7 Accredited Nurse Practitioner Certificate Programs in California
Want to advance your nursing career with Nurse Practitioner Certificate Programs in California? You’ll enter a field where professionals earn up to $161,540 annually – the highest average in the country!
Healthcare facilities just need more Nurse Practitioners as fewer physicians choose family practice. These programs are a great way to get certification quickly, and some students complete their requirements in just 12 months. Students learning how to become nurse practitioners in California or searching for online certificate programs will find accredited options with excellent student-to-faculty ratios (some as low as 10:1). The complete curriculums range from 30 units.
Graduates can sit for national certification examinations from respected organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). These seven accredited programs will lead you to a rewarding and lucrative healthcare career.
1. Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University (APU) helps experienced nurses take their careers further with several accredited post-master’s certificate programs. APU stands among California’s top nursing schools and gives nurses ways to boost their clinical skills without getting another full degree.
Program Overview
APU has several post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate programs. These include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Nurses with a master’s degree can complete the FNP certificate program in 38 total units. The program combines online and campus learning to fit working professionals’ schedules.
Students can attend classes at multiple locations – Azusa (main campus), Inland Empire, and San Diego. This makes the program available to students anywhere in Southern California. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll get personal attention throughout your studies.
Admission Requirements
APU’s nurse practitioner certificate programs have specific entry requirements:
- A master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- A valid California RN license
- A one to two-page statement about your professional goals
- A current résumé with work history and education
- Two professional references
The FNP certificate program needs prerequisite courses in health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing research, statistics, nursing leadership, and community health nursing. Students without recent health assessment coursework must take APU’s undergraduate health assessment course before starting clinical work.
Curriculum Highlights
The FNP curriculum teaches primary healthcare practice for patients of all ages. You’ll take academic core courses, advanced practice core courses, and FNP specialty courses. The program has:
- Advanced pathophysiology (3 units)
- Advanced pharmacology (3 units)
- Advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning (4 units)
- Primary healthcare courses covering adult, aging, population-based health interventions, and restorative care (9 units)
- Nurse practitioner clinical experience (12 units)
Students can customize their clinical experiences and take 2-6 clinical units each semester with faculty approval. Evening lectures are available, making it easier for working nurses to balance their job and studies.
Tuition and Fees
The 2025-26 academic year costs $895 per unit. This brings the 38-unit FNP certificate’s total cost to about $34,010. Additional costs include:
- Nursing clinical fee: $600 per semester (includes malpractice insurance)
- Graduate nursing advanced practice lab fee: $275 per course
Your total cost depends on how fast you complete the program and which courses you choose. Every incoming student gets some form of financial aid. Military members get extra financial help since APU is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School.
Certification Eligibility
After finishing the FNP certificate program, you can apply to the California Board of Registered Nursing to become a certified nurse practitioner. The program also gets you ready for national FNP certification exams through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
The courses line up with certification requirements and cover everything in direct patient assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, client advocacy, and client/family education. This complete preparation will help you succeed in getting certified.
Best For
APU’s nurse practitioner certificate programs work best for:
- Nurses who want a faith-based education in a supportive Christian setting
- Working professionals who need flexible schedules with evening classes and part-time options
- Students who thrive with individual attention, thanks to the small class sizes
- Those wanting tailored clinical experiences that match their career interests
- Military members and their families who can use APU’s Yellow Ribbon benefits
APU stands out from other schools because it has multiple Southern California locations and blends faith-based views into advanced nursing practice.
2. National University
National University has a specialized Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate that helps healthcare professionals expand their clinical skills. This California-based program combines easy access with thorough training to prepare advanced practice nurses for expanded roles in primary care.
Program Overview
The Post-Graduate FNP Certificate at National University welcomes nurses who have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. This graduate-level program helps advanced practice nurses manage care for families at every life stage. Students receive a Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate when they finish.
The program excels with its hybrid format that combines online coursework with onsite learning and clinical experiences. Classes meet once a month (usually Thursday through Saturday) on an executive weekend schedule. This setup works great for working professionals. The program helps you develop critical thinking skills, make differential diagnoses, and use evidence-based findings to improve healthcare outcomes.
Admission Requirements
You’ll need these qualifications:
- A master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from a state-approved, nationally accredited nursing program, or regionally accredited university
- A current, active, and unencumbered RN license in your state
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (GPAs between 2.5-2.99 might be considered case-by-case)
- One year of recent clinical practice as a professional nurse
- Three professional recommendation forms, preferably from people with graduate or doctoral degrees
- A completed university application for graduate admissions with application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you’ve attended
- A personal goals statement (maximum two pages) about your interest and potential contributions to nursing
Curriculum Highlights
The program requires 46.5-53 quarter units, depending on possible course waivers. You’ll need to complete 600-645 clinical hours at approved practicum sites with designated preceptors. The curriculum focuses on building your expertise in health promotion, disease prevention, and managing acute and chronic conditions.
You must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a B average (84%) in all courses. New students should know that all accepted applicants must attend orientation activities. These include virtual online meetings and a one-day mandatory campus orientation.
If you’re an experienced Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, you might be able to skip certain foundational courses taken previously within specific timeframes. This lets you customize the program based on your education and clinical background.
Tuition and Fees
The total estimated cost for the FNP certificate program runs about $40,320. This covers 62 units at $450 per unit plus $1,035 in course material fees. While older program documents listed fees around $10,125-$11,325, check the university’s main tuition page for current rates.
National University wants to make higher education available and affordable. Eligible students can reduce costs through scholarships, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster. The university suggests all students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check their financial aid eligibility.
Certification Eligibility
After completing the program, you can take the FNP national certification exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). These certifications let you practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner in California and across the United States.
Best For
This FNP certificate program works really well for:
Healthcare professionals who like the executive weekend format. It minimizes work schedule disruptions while providing hands-on learning opportunities. The hybrid model gives you both flexibility and essential clinical training.
The program also fits nurses who want to move into primary care roles in clinics and community settings. You’ll learn practical skills for managing primary care conditions in healthcare settings of all types.
Nurses with advanced degrees (MSN, DNP, PhD) will find this program offers a quick path to expand their practice scope without completing another full degree. Experienced APRNs might finish even faster thanks to potential course waivers for relevant prior coursework.
3. Touro University California
Touro University California is notable from other nurse practitioner certificate programs. Its innovative hybrid approach blends online convenience with hands-on clinical training. The university’s specialized post-master’s certificates prepare advanced practice nurses to take on expanded roles in today’s evolving healthcare world.
Program Overview
The Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (FNP-C) program uses a unique hybrid format. Students complete 90% of work online and spend 10% on campus for intensive training in procedures, urgent care, and gynecologic/genitourinary care. Working nurses can advance their careers without disrupting their professional lives. Students finish the program in 12-18 months with a minimum of 630 clinical practice hours.
A standout feature is Touro’s guaranteed clinical placements. Students gain experience at multiple sites that expose them to adults, children, geriatric care, women’s health, behavioral health, street medicine, mobile health, and wellness programs. California-based nurse practitioners earn the highest average annual wage in the country at $161,540.
The university also offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate track. This 5-semester hybrid program follows a similar online/on-campus distribution.
Admission Requirements
You need these qualifications to join Touro’s certificate programs:
- A Master of Science Degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- A current, unencumbered California state Registered Nursing license
- One year of full-time nursing practice
Both FNP and PMHNP programs accept applications year-round with different start terms based on prerequisites. The FNP program begins in summer, and students with qualifying transfer credits must apply by April 15.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum combines advanced practice nursing skills with evidence-based research to prepare you for high-level clinical practice. Students work through four semesters. The program has direct clinical hours in various settings, online courses (both live and recorded), and on-campus intensives each semester.
Students who completed NP education prerequisites in the last 5 years might get transfer credit. These courses are Advanced Physical Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Pathophysiology.
Students build skills in full health assessment, diagnosis, prescription writing, and clinical decision-making based on ethical principles. The program goes beyond individual treatment to cover healthcare systems leadership and evidence-based practice implementation.
Tuition and Fees
The FNP certificate program costs $1,090 per unit without transfer credits. Students at the Nevada branch campus (which shares accreditation with California) pay about $750 per credit.
Program costs vary based on transfer credits and campus location. Students should plan for extra expenses like books, supplies, clinical expenses, and technology requirements.
Certification Eligibility
Program graduates can apply for California State Certification as a Nurse Practitioner and Furnishing (prescribing) privileges. The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) certifies advanced practice nurses and issues furnishing numbers. These numbers let nurse practitioners order or furnish drugs and devices to patients.
The curriculum prepares students for national FNP certification exams through both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Best For
Touro University California serves these groups best:
Working nurses who need flexibility but want solid clinical preparation benefit from the 90% online format and strategic on-campus intensives. Guaranteed clinical placements remove a major hurdle many students face while pursuing advanced nursing credentials.
Nurses interested in psychiatric and mental health specialization will find value in Touro’s PMHNP track. This program helps address the ongoing shortage of mental and behavioral health care providers.
The program’s California focus makes it perfect for nurses planning to practice in the state with the nation’s highest nurse practitioner salaries. Students get unique team-based healthcare experience by learning alongside Medical, Pharmacy, PA, and Public Health candidates – an opportunity rare in other certificate programs.
4. West Coast University
West Coast University offers a fully online Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program. The program helps nurses with advanced degrees get specialized credentials without going through another master’s program. Students learn through virtual classes and hands-on training to build complete primary care skills.
Program Overview
The Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate at West Coast University takes 32 credits spread across 5 trimesters (80 instructional weeks). Students can finish it in about 20 months. The program runs mostly online and needs 600 precepted clinical hours to meet certification requirements. Students also attend two on-site intensive (OSI) weekends on campus. These sessions help develop hands-on skills and demonstrate competencies.
The program teaches nurse practitioners how to care for families through complete health assessments, direct care, guidance, teaching, and counseling. Fewer physicians now choose family practice. This creates a rising need for qualified nurse practitioners in primary care settings.
Admission Requirements
You’ll need these qualifications to join West Coast University’s FNP certificate program:
- A Master of Science (MSN) or Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA accredited program
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in previous graduate studies
- A valid and clear registered nursing license from any US state or territory
- A completed university application that meets all admission criteria
The program doesn’t accept students with nursing degrees from outside the United States. You might get transfer credits for courses with B grades or better. Just submit official sealed transcripts before classes start.
Curriculum Highlights
Students develop these core skills throughout the program:
- They learn to combine advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment knowledge for informed differential diagnoses
- They provide individual-specific, evidence-based, culturally competent care to diverse populations
- They use therapeutic communication strategies with new technologies
- They coordinate patient-specific care using policies and resources
Clinical training plays a big role in teaching diagnosis, treatment, and patient care management. Students must keep a 3.0 GPA in all 500 and 600-level courses. They also need to meet every requirement under the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Tuition and Fees
The Post-Master’s Certificate program costs about $785 per credit. With 32 credits total, tuition runs around $25,120. Extra costs include technology fees, supplies, licensure preparation, and clinical program fees – about $7,600. This makes the total program cost approximately $32,720.
Certification Eligibility
After completing the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program, graduates can apply for certification with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) through “Method One”. The program prepares you for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the FNP coursework, so healthcare settings everywhere recognize these credentials.
Best For
This program works best for:
- Working professionals who want flexibility with mostly online classes that fit their work schedule
- Nurses holding advanced degrees (MSN/DNP) who want to expand their practice without another full degree
- People interested in family-focused primary care throughout life
- Students who like structured but limited campus visits through OSI weekends
West Coast University gives advanced practice nurses a quick way to become family nurse practitioners. The program combines online learning with strategic in-person sessions to make it work for busy professionals.
5. Fresno State University
California State University, Fresno helps nurses with advanced degrees expand their practice through post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate programs. This 10-year-old Central Valley institution blends academic excellence with hands-on training that working professionals need.
Program Overview
The post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate at Fresno State has 33 units of specialized coursework. Students can receive credit for graduate courses they’ve already completed, usually in advanced theories and advanced issues. This means students getting post-master’s certificates finish faster than those doing a full master’s degree.
Students can choose between two certificates: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits both programs. This ensures graduates meet national quality standards that advanced nursing practice demands.
Admission Requirements
FNP certificate program applicants need to meet these criteria:
- Hold a master’s degree in nursing from an NLN/CCNE accredited program
- Have an active registered nurse license in California
- Keep a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Complete an application through NursingCAS
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- Write a personal statement about professional goals
The application window opens October 1 and closes May 1 each year, with rolling admissions. Faculty members interview qualified applicants before making final admission decisions.
Curriculum Highlights
Students learn both theory and clinical skills. Core courses include:
Advanced Health Assessment (3 units), Advanced Pharmacology (3 units), and Advanced Pathophysiology (2 units). The program also covers pediatric care, OB/GYN in primary care, and primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
Clinical experiences come through practica courses worth 15 units. Students gain real-world experience under faculty supervision in healthcare settings of all types. The school’s graduate curriculum committee works with each student to create their study plan, tailoring it to match professional goals.
Tuition and Fees
Current graduate tuition rates at Fresno State for 2025-2026 start for part-time students at $3,227.50. This amount includes tuition and campus fees. Full-time students can expect to pay $4,919.50.
Out-of-state and international students pay an extra non-resident tuition fee of $444 per unit. Students should plan their budget carefully since total program costs vary based on course load and residency status.
Certification Eligibility
Program graduates can apply for certification with the California Board of Registered Nursing. The curriculum readies students for national certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Students work with preceptors who meet California Board of Registered Nursing and accrediting bodies’ standards. These preceptors must be physicians or master’s-prepared nurses with national board certification.
Best For
Fresno State’s nurse practitioner certificate programs work best for:
Working professionals who appreciate credit for prior learning, since the program counts previously completed graduate courses. Nurses interested in rural healthcare and diverse cultural experiences will value the program’s focus on these areas.
Students who want input into their education thrive here, thanks to the shared approach in choosing courses. The school’s strong local healthcare partnerships and regional focus benefit nurses planning to practice in California’s Central Valley region.
6. California State University, Fullerton
CSU Fullerton’s specialized Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner certificate program delivers exceptional outcomes through its focused curriculum. The program has got attention because every graduate passes the certification exam and finds employment quickly.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing at CSU Fullerton features a Women’s Health Care concentration with two paths. Students can choose between the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner track or combine it with Nurse-Midwife training. Every student passes the national nurse practitioner certification exam, and all find jobs within months after graduating. Advanced practice nurses learn to provide primary ambulatory healthcare for women throughout their lives.
Admission Requirements
You must meet these requirements:
- A valid California RN license without disciplinary action
- A baccalaureate degree in nursing or related field from an accredited institution
- A 3.0 GPA minimum in your last 60 semester units
- Upper-division statistics course completed with a “C” or better
- Experience requirements differ by track: Nurse Practitioner track needs 1 year acute care experience (OB/Gyn preferred), while Nurse-Midwifery track needs 6 months in Labor and Delivery
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum promotes teamwork and independent practice in your chosen specialty. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner students focus on outpatient care for women. Nurse-Midwife students learn pregnancy management, intrapartum care, newborn care, and complete gynecologic healthcare including family planning and menopause care.
Tuition and Fees
The 2025-2026 tuition structure:
- Part-time (0-6 units): $2,082 per semester
- Full-time (6.1+ units): $3,588 per semester
Students must also pay mandatory campus fees. In-state students typically pay about $7,337 annually.
Certification Eligibility
Graduates can apply for California State Certification as a Nurse Practitioner with furnishing (prescribing) privileges. The program prepares you to take national certification exams through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Best For
Nurses who want specialized training in women’s health will thrive in this program. The perfect certification exam pass rate and 100% job placement record speak volumes. The program works well especially when you have a busy schedule, thanks to its full-time and part-time options. Working professionals interested in women’s health specialization will find this program available and convenient.
7. University of San Diego
The University of San Diego offers one of the shortest post-master’s FNP certificate programs. Nurses can broaden their career opportunities without long-term commitments.
Program Overview
USD’s post-master’s FNP certificate program takes just three semesters to complete. Students who need more flexibility can opt for a six-semester part-time schedule. The program requires 15 units total, making it substantially more efficient than other programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits all coursework, which ensures graduates meet national quality standards.
Admission Requirements
You need these qualifications to apply:
- An MSN or doctoral degree in nursing
- A valid California RN license without restrictions
- A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- A personal statement that outlines your professional goals
- A resume/CV showing your relevant experience
- Two professional recommendation letters
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum teaches primary care throughout the lifespan. Core courses include:
- Advanced pathophysiology (3 units)
- Advanced pharmacology (3 units)
- Advanced health assessment (4 units)
- Primary care practicum series
Tuition and Fees
Each unit costs $1,750. The complete program totals about $26,250.
Certification Eligibility
Graduates can apply for California nurse practitioner certification. They can also take national certification exams through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Best For
The program’s condensed timeframe makes it perfect for experienced nurses who want quick career advancement. USD offers international programs in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. These opportunities give students a global healthcare view while building clinical expertise.
Next Steps
Your choice of nurse practitioner certificate program plays a vital role in advancing your healthcare career. Seven accredited California programs offer unique advantages. You might prefer Azusa Pacific University’s faith-integrated approach, National University’s executive weekend format, or Touro University’s hybrid program that guarantees clinical placements.
West Coast University has made its mark with a fully online program. Fresno State University gives credit for graduate courses you’ve already completed. CSU Fullerton’s specialized Women’s Health track boasts a 100% certification exam pass rate. The University of San Diego lets you complete the program in just three semesters.
The financial rewards speak for themselves. California nurse practitioners earn $161,540 on average annually – the highest nationwide. This makes your investment in education worthwhile. Most programs need 30-38 units and take 12-20 months to complete, so you can start your high-demand career quickly.
These institutions share a common strength – flexibility. Programs range from fully online to hybrid formats, with executive weekend schedules and part-time study paths available. You can keep working while pursuing your advanced credentials.
Your specific career goals should guide your program selection. Some schools excel at specialized areas like women’s health or psychiatric mental health. Others focus on broader family practice preparation. The best fit depends on your circumstances, learning priorities, and career goals.
These accredited programs open doors to expanded practice authority, better pay, and more professional freedom. They prepare you thoroughly for certification exams, helping you get both California state certification and national credentials through the ANCC and AANP. With these qualifications, you’ll join advanced practice nurses who meet critical healthcare needs across California and beyond.