Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Expand your advanced practice nursing expertise and prepare to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). This certificate is designed for advanced practice nurses who want to broaden their scope of practice and provide comprehensive primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan.
Through specialized coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, you’ll strengthen your advanced clinical decision-making skills and prepare for FNP certification and practice.
Program Type
Graduate Certificate
Program Format
Hybrid
The 12-month, 21-credit Post Graduate FNP certificate is designed to provide advanced practice nurses with preparation as a Family Nurse Practitioner. This specialty certificate builds upon existing education and broadens the scope of practice of current advanced practice prepared nurses. One year of practice as an advanced practice nurse at the time of starting certificate program coursework.
Graduates are eligible for FNP certification through ANCC or AANP and pursue licensure nationwide.
Program Facts:
- Format: Hybrid
- Credits: 21
- Length: 3 semesters (12 months)
- Clinical Hours: 550 minimum + 80 simulation hours
- Dedicated clinical placement support
- Start Term: Spring only
- Estimated Tuition: 7 credits per semester $5,760.13 for three semesters.
Outcome and Competencies
The FNP Post Graduate Certificate Program will prepare students consistent with the national nurse practitioner core competencies and the nurse practitioner core competencies (NONPF, 2022; AACN, 2021).
Gainful Employment
This certificate program is subject to federal gainful employment regulations.
Due to new federal financial aid regulations, beginning with the summer 2017 term, students who had not previously been awarded federal financial aid at UWM and are enrolled in a standalone certificate program will no longer be eligible for federal Title IV aid. Students in a standalone certificate program who are seeking financial assistance may be eligible for private loans. Private loans are not guaranteed as they are subject to lender approval including a credit check.
FastChoice is a tool that will help you learn what to look for when shopping for a private loan. At the end of the short tutorial, it will provide a comparison shopping tool allowing you to sort, filter, and compare up to five lenders at one time.
Upon applying for the loan of your choice and being approved, the UWM Financial Aid Office will be notified by the lender to provide enrollment information. At such time the loan will be added to your financial aid award.
For previously enrolled students who have been awarded federal financial aid, see the Gainful Employment Certificate Disclosure Information: Gainful Employment Certificate Disclosure Information.
Designated coursework in the certificate program is completed under the direction of faculty experts and clinical preceptors. A three consecutive semester sequence of theory and practicum courses totaling 21 credits is required for completion of the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program.
Plan of Study
| Course | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FNP Practicum I | NURS 757 | 4 |
| FNP Speciality Theory I | NURS 767 | 3 |
| FNP Practicum II | NURS 758 | 4 |
| FNP Specialty Theory II | NURS 768 | 3 |
| FNP Practicum III | NURS 759 | 4 |
| FNP Specialty Theory III | NURS 769 | 3 |
Grade Point Average Requirement
A minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average in certificate courses taken at UWM is required.
The admission requirements of the Family Nurse Practitioner graduate certificate are consistent with those requirements specified by the UWM’s Graduate School. The admission requirements for the advanced practice certificate programs are in transition. Contact School of Nursing Student Affairs Academic Advisor prior to submitting an application. In addition, students must also meet the following requirements for the School of Nursing (more details in the application)
In addition, students must also meet the following requirements for the School of Nursing:
- A master’s or doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited program providing preparation as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist.
- Certification in their current advanced practice registered nurse specialty as applicable.
- Completion with a grade of B or better of a graduate-level course in physiology/pathophysiology, pharmacology, and comprehensive assessment. Evidence of prescriptive authority in the state of Wisconsin will be accepted in place of graduate pharmacology.
- Current registration as a professional nurse in the state of Wisconsin.
- One year of clinical experience relevant to the chosen specialty.
The admission requirements of the Post Graduate Certificates are consistent with those requirements specified by the Graduate School of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition, nurses must meet the following requirements for nursing:
- Apply through the UWM Graduate School by June 1st for spring start
- Hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program with APRN preparation (CNS, NP, CRNA, or midwife)
- Maintain current APRN certification and current RN license in WI
- Certification in current advanced practice registered nurse speciality
- Completed advanced graduate coursework with a B or better in the following:
- Across the Lifespan Pathophysiology
- Across the Lifespan Pharmacology
- Across the Lifespan Health Assessment
- Evidence of prescriptive authority in the state of Wisconsin will be accepted in place of graduate pharmacology
- Submit the following:
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Updated resume/CV
- Personal statement that includes rationale for certificate study and professional goals
- Complete an interview. A faculty member may reach out to you to schedule a virtual interview.
- Have at least one year of clinical experience relevant to the chosen speciality
- One year of practice as an advanced practice nurse at the time of starting certificate program coursework. Employment or prior experience in speciality is highly preferred.
Time Limit
The certificate program time limit is one year from the time of enrollment.
Early Action Application: June 1st (spring start)
After June 1: pending space availability
(Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis per space availability)
Upcoming Information Sessions
Join an upcoming virtual information session to discuss certificate details and application questions.
- Mar30March 30, 2027, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
- May13May 13, 2027, 4:00pm - 5:00pm