Nursing, Post-Graduate Certificates: FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP

Why Study Advanced Practice Nursing?

MSN-level nurses, take the next step in your career as an advanced practice registered nurse. By doing so, you’ll fill a high-need position, make a lasting impact and increase your earnings.

As the U.S. population ages and primary care shortage areas expand, APRNs are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites a 45% increase in employment between 2022 and 2032, making it the second fastest growing profession in the nation. The median salary for advanced practice registered nurses is $121,610.

Most importantly, you’ll fill a critical role by delivering exceptional care to patients in underserved communities.

Why Study Advanced Practice Nursing at Saint Francis?

The University of Saint Francis is known for the success of its nursing programs. Saint Francis nurses stand out for their clinical expertise and compassionate care (the product of our Catholic, values-based education) and are sought out by employers throughout the Midwest.

Outstanding Faculty and Support

At Saint Francis, you’ll learn from expert faculty with years of healthcare experience. You’ll benefit from the knowledge they share in the classroom, as well as from the support and inspiration they give students.

Flexible Hybrid Structure

Our APRN certificate programs were designed for working professionals with a flexible hybrid format. “Intensives” bring students and faculty together twice a semester for in-person learning which includes lectures, group work, simulations, patient visits and more. The rest of the semester involves flexible synchronous and asynchronous online learning.

APRN Certificate Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate

Family nurse practitioners provide primary care services to patients of all ages, with special emphasis on patient education, disease prevention and health promotion. With the increasing shortage of primary care physicians—especially in rural areas with underserved populations—FNPs fill an essential gap in primary care and are in high demand.

Earn 25 credits over four semesters (spring, summer, fall, spring) and be prepared to sit for either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exam.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners provide mental health services to patients across the lifespan and are trained to assess, diagnose and treat patients with substance use disorders, behavioral issues and other psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are in high demand throughout the nation.

Earn 25 credits over three semesters (summer, fall, spring) and be prepared to sit for either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exam.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners focus on care and treatment of adult and gerontology patients, with a specialization in acute and critical illness, injury and chronic disease conditions. They evaluate patients; order and interpret diagnostic tests; diagnose injuries, illnesses and diseases; perform invasive procedures; and develop care plans in collaboration with attending physicians. AGACNPs are employed in a variety of in-patient and hospital settings, including the ER and ICU.

Complete 25 credits over four semesters (spring, summer, fall, spring) and graduate prepared to sit for either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) certification exam.