Certificate: Applicants must complete a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing or other disciplines from a National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or regionally accredited program (i.e., WASC).

Earn a post-graduate (post-master or post-doctoral) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certificate in as little as 7 semesters through PLNU’s fully online asynchronous program. You have the autonomy to complete coursework on a timeline that works best for your lifestyle.

You are ambitious, seeking opportunities to progress in your career and practice as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with additional specialty certification. Pursuing an FNP certificate allows you to do just this and make a difference in your community and with populations with the greatest need. PLNU values your calling, meeting it with leadership and practical skills you’ll need to grow into prominent roles within complex health systems.

You will also be eligible to take the FNP certification examination by ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) and AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) upon completion of the program.

A Strong Impact

At PLNU, we believe nursing is sacred work. That’s why we provide you with the best knowledge and practices to be prepared to advance the standard of care for patients in all walks of life. When you earn your post-graduate certificate from PLNU, you will focus on the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of nursing, preparing you to make a big impact on patients’ holistic care.

We challenge you to make nursing care the best it can be for patients because this is work that deeply matters. If you have a master's or doctoral degree, earning your specialty certification can prepare you to do even more in the field you love.

Close-Knit Collaboration

Move through the program together with a small, diverse cohort of peers for continued encouragement and supportive friendships. Small classes allow for in-depth discussion and quality interactions with professors. You will also learn to care for yourself to better serve your patients.

A Healthy Future

The hands-on, evidence-based instruction, clinical hours, mentoring, and networking opportunities through an extensive alumni group, as well as PLNU’s strong nursing reputation, set the stage for your continued career success after graduation.

Professional Licensure or Certification

This program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and meets the requirements for licensure or certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. For information about PLNU programs and out-of-state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, please refer to our disclosures page. Information about out-of-state requirements in Nursing are available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Point Loma Nazarene University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

You will also be eligible to take the FNP certification examination by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) upon completion of the program.

Program Start Date(s):

• Fall 2025 — September 2, 2025
• Spring 2026 — January 12, 2026
• Fall 2026 — August 31, 2026
• Fall 2027 — August 30, 2027

Application Deadline(s):

• Fall 2025 — Applications for this cohort are already full.
• Spring 2026 — December 12, 2025
• Fall 2026 — Applications for this cohort are already full.
• Fall 2027 Priority Deadline for FNP applications — January 15, 2026

IMPORTANT: The Priority Deadline for FNP applications for the 2027 cohorts is January 15, 2026. Be sure to apply before this date for the best consideration.

If you have any further questions or need clarification, our Enrollment Counselors are available to assist you. Please don't hesitate to reach out for personalized support. 

All applications submitted after this date will be reviewed based on availability of space.

Start Application 

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Documentation of current RN license
2. Online application for admissions (includes $50 non-refundable application fee). Fee waived if applicant is one of the following: PLNU alum, current or former military and their dependents, PLNU employee.
3. Official transcripts showing completion of an BSN and all MSN, DNP, Ph.D. and/or Ed.D. from a regionally accredited college or university*. If you have not completed a degree, please request official transcripts from each school you have attended. (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
4. Curriculum Vitae or Resume
5. Minimum grade point average of 3.2
6. In 250 words, discuss your professional career goals and how you believe obtaining a post-graduate certificate with the selected track will assist you in achieving those goals.
7. Once you have submitted your admissions application, your two selected professional recommenders will automatically be sent the auto-generated document to complete on your behalf. If you'd like to include a written letter in addition to this required document, you may do so, but it's unnecessary.
8. At least one (1) year of continuous full-time nursing experience in a United States healthcare facility within the previous five (5) years; current employment strongly recommended;
9. After all application materials are submitted, an interview with the School of Nursing is scheduled.

Start Application 

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While acknowledging diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it’s a reflection of you as a person.

At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. If you do not meet all of the above criteria, PLNU offers an exceptions policy. Speak with your admissions counselor for more information.

The versatile set of skills you’ll develop from PLNU post-graduate certificate programs prepares you for nursing in a variety of settings. PLNU nursing alumni have held various positions in hospitals, clinics, medical missions, and public health institutions. PLNU cultivates passion, professionalism, and a values-driven approach to work in a context that intersects your intellect and faith, equipping you to become a trustworthy leader in your workplace.

What is the job trajectory for FNP graduates?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for nurse practitioners is expected to grow 52% between 2020 and 2030. Not only is a nurse practitioner the fastest growing healthcare career, it’s also one of the five, fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. across all industries.

Different Career Outcomes for DNPs with FNP:

Acute or Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner

Average Salary: $135,532
Projected Job Growth: 14.8% through 2026 (much faster than average)

An acute or urgent care nurse practitioner treats patients who need immediate care. In this role, you will treat a range of illness and injuries that can range from acute, episodic to chronic complex diseases in hospital or urgent care settings.

Travel Nurse Practitioner

Average Salary: $123,848
Projected Job Growth: 40% through 2031 (Much faster than average)

A travel nurse practitioner supports the staffing needs of healthcare facilities across the country. In this role, you can work in a variety of settings in different cities based on your assignment. Your scope of practice remains the same, but you are not assigned a permanent location to work, instead, you work on a contractual basis.

For information about the courses required for the Post-Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information