve as an educator in the clinical environment. Program allows students to select a clinical area of interest (adult health, women's health, pediatrics, etc.)
Time to Complete:
Variable
8-18 months full-time 12-16 months part-time
Modality Offered:
Online
Credentials:
Graduate Certificate
Why North Alabama?
Experience an unmatched education for your future in nursing. North Alabama’s post-master's certificate professors bring real-world experience to the classroom, which serves as the foundation for our programs. If you’re ready to earn your post MSN certificate program online, you will benefit from their hands-on patient stories and real-world examples—approaching health care with a new lens.
With a diverse student body and seasoned faculty, the 海角社区 offers flexible course schedules, competitive pricing, and a highly reputable education that fits your life. As a leader in nursing education since 1973, 海角社区 prepares you to demonstrate knowledge, competencies, and skills in advanced nursing practices that ensure quality care and ethical decision-making.
Post-Master's Certificates Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite Support Component 1 | 9 | |
|
NU 508
|
Advanced Health Assessment (3) | |
|
NU 607
|
Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology (3) | |
|
NU 614
|
Advanced Pharmacology for Nurses (3) | |
| 1 |
Official documentation of completion of these three classes within the past five years with a grade of “B” or higher is necessary prior to taking any FNP track courses. If these three courses were taken more than five years ago, students will be required to re-take them before registering for any other FNP coursework. |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Track Specific Component | 23 | |
|
NU 640
|
Intro to Family Nurse Practitioner (3) | |
|
NU 641
|
Family Nurse Practitioner I (4) 2 | |
|
NU 642
|
Family Nurse Practitioner II (4) 2 | |
|
NU 643
|
Family Nurse Practitioner III (4) 2 | |
|
NU 644
|
Family Nurse Practitioner IV (4) 2 | |
|
NU 645
|
Family Nurse Practitioner V (4) 2 | |
| Total Hours | 23-32 | |
|
Clinical Component
|
|
| 2 |
NU 641 - NU 645 have clinical hours associated with them. Each clinical course has a minimum of 120 clinical hours, for a total of a minimum of 600 clinical hours. |
Clinical focus varies per clinical course.
- NU 641, NU 642, and NU 643: primary and urgent care across the lifespan.
- NU 644: care of female patients across the wellness-illness continuum.
- NU 645: pediatric population (infants, children, and adolescents).
Clinical Preceptor Requirements
A preceptor will be secured by the course instructor with assistance from the student, as they are familiar with their geographical area. Students must hold a current, unencumbered registered nurse license in the US state in which they plan to complete their clinical hours. Additionally, students must fulfill all other clinical documentation requirements, including:
- Physical examination (completed annually)
- Proof of required immunizations or titers
- Current tuberculosis screening
- Proof of BLS for Healthcare Providers
- Proof of health insurance
- Criminal background check (completed annually)
- Negative urine drug screen
- OSHA/HIPPA training
- Proof of liability insurance with student nurse practitioner student coverage
The clinical experience must be independent of the student’s employment setting. A clinical affiliation agreement with the facility must be on file prior to the student beginning clinicals. All clinical documentation must have been submitted and approved at least 8 weeks prior to beginning clinical rotations. Students not meeting all clinical requirements will be withdrawn from the registered clinical course (NU 641 - NU 645).
On Campus Requirement
Students are required to attend two on campus sessions lasting up to three days per visit. Travel, lodging, meals, and all other associated visit costs are the responsibility of the student.
| Prerequisite Support Component | 9 | |
| NU 508 | Advanced Health Assessment | |
| NU 607 | Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology | |
| NU 614 | Advanced Pharmacology for Nurses | |
| 1 |
Official documentation of completion of these three classes within the past five years with a grade of “B” or higher is necessary prior to taking any FNP track courses. If these three courses were taken more than five years ago, students will be required to re-take them before registering for any other FNP coursework. |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Option Discipline Specific Courses | 23 | |
| NU 650 | Introduction to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | |
| NU 651 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) I | |
| NU 652 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) II | |
| NU 653 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) III | |
| NU 654 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) IV | |
| NU 655 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) V | |
| Total Hours | 23-32 | |
|
Clinical Component
|
|
| 1 |
NU 651-NU 655 have clinical hours associated with them. Each clinical course has a minimum of 100 clinical hours, for a total of a minimum of 500 clinical hours. |
Clinical focus varies and the 500 direct patient care hours must include at least:
- 200 hours in adult care (ages 21-64)
- 75 hours in child and adolescent care (ages 0-20)
- 25 hours in older adult care (ages 65 & older)
Clinical Requirements
Students may participate in the identification of individuals to serve as clinical preceptors, as they are familiar with their geographical area. Approved preceptors include:
- Masters prepared and licensed therapists
- Psychiatric CNS
- PMNHP (cannot be FNPs or PAs)
- Psychiatrist
- Psychologist
Students must hold a current, unencumbered registered nurse license in the US state in which they plan to complete their clinical hours. Additionally, students must fulfill all other clinical documentation requirements, including:
- Physical examination (completed within the previous calendar year)
- Proof of required immunizations or titers
- Current tuberculosis screening
- Proof of BLS for Healthcare Providers
- Proof of health insurance
- Criminal background check (updated annually)
- Negative urine drug screen
- OSHA/HIPPA training
- Proof of liability insurance with student nurse practitioner student coverage
The clinical experience must be independent of the student’s employment setting. A clinical affiliation agreement with the facility must be on file prior to the student beginning clinicals. All clinical documentation must have been submitted and approved at least 8 weeks prior to beginning clinical rotations. Students not meeting all clinical requirements will be withdrawn from the registered clinical course (NU 651 - NU 655).
On Campus Requirement
Students are required to attend two on campus intensives lasting up to three days per visit. Travel, lodging, meals, and all other associated visit costs are the responsibility of the student.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Track Specific Component | 9 | |
|
NU 608
|
Business Concepts for Nurses (3) | |
|
NU 617
|
Leadership & Management in Nursing (3) | |
|
NU 618
|
Continuous Quality Improvement and Outcomes Measures (3) | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
|
NU 615
|
Evidence Based Practice & Nursing Scholarship (non-clinical option) (3) | |
|
NU 682
|
Evidence Based Practice & Practicum I (4) 1 | |
|
NU 683
|
Evidence Based Practice & Practicum II (4) 1 | |
| Total Hours | 12-13 | |
|
Clinical Component
|
|
| 1 |
NU 682 and NU 683 each require a minimum of 90 clinical hours, for a total of 180 clinical hours minimum. Clinical practice will take place in health care settings with an approved preceptor in the student’s geographical area. |
NU 682 Practicum I (80 clinical hours required):
The practicum experience is designed to integrate theory and evidence-based leadership and management practices into the healthcare setting. Learners select an experienced mid-level nurse manager or leader in the healthcare setting. Learners should select a nurse leader or manager preceptor where they will have exposure to all aspects of the role, including but not limited to writing policy and procedure, staffing, budgeting, purchasing, role-modeling, staff interaction, problem identification with resolution, conflict management, participation in interdisciplinary meetings, etc. Learners will translate current research into evidence-based practice. In Practicum I and Practicum II, students will utilize new knowledge to create and evaluate one quality improvement project that addresses an identified need within the clinical setting. The clinical area for Practicum I is mid-level leadership.
NU 683 Practicum II (80 clinical hours required):
This practicum experience is designed to integrate theory and evidence-based leadership and management practices into the healthcare setting. Learners select an experienced upper-level nurse manager or leader in the healthcare setting. Learners should select a nurse leader or manager preceptor where they will have exposure to all aspects of the role, including but not limited to budgeting, large scale staffing, financial planning, policy and procedure, accreditation, interdisciplinary team meetings and planning, etc. Learners will translate current research into evidence-based practice. In Practicum I and Practicum II, students will utilize new knowledge to create and evaluate one quality improvement project that addresses an identified need within the clinical setting. The clinical area for Practicum I is mid-level leadership and management for and for Practicum II the clinical area is upper management and leadership.
Clinical Preceptor Requirements
A preceptor will be secured by the course instructor with assistance from the student, as they are familiar with their geographical area. Students must hold a current, unencumbered registered nurse license in the US state in which they plan to complete their clinical hours. Additionally, students must fulfill all other clinical documentation requirements, including:
- Physical examination (completed within the previous calendar year)
- Proof of required immunizations or titers
- Current tuberculosis screening
- Proof of BLS for Healthcare Providers
- Proof of health insurance
- Criminal background check (updated annually)
- Negative urine drug screen
- OSHA/HIPPA training
- Proof of liability insurance with student nurse practitioner student coverage
The clinical experience must be independent of the student’s employment setting. A clinical affiliation agreement with the facility must be on file prior to the student beginning clinicals. All clinical documentation must have been submitted and approved at least 8 weeks prior to beginning clinical rotations. Students not meeting all clinical requirements will be withdrawn from the registered clinical course (NU 682 - NU 683).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Track Specific Component | 9 | |
|
NU 605
|
Curriculum Development in Collegiate Nursing Programs (3) | |
|
NU 606
|
Evaluation in Collegiate Nursing Programs (3) | |
|
NU 616
|
Teaching the Health Care Consumer & Provider (3) | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
|
NU 615
|
Evidence Based Practice & Nursing Scholarship (non-clinical option) (3) | |
|
NU 680
|
Evidence Based Practice and Practicum I (4) 1 | |
|
NU 681
|
Evidence Based Practice and Practicum II (4) 1 | |
| Total Hours | 12-13 | |
|
Clinical Component
|
|
| 1 |
NU 680 and NU 681 require a minimum of 90 clinical hours each, for a total of 180 clinical hours minimum. Clinical practice will take place in both academic and health care settings with approved preceptors in the student’s geographical area. Clinical courses will focus on a particular area of nursing (adult health, pediatrics, psychiatric, etc.) chosen by the student. |
NU 680 Evidenced Based Practice and Practicum I (80 clinical hours):
Must be completed with an MSN (or higher) prepared preceptor in an academic setting (Community College or University).
NU 681 Evidenced Based Practice and Practicum II (80 clinical hours):
Must be completed with a nurse practitioner preceptor in a hospital or clinical setting to prepare the nurse educator student for the role of a direct care provider.
Clinical Preceptor Requirements
A preceptor will be secured by the course instructor with assistance from the student, as they are familiar with their geographical area. Students must hold a current, unencumbered registered nurse license in the US state in which they plan to complete their clinical hours. Additionally, students must fulfill all other clinical documentation requirements, including:
- Physical examination (completed within the previous calendar year)
- Proof of required immunizations or titers
- Current tuberculosis screening
- Proof of BLS for Healthcare Providers
- Proof of health insurance
- Criminal background check (updated annually)
- Negative urine drug screen
- OSHA/HIPPA training
- Proof of liability insurance with student nurse practitioner student coverage
The clinical experience must be independent of the student’s employment setting. A clinical affiliation agreement with the facility must be on file prior to the student beginning clinicals. All clinical documentation must have been submitted and approved at least 8 weeks prior to beginning clinical rotations. Students not meeting all clinical requirements will be withdrawn from the registered clinical course (NU 680 - NU 681).
Faculty
In our post-master’s certificates in nursing, you will learn from dedicated full-time faculty—most holding terminal degrees from leading universities.
View our Nursing Faculty/Staff here.What can I do with a Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing?
- Dedicate yourself to bettering the field of healthcare, promoting evidence-based improvements and positively affecting your community.
- Enhance the future of healthcare legislation, teaching and leadership, shaping policy for years to come.
- Enrich your life and knowledge by pursuing a certificate that allows you to gain education, passing your learnings onto patients and their families.
Accreditations
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate program in nursing at the 海角社区 are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ().
Admission Requirements
Admission into the online post-master's certificate tracks at North Alabama includes the following requirements:
- Applicants must have an approved and regionally accredited master’s or doctoral degree with a major in nursing in the United States.
- Send official MSN transcripts from all previous graduate colleges attended. A minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 is required.
- Submit proof of your unencumbered registered nursing license in the US state in which you plan to complete clinical rotations.
- Submit a resume documenting a minimum of one year of clinical experience.
- Admitted applicants must complete a criminal background and negative drug screen prior to enrollment.
Admission to the FNP track is competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does NOT guarantee acceptance to the nursing program.
Conditional Admission Conditional admission may be considered on a case-by-case basis for the Leadership and Teaching/Learning track applicant who does not fully meet admission requirements. The conditionally admitted student must have three years of full-time experience as a registered nurse.Conditional Admission
Conditional admission may be considered for the Teaching/Learning & Leadership tracks on a case-by-case basis for the applicant who does not fully meet admission requirements. The conditionally admitted student must have three years of full-time experience as a registered nurse.
The Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions is not regulated in Texas under Tex. Educ. Code 132.001. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate program in nursing at the 海角社区 are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (). The Alabama Board of Nursing accredits the 海角社区’s Anderson College of Nursing. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education can be reached at 202-887-6791 and the Alabama Board of Nursing can be reached at 1-800-656-5318.
Application Deadlines
Fall 2025: Application submitted and completed by February 28, 2025
Fall 2025: Application submitted and completed by February 28, 2025
- Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track applicants should reach out to the recruitment specialist at nursingonline@una.edu to discuss what term you would be eligible to enter the program. Primary start terms are Fall and Summer semesters, however, a spring start term is possible if a prerequisite is needed.
Tuition and Aid
Online: $495 per credit hour per credit hour plus fees.
FNP track specific courses (NU 640, NU 641, NU 642, NU 643, NU 644, and NU 645) also have an additional fee of $320 per course.
Our New Start Scholarship is available to new students enrolled in any online degree program, offering a complimentary first course fee. Plus, for a limited time, no application fee is required.
Learn more about additional nursing scholarship opportunities
2023-2024 Tuition Cost
Post-Master's Certificates
Online: $495 per credit hour plus fees for 12-32 hours.
Please note: Currently, we cannot accept students from the following states and regions: Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and California.