Post-APRN Certificate Program

This program is designed for licensed APRNs who are certified in one area of advanced nursing practice and wish to expand their expertise to an additional population. Applicants to the Post-APRN Graduate Certificate program must hold a previous advanced practice nursing degree and national certification in another population focus. Applicants to the Post-APRN Graduate Certificate program follow the same application process as those applying for the full Doctor of Nursing Practice program and are reviewed equally.

Upon completing the required coursework and practicum hours, graduates are qualified to sit for national certification in their new specialty area. The certificate will also be posted to your University of Utah transcripts.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of a graduate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited university/college
• Verification of licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in at least one of the jurisdictions of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

COMPLETED APPLICATION INCLUDES

• 2026 Certificate Application
• Submission of the following materials:
• Resume
• PDF copies of all college transcripts
• Copy of APRN certification
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from professional sources

Applications are due January 15, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the next steps in late January, with final admissions decisions posted in early February.

Thank you for your interest in our Post-APRN Certificate Program. The application is now open and can be accessed here.

Please note that the Post-APRN Certificate Program is a non-matriculated (non-degree-seeking) program; therefore, federal financial aid is not available. You can find Resident Graduate Nursing Tuition information here.

If you have any questions or would like guidance as you prepare your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to shelley.kern@nurs.utah.edu, DNP Program Manager.