3
Semesters
$674
Ohio Resident, Cost Per Credit
20
Credit Hours
Advance Your Nursing Practice with the Post-Graduate FNP Certificate
The online, 20-credit Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program allows you to build on your post-master's level skills and knowledge and evolve into a practitioner who cares for patients at each stage of their lives. With advanced courses in pharmacology, health assessment and more, you'll graduate equipped with the expertise to provide high-quality healthcare in various settings. You'll also have a credential necessary for advanced practice rolesand, consequently, the qualifications to meet a demand for nurse practitioners that the Bureau of Labor Statistics only expects to growover the next several years. 1
When you earn the online Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate, you will receive a comprehensive, 20-credit post-masters education that gives you the knowledge to provide high-quality, patient-centered care to diverse populationsthat need your expertise. You will be able to apply those skills to a range of settings, including hospitals, private practices, community health centers and more.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Ohio University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Advance Practical Skills for a Successful Career
The online Post-Graduate FNP Certificate prepares you to provide care for patients of all ages. You will learn to care for families within primary care settings, community health centers and more. With the potential of earning more than $120,000 2 on average, earning your post-masters certificate will mean you can positively impact both diverse patient populations and forge a fulfilling career.
Your FNP Certificate Presents Outstanding Professional Possibilities
The listed salaries represent national average income for the corresponding roles.
A Curriculum That Prepares You for Any Patient
4 Total Courses | 750 Hours of Clinical Experience
The online Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program offers advanced courses in primary care, providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to assess and diagnose patients across the lifespan. In addition, you will participate in 750 hours of clinical practicums to master your new skills through hands-on learning. When you graduate, you will be able to approach FNP roles in any setting supported with both the conceptual knowledge and experiential qualification that will help you succeed.
Prerequisite Courses:
- NRSE 7210 Advanced Pathophysiology in Nursing Practice
- NRSE 7220 Advanced Pharmacology
- NRSE 7230 Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Practitioners
FNP Courses:
- NRSE 6840 FNP Clinical Course 1 (250 hrs)
- NRSE 7818 Diagnostic Reasoning
- NRSE 6841 FNP Clinical Course 2 (250 hrs)
- NRSE 6842 FNP Clinical Course 3 (250 hrs)
Admission Requirements
No GRE/GMAT Required | 2 Starts per Year
The online Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program is an ideal choice as you seek to broaden your knowledge and open yourself to advanced nursing practice opportunities. With the number of jobs for nurse practitioners set to continue rising through 2031 1 , earning your FNP certificate can position you for both higher earning potential and success in various healthcare settings. With access to expert faculty and flexible online courses, applying to the program is the best choice you can make for your career—and for the growing number of patients in your community who need your expanded skill set.
To apply to OHIO's online certificate program, you will need:
Key Admissions Dates
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline: 03/17/2025 Classes Begin: 08/25/2025 |
Application Deadline: 09/08/2025 Classes Begin: 01/12/2026 |
Online Application Form
Application Fee
$35
Required Degree
MSN degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum GPA
3.0 minimum GPA for unconditional admission
Prerequisite Courses
- NRSE 6210 Advanced Pathophysiology
- NRSE 6230 Advanced Pharmacology*
- NRSE 6221 Health Appraisal for Nurse Practitioners
Clinical/Practicum Experience
Prior to clinical/practicum experiences, students must also provide proof of the following:
- Specified health status requirements (immunization status, TB screening, etc. as delineated in the current Graduate Nursing Student Handbook)
- State and Federal background checks free from disqualifying offenses
- Malpractice insurance
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Required
Transcripts
All official college transcripts
Additional Requirements
- Resident of and evidence of valid, unrestricted RN licensure in an approved state. View a list of approved states
- Professional Goals Statement
- Resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation:
- A minimum of two must be from individuals prepared at or above the Master’s level
- At least one must be from an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Registered Nurse
- An admission interview with faculty
When to Apply
The best time to apply is now, and this program accepts students twice per year in the Fall and Spring semester. Apply today to get started.
Online Post-Graduate FNP Certificate Tuition
$13,480 Total Tuition (Resident) | $674 Per Credit (Resident)
Investing in the online Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate allows you to evolve into an advance nurse capable of treating patients at any stage of their lives. You will equip yourself with the expertise to deliver high-quality service within complex healthcare systems, and to increase positive health outcomes while maximizing your own professional potential in the nursing field.
| Other costs to budget for | You may have costs in addition to tuition, such as textbooks, supplies and fees. Take these into consideration as you budget for your program. |
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Listed tuition is for estimating purposes only and is subject to change.
Financial Aid
OHIO is committed to offering affordable, competitive tuition and has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a best-value university by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, student veteran, active military members, alumni, and corporate partners are automatically eligible to receive a 15% scholarship. Depending on your background, costs and credit hours will differ.
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Financial Aid
Students in Ohio University's certificate programs may be eligible for aid from resources outside of Ohio University. When joining a certificate program, many Ohio students take advantage of the following:
Employer education benefits and private sources
Scholarship and loan repayment programs for working nurses through state and federal agencies. Note that there are eligibility requirements and/or service requirements as a part of the program, such as serving in a nursing shortage area or a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has many federally-funded scholarship and loan repayment programs specifically for advanced-practice nurses. These programs usually have application processes that take time and include firm deadlines. Links to the Ohio Board of Nursing and HRSA sites are below:
Health Resources & Services Administration (Select Funding from the drop-down menu)
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Online Learning That Fits Your Life
No matter what your career goals are, Ohio University can help you get there. We offer a wide range of online graduate programs specifically for professionals who are ready for their next step. Complete focused courses while maintaining your work and personal responsibilities by studying when and where it's convenient for you. As a student, you'll learn alongside fellow leaders and have access to the same expert faculty and leading-edge curriculum as you would on campus.
Support for Military-Affiliated Students
Ohio University is a Military Collegiate Purple Star Award ® school and has been named one of the nation’s top Military Friendly ® schools for over a decade. Our Veteran and Military Student Services Center provides access to programs and services specifically for military members and their families. In addition, student veterans and active military members are eligible to receive an incentive scholarship of up to 15% for eligible online graduate programs.
As an OHIO online student, you can earn credit for select military experience, training or previous college credit. To learn more about the military benefits available to you, contact us today.
It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
What You'll Learn
Throughout the online Post-Graduate FNP Certificate program, you will learn to provide primary care to patients of all ages, managing both acute and chronic health issues. The program offers hands-on training opportunities, allowing you to apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills to diverse patient populations, improving health outcomes.
Program Outcomes
- Synthesizes knowledge from nursing and other disciplines as a basis for clinical judgment, clinical reasoning, and innovative evidence-based education and practice.
- Incorporates evidence-based practice in delivering person-centered care to enhance health outcomes and improve health systems.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to select and apply principles of population health and advocacy strategies that optimize health outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and populations.
- Integrate and evaluate evidence-based practice to inform and promote advanced clinical practice.
- Analyze and apply quality improvement strategies to create a culture of safe, professional nursing practice that optimizes health and protects all.
- Apply leadership skills as a interprofessional team member to optimize the health of individuals, families, and populations within complex healthcare environments.
- Apply evidence-based, innovative strategies based on organizational and systems policies to enhance value, access, quality, and cost-effectiveness within complex healthcare delivery systems.
- Integrate information technology systems to drive decision-making, healthcare change and interdisciplinary communication in complex healthcare delivery systems.
- Integrate the role of the advanced practice nurse by utilizing effective professional communication and presence to promote person-centered care.
- Contribute to an environment that promotes self-care, personal health, well-being and professional development in a culture of accountability and collaboration.
Learn From Leading Experts
By establishing meaningful connections with these Ohio University's faculty, you gain access to the valuable insights of expert practitioners in the field. With a collaborative spirit, they will provide mentorship and support to help you navigate the complexities of the nursing practice and successfully advance your career.
Faculty Spotlight
Related Program
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Online MSN to DNP Degree
Complete your journey to advanced practice or nursing administration opportunities with flexible online coursework and enlightening practicum hours.
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Online Post-Graduate AG-ACNP Certificate
Provide expert care to acutely ill patients with our Online Post-Graduate AG-ACNP Certificate. Equip yourself with the specialized knowledge to make a profound impact on patient care in the emergency department, intensive care unit, acute and sub-acute wards, specialty clinics and more.
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Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Prepare to provide comprehensive care to patients at every stage of life with our Online MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Gain the advanced practice skills to develop, implement and evaluate treatment plans with our CCNE-accredited program.
Answers to Common Questions
Find answers to common questions about the online program. For information not covered here, our expert admissions team is available to provide additional details and guidance .
Can I work full-time and go to school?
Many students do work full-time and average 20-28 hours of school work each week. Students need the time to read, study, complete assignments, write papers, participate in class discussion boards, watch lectures, prepare for tests/quizzes, and document clinical encounters. Starting a graduate nursing program is like adding a part-time job to your current schedule and is something that should be discussed with your family and employer.
If I graduate from the program, will I be licensed in my state as an APRN?
The AG-ACNP, FNP, and PMHNP degree and certificate programs at Ohio University are intended to prepare students for advanced practice nursing and national certification in those areas. State Boards of Nursing set individual standards for licensure in their state. It is highly recommended that students who seek admission to Nursing programs at Ohio University contact their home state’s Board of Nursing to verify that the desired program and its graduates will meet the eligibility criteria for approval for those credentials. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has contact information for Boards of Nursing on their site, located here: www.ncsbn.org .
What certification exams do students take? What is your first-time pass rate?
Our programs are intended to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the educational eligibility to meet standards for APRN certification or other professional distinctions through examination. A list of examinations and their credentialing bodies are below:
Certification Exams and Credentialing Bodies
The graduate nursing programs at Ohio University are intended to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the educational eligibility to meet standards for advanced practice certification or other professional distinction through examination. For the best information regarding eligibility and standards for these examinations, please visit the website for the credentialing bodies below.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): www.nursingworld.org/ancc
Family Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): www.nursingworld.org/ancc
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (NP-C)
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): www.aanpcert.org
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC): www.nursingworld.org/ancc
Nurse Educator
- Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
- National League of Nursing (NLN): www.nln.org
Nurse Leader
- Eligibility is dependent upon experience criteria in addition to education.
- Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)
- American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL): www.aonl.org
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
How long is the program?
The MSN-FNP program is six fifteen-week semesters in length with students taking courses in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Semesters are fifteen weeks in length. Students have up to six years to complete the program.
How many hours do I take per semester? Is this a full-time program?
Most students take 2 fifteen-week courses each semester for 5-9 total credits. Students can take fewer courses but it will take longer to complete their program. The definition of a full-time program can differ among financial aid or tuition reimbursement programs. Contact us for more information.
Is the program completely online?
The programs combine online education and in-person education. Students take their courses through an online- format and are only expected on campus for the required On-Campus Intensives. Software applications utilized in nursing classes will work on either PCs or MACs. Office 365 Pro Plus is required and is now available at no charge to Ohio University students.
What are On-Campus Intensives?
On-Campus Intensives (OCIs) are brief visits to a campus that may be required for specific instruction and assessment. These OCIs typically occur at the beginning, middle, and end of your program. The Virtual Orientation Intensive for all programs consists of a half-day virtual conference.
The On-Campus Clinical Skills Workshop associated with the first clinical course in our APRN programs is an on-campus visit to receive specific tack-specific instruction and coaching in preparation for the advanced practice role.
The schedule and details for program-specific OCIs will be provided at Orientation.
Sources and Disclaimer
- "Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners.” Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm .
- "Family Nurse Practitioner Salary in the United States.” October 10, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/family-nurse-practitioner-np-salary .
- "Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/urgent-care-nurse-practitioner-np-salary#:~:text=How%20much%20does%20a%20Urgent,falls%20between%20%24114%2C810%20and%20%24125%2C340 .
- "Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/hospitalist-nurse-practitioner-np-salary .
- "Nurse Practitioner-Specialty Care Salary in the United States.” Salary.com. Retrieved May 15, 2023, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/nurse-practitioner-specialty-care-salary#:~:text=How%20much%20does%20a%20Nurse,falls%20between%20%24111%2C947%20and%20%24130%2C571 .
- "Telemedicine Nurse Practitioner Salary.” Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Telemedicine-Nurse-Practitioner-Salary .
*In many states, students must have completed an advanced pharmacology course within five years of applying for a new certification. If your course is more than five years old, please check with your state Board of Nursing. In most cases, you can take that course in your certificate program of study.
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