Admissions

The Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate programs are intended for individuals who already hold a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing degree and certification/ licensing as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist with the core courses and clinical experiences necessary for eligibility for advanced certification to become an Adult Gerontology, Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family, Pediatric or Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and prepares advanced practice clinicians to deliver high quality care to various patient populations. 

Admission Criteria:

Students will be admitted to the program based on enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements:

• A master’s degree in nursing from a CCNE or ACEN-accredited School of Nursing.

• A master’s GPA of 3.5 or higher.

• A multi-state compact RN license.

• Holds certification/ licensure as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

A gap analysis is completed at matriculation to produce the individual plans of study.  Credit hours and clinical practicum hours depend on the courses and clinical hours completed in previous graduate-level programs. A certificate will be awarded.

For all specialty advanced practice degree programs, there is a core curriculum that all students must complete, and courses specific to population-focused advanced practice nursing concentrations that lead to eligibility to sit for national certification.

All Post-Master’s Certificate students must complete the core and specialty track courses. Clinical hours are included in course requirements for both core courses and for population-focused concentration courses. These programs can generally be completed in 1-2 years of part-time study with a minimum of 750 clinical hours.

Adult Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP)
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Post-Master’s Certificate
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners are prepared to diagnose and treat patients with acute or critical issues, or acute exacerbations of chronic health conditions. Specifically, qualified to obtain health histories, perform physical assessments, develop differential diagnoses, order and interpret diagnostic studies, determine management plans, order pharmacology therapies and other therapeutic interventions, collaborate and communicate with other members of the healthcare team, and facilitate transitions across different levels of care. AGACNPs are prepared to provide acute care services to patients ages 18 through the end of life. This program prepares the student to take the ANCC certification exam, and provides more than 750 hours of clinical training. A free gap analysis will be conducted to determine course and clinical hour requirements.

Adult Gerontology Primary Care (AGNP)
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Post-Master’s Certificate
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to adults across the continuum of primary care. With a strong emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, and the management of chronic and complex health conditions, AGPCNPs are equipped to meet the evolving needs of an aging population. Through a combination of rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, students in this program gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead in outpatient, community, and long-term care settings. Graduates are well-positioned to improve access to care, support healthy aging, and serve as advocates for wellness in diverse populations. The program prepares the student to take the board certification exam and provides a minimum of 750 of clinical training.  A free gap analysis will be conducted to determine course and clinical hour requirements.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Post-Master’s Certificate 

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan. With a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and the management of acute and chronic conditions, FNPs are uniquely positioned to improve access to quality care in diverse settings, including clinics, private practices, schools, and underserved communities. This program combines advanced clinical training with leadership and policy development, equipping graduates to serve as both expert clinicians and change agents in healthcare. Emphasizing a holistic, patient-centered approach, the FNP program develops compassionate providers ready to address the complex healthcare needs of today’s populations. The program prepares the student to take the board certification exam and provides a minimum of 750 of clinical training. A free gap analysis will be conducted to determine course and clinical hour requirements.

Nursing Education
Nursing Education, Certificate 
Nurses who pursue a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Education are vital to the advancement of the profession. Through this specialized graduate program, nurse educators develop the skills to design curriculum, lead classroom and clinical instruction, and mentor the next generation of nurses. MSN-prepared nurse educators blend clinical expertise with teaching excellence, playing a key role in addressing the nursing faculty shortage and ensuring high-quality education in academic and healthcare settings. Whether in the classroom, simulation lab, or at the bedside, these professionals inspire learning, support growth, and foster the development of competent, compassionate nurses. Students are prepared to take the certification exam through the National League of Nursing (NLN) and are provided at least 180 hours of clinical experience. A free gap analysis will be conducted to determine course and clinical hour requirements.

Pediatric Primary Care (PNP)
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Post-Master’s Certificate 
The role of the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner is to provide care to children from birth through young adult (up to 21) with an in-depth knowledge and experience in pediatric primary health care including well child care and prevention/management of common pediatric acute illnesses and chronic conditions. This care is provided to support optimal health of children within the context of their family, community, and environmental setting. The Post-Master’s certificate program prepares the student to take the PNCB certification exam, and provides more than 500 hours of clinical training.  A free gap analysis will be conducted to determine course and clinical hour requirements. 

Nurse-Midwife, Certificate
The Nurse-Midwife Program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care to individuals throughout the reproductive continuum—from preconception through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and newborn care. The curriculum integrates online didactic coursework, scheduled on-campus simulation-based learning intensives, and supervised clinical experiences that emphasize physiologic birth, primary care, gynecologic health, family planning, newborn care and emergency recognition, collaboration and management. Students develop advanced diagnostic reasoning, clinical competence, and leadership skills grounded in cultural humility, equity, and the principles of midwifery. Graduates are prepared to assume the full scope of nurse-midwifery practice in collaboration with interprofessional teams and to advocate for safe, respectful, and person-centered maternity care across diverse settings. The program prepares the student to take the American Midwifery Certification Board certification exam and provides a minimum of 816 hours of clinical training.  A free gap analysis will be conducted to determine course and clinical hour requirements.

Nurse-Midwife program has unique admission and program requirements. Learn more about the Nurse-Midwife program.

Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMHNP)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Post-Master’s Certificate 
By combining cutting-edge neuroscience, evidence-based practice, classical theoretical underpinnings, and innovative holistic modalities, our practitioners are dually prepared to provide both psychotherapy and medication management to promote optimal health outcomes in individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Practitioners are prepared to tackle the latest clinical challenges in the field and to provide leadership in integrated healthcare delivery models and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students prepare for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s PMHNP certification exam with more than 500 clinical training hours in three psychotherapeutic treatment modalities addressing individuals, families, and groups. A free gap analysis will be conducted to determine course and clinical hour requirements.

One of the key advantages of the University of Delaware School of Nursing graduate programs is our collaborative approach to clinical placements. Unlike many other schools that place the responsibility solely on students, we partner with you to locate and secure qualified preceptors that align with your educational and professional goals. Our dedicated team works alongside you throughout the process to ensure a supportive and successful clinical experience.

We’re Committed to Affordability

$886 Per Credit Hour

Due to a College of Health Sciences Dean’s Scholarship, the student tuition rate is lower than the published UD graduate tuition rate. There are no additional university fees beyond tuition, as the program is online. Please contact the department for more information.

Application Deadlines for MSN with NP

Application Deadlines for MSN without NP