The health care landscape is constantly evolving, and advanced training is crucial to improving patient outcomes.
Duke University School of Nursing’s advanced practice nursing certificates empower you to become a leader in your field, providing the skills, knowledge and confidence to navigate complex patient care situations.
These graduate-level programs are designed for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students and practicing nurse practitioners (NPs). They are distinct from continuing education courses, and offer in-depth, focused study within a specific nursing specialty.
Our specialty nursing certificate programs enhance your current nurse practitioner education with advanced didactic and clinical experiences in your chosen specialty area. This specialized nursing traininig equips you to handle complex patient needs while also positioning you for success in a highly competitive job market.
Specialty courses are available within specific APRN majors. Students who want to include a specialty in their course of study should consult their advisers to determine if the specialty is appropriate for and available in their majors.
Advanced Practice Nursing Specializations
Clinical Nursing Certificates
If you’re an NP seeking to solidify your expertise, Duke’s clinical nursing specialty certificates offer the perfect springboard for your career. These intensive, specialized nursing programs equip advanced practitioners with sought-after knowledge and hands-on clinical experience to excel in their chosen specialty. Learn more about our specialty nursing programs:
Nursing Education Certificate
Duke University’s Certificate in Nursing Education equips graduate nurses and students with specialized skills and knowledge to excel in teaching roles within nursing schools, health care systems and other settings. This program prepares you to inspire the next generation of nurses and shape the future of the profession.
The nursing education certificate program is open to registered nurses with a master’s or DNP degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school, individuals with a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree, and students actively enrolled in a graduate nursing program (BSN-DNP or BSN-Ph.D.) who have completed equivalent coursework.
If you are not a current student, visit our Apply Now page and select MSN. You can choose the Nursing Education Specialty Certificate after creating your profile.
Post-DNP Executive Leadership Specialty (ELS) Certificate
The Post-DNP Executive Leadership Specialty (ELS) certificate is designed for seasoned nurse leaders who aspire to take their careers to the next level. This one-year, part-time program provides the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the complexities of modern health care organizations and systems. The ELS nursing certificate program offers a flexible, distance-based format with on-campus activities, professional networking opportunities and leadership development sessions each semester. This structure allows you to balance your busy professional life with your academic pursuits.
The ELS nursing certificate program features courses in Advanced Decision-Making in Health Care, Advanced Topics in Leadership, and Planning and Evaluation Care for Populations, giving you the specialized nursing expertise to:
- Lead complex organizations through a deep understanding of people, organizational dynamics and data analysis.
- Anticipate and manage trends in patient care, health care legislation and other critical areas.
- Develop and implement strategies for population health management, ensuring optimal care delivery while meeting organizational goals.
- Confidently navigate challenging situations like outbreaks, emergencies and personnel issues.
The ideal candidate for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Executive Leadership Specialty certificate is a DNP-prepared senior nurse leader with five or more years of leadership experience and aspires to an executive position. Applications are accepted for the fall and spring semester starts.