Tonya Scott checks the pupils of a patient simulator
Finish an NP cert in 4 semesters while you work

Accelerate Your Career

Feeling torn between working, advancing into a nurse practitioner role and finding the time to earn a doctoral degree? Other nurses have felt the same way and found Brenau’s innovative options make it possible to complete an NP Post-Masters Certificate and pursue a DNP, all while you continue to work full-time. 

Brenau’s part-time hybrid and online options makes it possible to work toward a DNP online while also earning an NP post-masters certificate in AGACNP, FNP, or PMHNP specialties. In just 4 semesters, you can build specialized clinical expertise as an NP. Then, in as few as 3 more semesters, while working as an NP, you can earn your doctorate.

Brenau students have a faster, more efficient path to advanced practice, with stronger career opportunities, and greater ability to improve patient care and lead change in healthcare.

Our programs

Why pursue your advanced nursing degrees at Brenau University?

  • Part-time programs mean you can continue to work
  • Complete your certificate in just 4 semesters and then complete a doctorate in as few as 3 more 
  • Study primarily online just one in-person Saturday per month
  • Brenau’s dedicated graduate clinical coordinator will help you find clinical sites, and most students practice within 50 miles of campus 

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Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Avg. Salary: $136,8232

Become equipped to handle complex patients in an acute, fast-paced setting through earning this post-master’s certificate. Brenau’s acute care curriculum will give you an in-depth knowledge of pathophysiology and management of intricate patient health issues.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Avg. Salary: $129,7652

As a student with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) you can become an FNP in a part-time, four semester program. Once completed, you will be able to sit for the FNP certification exam and start your career as a clinician, ordering tests, prescribing medication, and treating patients in a stable and fulfilling career. Brenau’s Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate will prepare you with clinical courses, preceptorships and 624 hands-on clinical hours to make sure you graduate ready to be the FNP that your community needs.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Avg. Salary: $146,3022

Whether you hope to serve in community mental health, private practice, hospital settings, or innovative integrated care models, our program will prepare you to do more than just to meet patient mental healthcare needs but to help transform the field itself. Adding this certification expands your career options in one of the most in-demand fields in healthcare and can increase your earning potential by as much as 40%. You are also future-proofing your career with the flexibility to move into mental health care in an in-person or telehealth setting.

DNP Program Options

Advanced Practice Nurse

Elevate your clinical practice while expanding your impact as a leader in today’s complex healthcare environment. Taught in a hybrid format that combines online coursework, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and a practice-based scholarly project, the program helps students strengthen evidence-based decision-making, systems leadership, population health expertise, and the use of informatics and telehealth to improve patient care, safety, and outcomes. Graduates are prepared to translate research into practice, solve real-world clinical and system-level challenges, and lead meaningful change across healthcare settings.

Leadership & Management

Strengthen your leadership capacity and expand your influence across today’s healthcare systems. In a hybrid format, you’ll develop advanced skills in strategic leadership, healthcare policy, informatics, population health, finance and evidence-based practice while completing a scholarly project that addresses real challenges in your community or organization. You’ll graduate prepared to improve patient outcomes, lead teams with confidence and drive meaningful change at the systems level in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Graduate Nursing

Based on full-time enrollment (6 credits) and a 12-month period of enrollment (Fall, Spring & Summer semesters). *Based on total fees spread over average duration of program.

Tuition for Active Duty Military personnel, dependents and spouses is discounted. Information regarding Cost of Attendance for military, veterans and family is available on our Military and Veteran Student Admissions page.

Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024. Retrieved Feb. 23, 2026, from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website
  2. Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 2024 NP Compensation Report (PDF), Retrieved Feb. 23, 2026.