Earn an FNP certificate and advance your career
| Accreditation | CCNE accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Certification Pass Rate | In 2025, Herzing FNP graduates achieved a 97% pass rate on their board certification exams2 |
| Format | 100% online classes with onsite clinicals |
| Clinicals | 585 clinical hours—Herzing pledges clinical placement |
| Certifications | Become eligible to take one of two FNP certification exams: the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination |
| QuickPaths | Earn dual credit towards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP); transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
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FNP Certification
Pass Rate (2025)2
You can follow in the footsteps of FNP program graduates who acheived an excellent certification pass rate in 2025.
Overview: Online Post Master's FNP Program
The Post Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner is a 33-credit post-graduate program which prepares you for a career as an FNP. The online certificate program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in health promotion across the life span, adult, geriatric, and pediatric healthcare, women's health, and much more.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
Post Master's FNP program curriculum & classes
Designed for nurses who already hold an MSN degree, Herzing's PMC-FNP program provides nurses the opportunity to go from non-clinical to clinical-based advanced practice nursing. The population-based curriculum begins with three direct care courses followed by FNP certification concentration courses, focusing on the primary care needs of patients across the lifespan.
| Program | Months i | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Post Master's Certificate Family Nurse Practitioner (PMCFNP) | 16-20 | 33 |
i. Average number of months for students to complete the program attending full-time.
Required Direct Care Courses
All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.
Required Specialty Courses
All courses, 24.00 semester credit hours, are required.
+ Chair approval is needed for PMC students to take NU 627 with another clinical course simultaneously.
Clinical Proficiency Exam and Policy
The following modules are 0.00 semester credit hours associated with the policy outlined above. Students are required to take as co-requisite module along with NU 611, NU 642, NU 664 or NU 671, depending on the program of study. Module Number Module Name Semester Credit Hours NSG 0600 Clinical Proficiency Module 0.00 NSG 0600R Clinical Proficiency Remediation Module (if needed) 0.00
Tuition & Cost
Tuition & Cost
The cost of tuition for the Post Master's FNP program is $770 per credit.
You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.
Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.
Military/Veteran Discounts
Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10-20% tuition discount.
Admission prerequisites
The post master’s family nurse practitioner certificate program is open to registered nurses who:
- Hold a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited university or college (such as a master’s or doctoral degree)
- Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse in the state in which they live (Note: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident in a compact license state will be deemed to have met this requirement).
Clinical Experience: Herzing supports your search for a preceptor
Finding a preceptor or clinical location for a nurse practitioner program can be a pain point for many prospective nursing students. With Herzing University you are never on your own.
If you'd like more detail on the process, read our guide to finding a nurse practitioner preceptor, which includes information on what sites you may choose, what kinds of preceptors you can work with, and tips on how to secure a clinical.
Benefits of the Herzing Post Master's FNP program clinical experience:
Strong University guidance
Herzing goes above and beyond to help you find a clinical site. Our Clinical Guidance Process backed by the Herzing APRN Clinical Placement Pledge ensures you are able to secure clinical placement as part of the Post Master's FNP program.
You will be ready
Our program includes a Clinical Readiness Course to prepare you for success in the practicum your clinical experiences during your time here at Herzing University.
Interdisciplinary opportunities
Exposure to diverse patient care environments makes you a better, more prepared nurse practitioner. Our priority is your experience to build upon in your new career—the Herzing Post Master's FNP program requires a minimum of 585 clinical hours to ensure you see a variety of patients. You will earn personalized, valuable clinical experience with a deeper background treating patients of many ages across the lifespan including times of wellness and illness.
Flexible scheduling
Fitting clinical hours into an already hectic life can be a challenge. In collaboration with your clinical preceptor, you will identify a schedule that works best for you.
We treat you like a professional
You are a student—but in a clinical setting you are accountable to a licensed healthcare provider and their patients. From enrollment to completion, we treat you like the nursing professional you are working so hard to become.
We Pledge Clinical Placement
Worried about clinical placement? You don't have to be.
At Herzing, clinical placement is built into your experience—because it's essential, and you deserve a program that treats it that way.
There's no guesswork. Just a proven framework backed by a promise. Our promise is your placement.
Choose a nursing school who knows nursing
The post-graduate APRN certificate program in nursing at Herzing University - Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
Herzing's post graduate FNP program provides busy professionals with the flexibility and convenience of completing coursework online. Choose to go full time and complete the program in 16 months or opt to go part-time and complete the program in 18 months.
We at Herzing are committed to helping you achieve academic success.
As a student in our post master's FNP online program, you will learn from dedicated Master- and Doctoral-prepared faculty, be teamed with clinical course faculty who are experienced in their field, and have Master-prepared academic coaches available to you who offer one-on-one assistance, training, and support.
Herzing also provides extensive suport to ensure our PMCFNP graduates are successful on the FNP Board examinations.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!
We offer multiple options for current nurses of all types, including pathways for ASN/ADN, BSN, and MSN degree holders.
View our available online Family Nurse Practitioner programs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 40% from 2024-2034.* Given the projected growth in the baby-boom population the need for advanced medical care is expected to rise, and nurse practitioners will continue to be leaned on as primary contributors in this level of healthcare.
Here’s a selection of the most common types of nurse practitioners:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Each specialty has its own unique requirements in terms of job experience and certification.
At Herzing University, we strive to provide an affordable, career-focused education for all students. Financial aid options include loans, scholarships & grants, VA / military benefits and more. You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University Tuition Wizard.
A post master’s certificate (PMC), also referred to as a “post-graduate” certificate, is designed for nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and seek additional certification in a separate field.
Herzing University offers several post master’s certificates for MSN-prepared nurses looking to transition in or out of clinical-based practice:
- AGACNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (program length: 20 months)
- AGPCNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (program length: 20 months)
- FNP - Family Nurse Practitioner certificate (program length: 16-20 months)
- NE - Nursing Education certificate (program length: 8 months)
- NLA - Nursing Leadership & Administration (program length: 8 months)
- PMHNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate (program length: 20 months)
A post master’s certificate from Herzing University provides the education, training, and practical experience you need to take the next big step in your nursing career.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $132,000 per year ($63.46 per hour). Pay depends on many factors, including your location, what healthcare institution you work for and your level of experience.*
Discover the average nurse practitioner salary by state and find out what nurse practitioners make on average near you.
The time needed to become an NP varies depending on the type of certification you’re applying for. Different types of specialties such as pediatrics, acute care and women’s health have their own unique certification requirements.
Candidates for Herzing's online PMC - Family Nurse Practitioner certificate program must complete 9 courses consisting of 33 credits and 675 clinical hours.
Depending on where you live, there are certain guidelines related to licensure. You will need to check with your state board of nursing.
At Herzing University, we assist you in identifying which certification exam meets your needs. We also encourage testing within the first 90 days of graduation to help you take the next step in your career. Once you have successfully become certified then it is important to connect with your state board to meet their requirements.
Related Programs
The Student Experience at Herzing
I realized I could be more marketable in my position by earning an advanced practice degree. I ultimately decided to enter into the Post Master’s program as a way to accelerate my career plan. Most of my transfer credits were accepted as well, which was an incredible help at getting started.
Linda S. Davis
Nursing Student | Online CampusMy time at Herzing has been instrumental in my professional and personal growth.
Linda Davis
Nursing Student | Online CampusThe faculty here make themselves available during their designated office hours, but if you need extra help, they will meet at times that will work for YOU.
Barbara Mulcahy
Nursing Student | Madison CampusWhat I liked most about my experience at Herzing University were the faculty members. They made it feel like it was family here.
Wanda Colon
Nursing Student | Orlando CampusThe faculty here is outstanding. It's what I value the most about being at Herzing. Not only are they caring but they're good at what they do.
Jessica Smith
Nursing StudentAccreditation & Disclosures
1. The post-masters APRN certificate programs at Herzing University Madison are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
2. Pass rates are self-reported by graduates and additionally collected through public information, State Board of Nursing, and appropriate certification agencies. Includes post-baccalaureate (traditional), accelerated (RN to MSN), and post-master's certificate options. Graduates from Herzing’s APRN Family Nurse Practitioner programs can choose to take their board certification exam through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For complete pass rate information, please visit https://www.herzing.edu/consumer-disclosures/pass-rates/nursing.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.
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Choose your NP pathway
Considering all of your options for nurse practitioner specialties?
Herzing University offers multiple nurse practitioner programs for current nurses holding an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in nursing.
Our goal is to help you walk your career path no matter where you are, or where you want to go.
Explore Herzing NP programs
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