Post-Master’s Certificate—Nurse Practitioner Guide

Are you looking for a career change that will propel your nursing career to the next level? A post-master's certificate program may be just what you need. With the ever-growing demand for qualified nurse practitioners and psychiatric mental health nurses, earning a post-master’s certificate can provide an invaluable opportunity to enhance your skills and boost your career prospects. This guide has all the information you'll need to decide whether a post-master’s certificate program in either of these practices is the perfect fit for your future.

Post-master’s certificate programs for nurse practitioners provide advanced nursing education and specialized training for individuals with a master's degree in nursing. The curriculum typically focuses on refining clinical skills and providing opportunities for advanced practice within a specific area of nursing specialization such as family practice or specialty care. These programs are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of nurse practitioners, preparing them to provide higher-quality care to patients. This type of certification ensures that nurse practitioners remain up to date with the latest healthcare advancements and are equipped to meet the growing demands of the healthcare industry.

For nurses who have already earned their master's degree and are seeking to expand their knowledge and skill set, WGU has two options available through their post-master’s certificate program:

• The Family Nurse Practitioner–Post-Master’s Certificate covers a broad spectrum of primary care, allowing nurses to be educated in providing care to patients of all ages and genders in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices.
• The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner–Post-Master’s Certificate offers specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, providing nurses with the necessary tools to work with patients who require mental health care.

The post-master's certificate for family nurse practitioners (PMC FNP) is an exciting opportunity for nurses who already hold an MSN and want to advance their careers by becoming nurse practitioners. This certificate program offers specialized clinical training and hands-on experience to help prepare nurses for this highly specialized role. However, it's important to note that due to the clinical requirements of the program, the certificate is not available to students with permanent residence in the following states:

• Arizona 
• California 
• District of Columbia 
• Louisiana 
• Maryland 
• Massachusetts 
• New York 
• North Dakota 
• Oregon 
• Tennessee 
• Washington

To qualify, students must have a permanent and active license from an approved state. Additionally, they must have completed internships in that same state and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure there. These requirements ensure that students have the necessary skills and experience to provide high-quality care to patients in the state where they intend to practice.

The post-master's certificate for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMC PMHNP) is designed for registered nurses who have already completed an MSN degree and are looking to specialize in the field of psychiatric nursing. This program provides comprehensive training that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience to enable nurses to deliver high-quality care to individuals with psychiatric disorders. However, like the PMC FNP, it's important to note that this program is not available to students with permanent residence in the following states:

• Arizona 
• California 
• District of Columbia 
• Louisiana 
• Maryland 
• Massachusetts 
• New York 
• North Dakota 
• Oregon 
• Tennessee 
• Washington 
• Wisconsin

As with the PMC FMP, students must have an active license, have completed an internship, and plan to obtain an APRN licensure within an approved state.

Nursing is a highly competitive field. However, if you're an NP looking to gain an edge in the workplace, pursuing a post-master's certificate offers a variety of benefits, including: 

1. Advanced training: NPs must complete a certain number of hours of continuing education every year to maintain their certification, and a post-master’s certificate will help them meet those requirements. Additionally, the coursework in a post-master’s certificate program will help you keep up with the latest advancements in nursing care. 
2. Improved job prospects: Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are increasingly looking for NPs with advanced training and certification, and having a post-master’s certificate will make you more attractive to potential employers. Also, pursuing a post-master's certificate can help you to advance your career by allowing you to take on more responsibility at your current job or by helping you to obtain a higher-paying position. 
3. Higher salary: NPs with advanced training and certification typically earn more than those without such credentials. Likewise, obtaining a post-master’s certificate can help you negotiate a higher salary when applying for new jobs. 
4. Greater job satisfaction: NPs who feel confident in their abilities and have the necessary skills to provide quality care are more satisfied with their jobs than those who feel unprepared. Additionally, having a post-master's certificate can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride in your profession, leading to greater job satisfaction. 
5. Better patient outcomes: NPs who are highly skilled and knowledgeable about the latest advancements in nursing care tend to provide superior care than those who could be better prepared. This, in turn, can lead to improved patient health outcomes and satisfaction with their care.

Family nurse practitioners, or FNPs, are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing primary care services to individuals and families. They work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and manage acute and chronic illnesses and promote disease prevention and health education. FNPs are trained to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, and often serve as the primary care provider for many families. As trusted and knowledgeable healthcare professionals, FNPs also play an important role in guiding patients toward making informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices. They can work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, nursing homes, schools, and even patients' homes. 

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced training to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. These professionals work with patients along the continuum of mental health care, from prevention and early intervention to acute care and rehabilitation. PMHNPs often collaborate on interdisciplinary teams to develop treatment plans, including medication management, therapy, and lifestyle changes to promote mental health and overall wellness. They are highly skilled in assessing and managing psychiatric symptoms and disorders and providing support, education, and resources to patients and their families. PMHNPs work in various settings such as mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices. They also work in community health centers, university health clinics, and schools. With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, PMHNPs play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life for those struggling with mental health challenges.

APRN, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, is a broad term encompassing four distinct healthcare roles. One of these roles is a nurse practitioner (NP), who generally provides primary and specialized care in private practice or alongside other physicians. Another APRN role is that of a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), who provides healthcare services to women throughout various stages of life. Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), on the other hand, specialize in a specific area of clinical practice, such as pediatrics or psychiatric mental health. Finally, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) provides anesthesiology and pain management services across various healthcare settings. Knowing the differences in these four APRN roles can be helpful in understanding which healthcare profession will best suit your knowledge and skills. 

If you're a nurse with a master's degree and looking for a way to take your career to the next level, the FNP post-master's certificate at WGU might be just what you're looking for. This hybrid program focuses exclusively on the courses needed to become a family nurse practitioner, without any repetition of coursework from an MSN program. The program is evidence based, meaning you'll gain the skills and mastery you need to be an effective nurse practitioner. If you're interested in learning about the nurse practitioner core, specialization options, eligibility criteria, and admission requirements, you can visit the PMC FNP program page for in-depth program details. 
Furthermore, the PMC PMHNP program at WGU is an excellent opportunity for registered nurses to advance their careers in psychiatric medicine. In this blended program, students complete coursework online and receive hands-on clinical experience in their local communities. With the program's emphasis on direct patient care, students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to sit for the ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam and become licensed by their state. For more information on the PMHNP program's core curriculum, specialization options, eligibility criteria, and admission requirements, visit the program page.

The career outlook for NPs with a post-master's certificate is highly favorable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for advanced practice nurses, including NPs, is projected to grow by 40% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth is due to the aging population and increasing emphasis on preventive care. Also, NPs with a post-master's certificate regularly earn higher salaries than those without one, and the investment in further education can lead to increased job stability and opportunities for advancement. Overall, obtaining a post-master's certificate can be a smart career move for NPs looking to secure their future in healthcare.

If you're a student who has completed a master's degree in nursing, you may be considering taking your education to the next level with a post-master's certificate. And if that's the case, there's no better place to do that than at WGU. Here, you'll have access to a rigorous curriculum allowing you to expand your nursing knowledge and skills in a way that is most relevant to today's healthcare landscape. You'll also benefit from a fully online program designed to fit into your busy professional and personal schedule.  
WGU offers both the PMC FNP and PMC PMHNP programs, both of which can be completed in two years or less, thanks to WGU's competency-based model. To apply for these programs, you must hold at least an M.S. in nursing and a current RN license. Additionally, you must supply WGU with a criminal background check, résumé, application essay, and three letters of recommendation. Finally, you must also have at least one year of clinical experience as an RN and be an active RN at the time of your application.