The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate allows students who already have a Master’s of Science in Nursing to be certified as nurse practitioners for individuals and families. The post-master’s certificate will prepare you for advanced practice nursing in home health agencies, physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, family health centers, and clinics in both urban and rural communities.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to be certified as family/individual nurse practitioners across the life span.

As a certified nurse practitioner, you’ll diagnose and treat acute, episodic or chronic illness, working with a physician and as part of a health care team. Nurse practitioners may order, perform or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays and may prescribe medication.

A Carlow students sits at her desk with her laptop. Her hands are folded and she is smiling at the camera.
Credits required:

36 credits

Cost per credit:

$918/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 27 months

Delivery:

On campus or online

You will complete 36 course credits as well as 600 clinical hours, which may take place in a variety of urban and rural health care agencies in the Pittsburgh region.

Quick facts

A family nurse practitioner student leans on a table in our simulation lab. A simulation dummy is pictured in the background.

Online Certificate

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Career opportunities for Family Nurse Practitioners

Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.


75 Years of Nursing Excellence

For 75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.


You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

  • Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
  • Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation  (one must be from a supervisor)  that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work

Also, you must have:

  • A current, valid and unrestricted license as a registered nurse
  • Completed an approved undergraduate statistics course
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall & Spring

An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required. 

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

If you are interested in this certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.

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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.