Post Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificates at PLU
What is a Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate?
A post-graduate certificate program allows a registered nurse with a graduate degree to complete a specialized credential.
Who is eligible for these certificate programs?
These programs offer flexible entry options for two pathways:
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Post-Master’s Entry: For nurses holding a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
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Post-Doctoral Entry: For nurses holding a doctoral degree in nursing.
Do the PLU NP Certificate programs lead to licensure?
Yes. Successful completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate qualifies graduates to sit for national certification examinations. This makes you eligible for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure under Washington State law.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate Specialty
The Family Nurse Practitioner specialty focuses on comprehensive, family-focused primary healthcare to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
What is the FNP scope of practice?
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Deliver direct, patient-centered care based on advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning.
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Integrate health promotion and disease prevention into modern healthcare delivery.
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Respond effectively to evolving healthcare consumer needs.
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Achieve professional growth, clinical autonomy, and leadership responsibility.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate Specialty
The PMHNP specialty prepares nurses to provide comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan.
What is the PMHNP scope of practice?
The scope of practice for an advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse includes:
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Advanced psychiatric mental health nursing assessments.
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Psychopharmacology (medication management).
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Individual, group, and family therapy.
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Advanced clinical nursing interventions across the lifespan.
Why get an NP certificate at PLU
Hybrid Format
PLU’s FNP and PMHNP certificate programs use a hybrid format that combines on-campus and online learning.
Clinical Placement Support
The program prepares students for advanced specialty practice careers as an FNP or PMHNP, and includes at least 750 clinical hours of direct patient care, arranged by PLU – you will not have to secure your own placements. You’ll have ample opportunity to practice your skills in different settings under the supervision of a licensed faculty member.
Licensure Preparation
PLU’s NP certificate programs include preparation to take the national certifying exam for Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner. Successful completion of this process qualifies you to apply under Washington State law for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licensure.
Cohort Model
Our programs follow a cohort model. Allowing you to create a strong community with your fellow students and faculty, and provide an intentionally personal experience with mentorship and support. You’ll join a community committed to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care.
Clinical Impact
Gain specialized knowledge that can be immediately applied to clinical practice, and strengthen your expertise and professional opportunities.
CAREER PROSPECTS
The demand for nurse practitioners in both primary and specialty healthcare areas continue to grow with the changing demands of our nation’s complex healthcare environment.
The need for nurses at the graduate level include: the rapid expansion of knowledge underlying practice; increased complexity of patient care; national concerns about the quality of care and patient safety; shortages of nursing personnel which demands a higher level of preparation for leaders who can design and assess care; shortages of doctorally-prepared nursing faculty; and increasing educational expectations for the preparation of other members of the healthcare team. American Association of Colleges of Nursing
CAREER PROSPECTS BY THE NUMBERS
National growth in demand for nurse practitioners (2024-2034)
National nurse practitioner median salary (2024)
Washington State average annual wage for nurse practitioners (2022)
National number of nurse practitioner jobs (2024)
*Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics