University of Kentucky®
Graduate Certificate in
Professional Nursing
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 16 - 31
CREDENTIALS Certificate
COST PER CREDIT
$1002.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Graduate Certificates
- Professional Nursing
About this Program
For those who already have an advanced practice graduate degree in nursing, this program expands your knowledge to a new population foci to support a role change in your career.
This program prepares post graduate APRN's in the specialty areas of:
- Adult Geriatric Acute Care
- Family Care
- Psychiatric Mental Health
- Pediatric Acute Care
- Pediatric Primary Care
-or-
- Students may select the track in Executive Leadership, which focuses on competencies required for middle management and executive leaders.
This program features course work online with required in-person clinical rotations and required visits to UK's Lexington campus for immersion activities twice each semester.
Designed For
This program is designed for a licensed nurse practitioner looking to transition to a different specialty within the advanced practice nursing field. They possess a strong clinical background and are motivated to gain additional knowledge and skills necessary for their new role and specialty certification.
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What You’ll Learn
- Apply scientific principles as you diagnose, manage, treat, and evaluate patients
- Employ advanced practice nursing specialty competencies and evidence-based treatment with specific populations
- Collaborate with interprofessional teams in order to optimize care for diverse populations.
Students are educated for licensure as a Nurse Practitioner by the Board of Nursing in your state and you may apply to take the national certification for your population foci in which you were educated. Graduates of the Executive Leadership specialty may be eligible to sit for the Nurse Executive - Advanced certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Certified in Executive Nursing Practice exam with the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). Eligibility for certification also requires meeting practice requirements for the respective agency.
How You'll Learn
• Class are completed online.
• Students must also attend in-person immersion blocks (1-3 days) twice each semester.
- During the immersion blocks you will attend orientation and networking events and complete various degree-related activities, including testing, skill assessments, simulation, and standardized patient modules.
• Students complete 16 to 31 credit hours, depending on specialty track and previously completed coursework.
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Graduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale
- MSN, DNP or PHD in nursing degree from a CCNE or ACEN accredited program
Application Requirements
The NursingCAS application system opens September 15 for Fall enrollment, and June 15 for Spring enrollment.
The application fee is $80.00, payable through NursingCAS. For information on application fee waivers, visit the NursingCAS website. There is no additional application fee to the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. Applicants to the DNP program must select one specialty in their application.
Please upload the following with your application in NursingCAS:
- Current CV/Resume - You should have your current/updated Curriculum Vitae or resume in hand prior to beginning the application. This will provide you with needed information regarding prior schools attended, dates, prior employment and dates, etc. needed for the application. Applicants are required to upload current CV/resume. See sample format.
- Recommendations - You will need current contact information on each of your two references (full name, employer name and email address) before beginning the application. These individuals will be required to upload a letter of recommendation to NursingCAS. References attesting to the applicant's expertise in nursing or health care are preferred from the following:
- A current supervisor
- No more than one peer
- Identifying your selected references and initiating the recommendation request is part of the NursingCAS application. Hard copy or electronic versions of recommendations sent directly to the school will not be accepted
- Personal Statement/Goal Statement - Please write a one to two double-spaced page essay describing what you as a person would bring to our educational community, the advanced practice nursing profession, and the community you seek to serve.
- Include your short- and long-term professional goals. Identify a system or population you are interested in working with and discuss a problem in that system/population that you wish to expand your knowledge on during your certificate program.
- Licensure - Applicants must upload copy of the State Board of Nursing validation of their current, unencumbered RN license(s), and APRN license if applicable.
Personal Interview(s) are required
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
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The University of Kentucky’s acute care post-master's certificate program allowed me to continue working in a busy electrophysiology practice while completing my certificate.
Melissa CzarapataWhy UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
How do I apply to this nursing program?
Applicants must apply using the NursingCAS application system. The NursingCAS application system opens September 15 for Fall enrollment, and June 15 for Spring enrollment.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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