Are you a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) looking to specialize or expand your expertise? Post-graduate APRN certificate programs offer a pathway to new roles and career advancement. Specifically, Acute Care Np Certificate Programs are designed for nurses seeking to provide expert care to patients with complex and critical conditions. These programs build upon your existing advanced nursing knowledge, preparing you for national certification and practice in acute care settings.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificates: Specializing in Acute Care
For APRNs holding MSN or DNP degrees, post-graduate certificates provide a strategic opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in a new patient population area. These programs are ideal for nurses aiming for career evolution or a shift in their clinical focus. By completing an acute care NP certificate program, you will acquire the focused education and training necessary to excel in high-acuity environments. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the national certification exam in your chosen specialty and apply for authorization to practice as an APRN in North Carolina and potentially other states.
Applying to the Acute Care NP Certificate Program
Interested in taking the next step? Applications for post-graduate certificate programs are currently being accepted.
Key Application Deadlines:
- Acute Care Deadline: April 8, 2025
Please be aware that the Acute Care program’s availability is contingent on sufficient enrollment interest. Ensure all application materials are submitted by the stated deadline.
For detailed information regarding eligibility criteria and the complete application process, please visit our dedicated How to Apply page.
Eligibility and How to Apply
Online, Part-Time Acute Care NP Certificate Options
Carolina Nursing provides flexible, part-time online post-graduate certificates in several advanced practice areas, including specialized training in acute care.
Explore Advanced Practice Areas, Including Acute Care
[
Post-Graduate
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online
](https://nursing.unc.edu/programs/post-graduate-programs/adult-gerontology-acute-care-nurse-practitioner) [
DNP | MSN
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online
](https://nursing.unc.edu/programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/advanced-practice-areas/adult-gerontology-primary-care) [
DNP | MSN
Family Nurse Practitioner
Online
](https://nursing.unc.edu/programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/advanced-practice-areas/family-nurse-practitioner) [
DNP | MSN
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online
](https://nursing.unc.edu/programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/advanced-practice-areas/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner) [
DNP | MSN
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Primary Care
Online
](https://nursing.unc.edu/programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/advanced-practice-areas/pediatric-nurse-practitioner-primary-care)
Program Structure for Acute Care NP Certificates
The program’s Lead Faculty in your chosen population area, such as acute care, will conduct a thorough review of your prior graduate coursework upon admission. This individualized assessment ensures that your educational background aligns with current NP program standards and national certification requirements, which have evolved over time. National certification alone doesn’t guarantee fulfillment of core NP course and supervised practice hour requirements. Therefore, all transcripts and relevant course syllabi will be examined to verify equivalency with our existing advanced practice program curriculum. Gaps in your prior education may necessitate additional or alternative coursework to meet program competencies.
For applicants who are new to APRN practice, demonstration of successful completion of advanced pathophysiology (lifespan), advanced pharmacology (lifespan), and advanced health assessment courses within the last three years is required. APRNs who have been out of practice for more than two years will need to retake advanced pharmacology at a minimum to ensure current knowledge and skills.
All individualized study plans are subject to review and approval by the Assistant Dean of the MSN and DNP Programs, ensuring program rigor and student success.
Program Completion Timeline for Acute Care NP Certificates
While primary care NP certificate program students typically begin in the fall semester (with potential spring matriculation based on individual study plans), the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) certificate program follows a more concentrated schedule. Students in the post-graduate AGACNP certificate program can expect to complete the program within twelve months, encompassing a fall, spring, and summer academic year. This accelerated timeline allows for focused and efficient specialization in acute care nursing practice.
Apply Now for Your Acute Care NP Certificate | Online Post-Graduate Programs
Applications are open now!
- Acute Care Deadline: April 8, 2025
Enrollment in the Acute Care program is subject to sufficient interest. Submit your application materials before the deadline to be considered.
