At a Glance
Specialized Education, Greater Impact
A post-graduate certificate is a high-impact investment in your professional future. Designed for immediate application, our programs help you master specialized clinical skills, command greater influence, and unlock senior leadership opportunities.
Why USD?
- National Certification: Our curricula are meticulously aligned with ANCC, AANP, and AACN standards.
- Clinical Excellence: Gain hands-on experience under the mentorship of San Diego’s top nursing faculty.
- Career Agility: Transition into specialized practice or faculty roles without the time commitment of a full degree.
Choose Your Path
Certificate Options
Our post-graduate certificate programs are designed for post-licensure nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree. The Conflict Resolution for Health Care Leaders certificate is the only program that does not require a nursing background.
For Post Master's RNs
Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate
This advanced certificate program prepares nurses to become a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in adult care with specialties in critical care, emergency medicine, perinatal, oncology, and more. With this certificate, you will:
- Develop in-depth expertise in physiology, pharmacology, and your specialty areas
- Diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic conditions
- Become equipped to support bedside nurses and lead practice improvements
- Ensure evidence-based care to optimize patient outcomes
- Identify gaps in healthcare delivery and design/evaluate interventions
- Eligible for California state certification and national certification as Adult Health/Adult-Gerontology CNS through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN
For Post Master's RNs
Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate
This certificate is designed for nurses who want to advance their expertise in providing comprehensive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. With this certificate, you will:
- Build advanced clinical skills for managing a wide range of primary care condition
- Gain hands-on experience in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
- Apply evidence-based care and health promotion strategies
- Eligible for national FNP certification (ANCC or AANP) and California nurse practitioner licensure
For Post Master's RNs
Primary Care Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate
This certificate prepares advanced nurse practitioners to specialize in mental healthcare, using a holistic approach that addresses both mental and physical health. With this certificate, you will:
- Assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions across the lifespan
- Integrate mental and physical healthcare in primary care settings
- Apply evidence-based interventions and therapeutic strategies
- Eligible for national PMHNP certification through the ANCC
For Interdisciplinary Health Care Leaders
Conflict Resolution for Health Care Leaders Certificate
This 9-unit certificate is offered jointly by the University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science and the Kroc School of Peace Studies. Designed for healthcare professionals, the program is delivered in a synchronous, online format, allowing you to engage in real-time learning and collaboration. The next cohort begins in Fall 2026. With this certificate, you will:
- Develop practical skills to navigate and resolve conflicts in healthcare settings
- Apply evidence-based frameworks and hands-on tools for team collaboration
- Focus on four key domains from the Sunnybrook Framework:
- Clinical and professional practice and care
- Education
- Research and quality improvement
- Leadership approaches
Helpful Links
Explore Academics
Discover programs designed to challenge and inspire. Find the right fit for your goals and interests.Discover programs designed to challenge and inspire. Find the right fit for your goals and interests.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
A certificate focuses on a specific area of practice and can be completed in less time, while a degree program provides broader academic preparation. Certificates are ideal for nurses looking to specialize or add a new credential efficiently.
Yes. Depending on the specialty, certificate programs such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) prepare you to sit for national certification exams and pursue state licensure.
Yes. While most programs require a nursing background, the Conflict Resolution for Healthcare Leaders certificate is designed for healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines and does not require a nursing degree.
Certificate programs are designed with working professionals in mind, offering flexible formats such as online, in-person, or hybrid options to help you balance your career while advancing your education.
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