Nursing Administration and Leadership — Post-Master’s Certificate

Nursing Administration and Leadership — Post-Master’s Certificate | Accelerated Online

Certificate of Graduate Study

Modes of study:

Accelerated Online

Earn your Post-Master’s Certificate of Nursing Administration and Leadership in an affordable and flexible online format!

Are you a nurse who already earned your master’s degree? Elevate your career and reach new heights professionally with your Post-Master’s Certificate of Nursing Administration and Leadership from the University of Southern Maine (USM).

This certificate is taken entirely online, so you can complete all coursework wherever it’s most convenient for you! Engage in an in-person practicum in a community of your choice.

USM offers six entry term dates, so you don’t have to wait to get started.

Credit hours

18 credit hours are required. Most courses are equal to three credit hours.

Visit the academic catalog

Program duration

This program may be completed in six months. Most students take one accelerated course over seven weeks or two courses each semester. This is considered full-time study, making students eligible for financial aid.

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School

School of Nursing

Admissions

GRE is not required, and six entry terms are open per year.

View application process and deadlines

What will USM’s Post-Master’s Certificate of Nursing Administration and Leadership offer?

Participate on your terms: Flexible 7-week courses let you build this certificate around your schedule, designed specifically for nurses balancing work with continued education.
Earn your Post-Master’s Certificate at a cost that fits your budget: Affordable e-tuition rates for in- and out-of-state students.
Learn how to manage effectively: Master proven management strategies and prepare to take charge in administrative roles, with hands-on practicum experiences across a range of healthcare systems that builds real-world leadership skills.
Elevate yourself in a high-demand field: Step into leadership in roles such as nurse manager, director of nursing, chief clinical officer, or clinical supervisor. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 24% job growth for medical and health services managers, the category covering nursing administration and leadership roles, between 2025 and 2035, among the fastest growth rates of any occupation.
Tailored guidance and access to career support services for life: Receive personalized support from the university’s staff and faculty while completing online classwork and practicum experiences that take place in your community.
Learn from active healthcare leaders: Our faculty currently hold leadership roles at hospitals across Maine and the nation, bringing real-world expertise and industry connections directly into your coursework.
Participate in a nationally accredited program: The University of Southern Maine’s program is approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Become eligible for board certification: Combine your certificate with leadership experience to qualify for board certification through ANCC.

Accredited in Maine and nationally

USM and the School of Nursing are proud to be accredited by the nationally-recognized Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Learn more about CCNE

Certified for online excellence

At the University of Southern Maine, we are committed to delivering online and hybrid education that meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and student support. This online program and its faculty have been certified by USM Academic PACT— short for Promise of Access, Connection, and Transparency.

A USM student who earned their DNP discussing patient care with their team.

Earn your DNP

Once you’ve finished your Post-Master’s Certificate of Nursing Administration and Leadership, you can put these credits towards earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Southern Maine, giving you a head start towards completing your doctorate.

Take the next step

What are the application deadlines and start dates?

Choose from six start dates per year.

Session	Application deadline	Program start date
Spring 2027 term: Session 1	December 30, 2026	January 19, 2027
Spring 2027 term: Session 2	March 3, 2027	March 22, 2027
Summer 2027 term: Session 1	April 26, 2027	May 17, 2027
Summer 2027 term: Session 2	June 16, 2027	July 6, 2027
Fall 2027 term: Session 1	August 11, 2027	August 30, 2027
Fall 2027 term: Session 2	October 6, 2027	October 25, 2027

Each student’s application for admission will be evaluated based on a composite of the following recommended standards:

A master’s degree in nursing from a degree program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing.
RN licensure — unencumbered and current licensure in the state in which practicum will be completed.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

Application: Online application
Application fee:
- In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
- International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
- International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, we require an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by one of the following transcript analysis agencies
  - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following tests and submit official scores as part of the application process:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Duolingo
Get additional information regarding English language test scores and requirements.

Evidence (photocopy or PDF) of an unencumbered registered nurse license.

What are the international student application instructions?

What are the English proficiency test score requirements?

Where do I send my application materials?

Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Nursing Administration and Leadership — Post-Master’s Certificate | Accelerated Online