Online Post-Graduate Advanced Practice Nurse Certificate (AGPCNP, FNP, PNP)

GMercyU’s Post-Graduate Advanced Practice Nurse (AGPCNP, FNP, PNP) Certificate program is designed for those who already hold a master’s degree in nursing (MSN). 

Our advanced practice nursing programs have broad partnerships with healthcare affiliates and clinical sites throughout Pennsylvania. 

What sets the clinical experience apart at Gwynedd Mercy University Graduate Nursing Program from other NP programs is the personalized partnership between NP students and Kimberly Kelly, MSN, ANP-BC, Clinical Coordinator. Once you've been admitted to the program, you will have the opportunity to meet Kimberly, who will take the time to understand your unique needs and goals, shaping a clinical experience tailored to you. This planning process begins nearly a year before your first clinical rotation, during which Kimberly collaborates closely with your clinical preceptors and site contacts to ensure a seamless onboarding experience. This preparation allows you to focus on your primary objective – learning. With the support of your dedicated GMercyU team, you will not only successfully navigate your NP program but also continue to receive support long after you graduate.

After graduation, you will be eligible to take board certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, or Pediatric Nursing Certificate Board, depending on your specialty track.

A Leading Regional Nursing School for More Than 60 Years

For more than two generations, Gwynedd Mercy University’s Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions has been a regional leader in advanced practice nursing education. We've earned our reputation as one of the best nurse practitioner schools in PA, thanks to our small classes and personalized approach to help you achieve your advanced nursing career goals. The faculty members we select bring clinical expertise, academic rigor, and a passion for the nurse practitioner profession.

GMercyU Advanced Practice Certificate options prepare you for the responsibilities of primary care. Over the course of the program, you’ll expand your healthcare knowledge and clinical practice skills and emerge from the program equipped to be the health practitioner and advocate your patients need.

As a graduate, you will be able to:

• Collaborate with colleagues and patients to provide and improve advanced nursing care
• Demonstrate expertise as a nurse practitioner through the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic health problems
• Demonstrate professionalism as a nurse practitioner grounded in the Mercy tradition
• Demonstrate social responsibility for individuals, families, and communities within the context of a multicultural society
• Utilize knowledge to provide holistic care in a defined area of advanced practice nursing or nursing education in accordance with standards of practice and codes of ethics
• Strategize to improve health for all by influencing policy
• Synthesize knowledge from nursing and related disciplines as a foundation for evidence-based practice as a nurse practitioner
• Assume a leadership role in interpreting and promoting advanced nursing to members of the profession, to other disciplines, and to consumers
• Contribute to advanced nursing knowledge through scientific inquiry

A gap analysis will be completed at the time of admission to develop an individualized plan of study based on previous coursework and clinical experiences. 

A gap analysis is a process that involves portfolio review at the time of admission and determination of appropriateness for waiver of didactic and practicum requirements, based on the previous coursework and clinical experiences. This process will be used for students who are MSN-prepared. The purpose of the gap analysis is to build on previously attained skills, to maximize the student’s academic experience, and to avoid unnecessary redundancy. 

Once the student is accepted, no courses may be taken outside of Gwynedd Mercy University.

To review course descriptions, please refer to the graduate catalog.

Lisa Johnson, DrNP, CRNP, ACNP-BC
Associate Professor, DNP/NP Program Coordinator

Dr. Johnson joined the faculty at Gwynedd Mercy University in July 2023 as an Associate Professor, after teaching and directing in a variety of graduate nursing programs in the region. Dr. Johnson received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Wilkes University (’99); Master’s Degree in Nursing from The University of Massachusetts (’04); and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DrNP) from Drexel University (’11).

She is an ANCC board-certified Adult-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She has practiced in a variety of ICU roles as a BSN prepared nurse in Boston and Philadelphia. Since 2004, Dr. Johnson has held nurse practitioner positions in the areas of bone marrow transplant ICU, Gastroenterology / Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, and Addictions Medicine. Read full bio here

Kimberly Kelly, MSN ANP-BC
Clinical Coordinator, Graduate Nursing

Kimberly Kelly joined the faculty at Gwynedd Mercy University in March 2022 as the Clinical Coordinator of the Graduate Nursing Program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from West Chester University (’93) and Master’s Degree in Nursing from Gwynedd Mercy University (’01). She is an ANCC board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner. She has practiced as a nurse practitioner in several primary care practices in Doylestown PA. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners.

Take the next step towards your professional goals: earn your post-graduate advanced practice nurse certificate with us.

Call 844-707-9064 or email accelerate@gmercyu.edu to contact an admissions counselor or begin your application online now!