Online Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs

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Expand the scope of your practice — and your influence on health care

Hawai‘i Pacific University’s online Post-Master’s Nursing Certificate programs are designed for master’s-prepared nurses who want to expand their scope of practice and become certified nurse practitioners in high-demand areas.

Delivered through 100% online coursework with full clinical placement support, these CCNE-accredited certificate programs allow you to specialize in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), or Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) — without repeating coursework from your MSN.

QUICK FACTS

Length: 14 months

Total Credits: 24 - 27 credits

Start Dates:
3 starts per year (fall, spring, and summer)

Application Deadline:
Summer
April 7, 2025

Upcoming Start Date:
Summer
May 5, 2025

Pre-qualify

Program at a Glance

Join Hawai‘i’s first online post-MSN certificate program

Transfer up to 12 credits from a previous institution

Focus your certificate in one of three NP specialties

Receive dedicated clinical placement assistance

Complete the program in as few as 14 months

Why Choose HPU for Your Post-Master’s Certificate?

Our certificate programs are built to help experienced nurses advance into new roles and respond to evolving patient needs — without stepping away from their careers.

Bridge to Advanced Practice

This program is designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking new NP certification.

Clinical Placement Assistance

Get local placement support across the U.S. and complete clinicals in a convenient location.

Flexible, Asynchronous Format

Study on your schedule and around your nursing obligations.

Practice-Based, Job-Ready Curriculum

Get relevant education with no redundant coursework.

Diverse Clinical Sites.

Explore psychiatric, primary care, acute, and specialty settings.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

Member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)

CCNE

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Hawai‘i Pacific University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties

Member of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)

WASC

Accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC/WSCUC)

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

Participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) to offer distance education in member states

Post-Master's Certificate Curriculum Overview

Each graduate nursing certificate program includes specialty-focused coursework and clinical experiences aligned with the latest national certification standards.

You’ll have the opportunity to build advanced, specialized knowledge in areas like diagnosis, treatment planning, patient management, and systems-based care — without repeating prior MSN-level core content.

What You Can Expect to Learn

Advanced assessment and differential diagnosis
Specialty-specific pharmacology and prescribing
Clinical decision-making and care coordination
Evidence-based practice and culturally competent care
Topics and skills required to prepare for national board certification

Each curriculum is tailored to your chosen NP concentration — FNP, PMHNP, or AGACNP — and includes didactic coursework and supervised clinical practice hours.

Clinical Placement Support

HPU’s dedicated placement team works with you to secure approved clinical sites and preceptors near your location — so you can focus on your education, not logistics.

Behavioral, acute care, and primary care site partnerships
Support with documentation, compliance, and scheduling
Faculty mentorship throughout clinical rotations

View Full Curriculum

Which NP Certificate Concentration Is Right for Me?

Each certificate program helps prepare you for national NP certification and includes coursework aligned with your chosen specialty. You’ll have the opportunity to complete specialty-specific courses, clinical rotations, and faculty-guided experiences.

Mother and child visiting with nurse practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

This concentration helps empower you to deliver primary care to patients across the lifespan in outpatient and community-based settings.

Primary care across all age groups
Health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management
Eligible for AANP or ANCC FNP certification

View PMC-FNP Program

Colleagues discussing a case

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

This certificate is designed to help you build the clinical skills and knowledge to provide mental health services, including therapy and psychopharmacology.