Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate Program | School of Nursing

19 Creditsand 600 Clinical Hours

Hybrid CurriculumOnline and synchronous learning with two required on-campus intensives. Clinical practicums are in D.C. and Maryland.

A Unique School and PMHNP-PGC Program

Complete the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate Program (PMHNP-PGC) to address individual, family and population needs for mental health promotion and prevention.

Experience a curriculum that emphasizes collaborative and holistic, trauma-informed care that is grounded in the principles of resilience and healing.

Develop PMHNP lifespan clinical competencies across the care continuum.

Participate with other Georgetown University students and faculty in interdisciplinary discussions addressing complex “wicked” problems impacting human health.

Develop structural competencies to promote social justice and reduce inequalities in mental health care.

Advocate for policies that improve mental health care access, quality and equity by collaborating with professional organizations and congressional members in Washington, D.C. Immerse yourself in Georgetown School of Nursing and campus whole person education through exposure to different viewpoints, faiths and cultures.

A Message From the PMHNP-PGC Program Director

Comprehensive mental health care services that include community trauma-informed approaches, harm reduction, and recovery support, are in increasing demand nationwide as people deal with issues ranging from acute crises to chronic illnesses or substance use disorders.

The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner post-graduate certificate (PMHNP-PGC) program provides master’s and doctorally prepared nurse practitioners with the knowledge and training necessary to deliver mental health care across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings.

The vision for the program is to support the development of competent PMHNPs that will provide patient-focused, equitable, mental health care. The vision also includes preparing graduates to support patients, families, and communities in addressing social and structural perpetuating risk factors, and to connect those with needs to community resources that help sustain recovery and support resilience.

Thank you for your interest in our program. We look forward to hearing from you as you explore making mental health care part of your practice!

— Karan Kverno, PhD, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FAANP, FAAN

A nurse holding a clipboard speaks with a mother and her child

Program Format

The PMHNP-PGC Program’s hybrid format includes asynchronous learning resources, synchronous online class discussions, and two on-campus learning intensives with simulated, standardized patients.

The program emphasizes care of the whole person (cura personalis), through individualized evaluation and treatment of symptoms and concerns within the context of unique life circumstances.

To develop competencies in psychiatric assessment, diagnostic reasoning and evidence-based interventions, students will have clinical practicum experiences in partnership with Medstar Health and other community settings.

Please note: Completion of this program does not guarantee MedStar Health psychiatry employment.

Post Graduation Certification

Graduates will be prepared to take the PMHNP certification exams offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Course Sequence

Semester 1 Fall 1

Course	Credits
Psychiatric Evaluation, Formulation, and Differential Diagnosis	3 credits
Neuroscience for Mental Health Care	2 credits
PMHNP Clinical Practicum I	1 credit (100 clinical hours)
On-Campus Intensive: Formative	0 credits (workshops and simulations with standardized patients)

Semester 2 Spring 1

Course	Credits
Psychopharmacology	3 credits
PMHNP Clinical Practicum II	2 credits (200 clinical hours)

Summer 1

Course	Credits
Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice	3 credits
PMHNP Clinical Practicum III	2 credits (200 clinical hours)

Semester 1 Fall 2

Course	Credits
Community Mental Health	2 credits
PMHNP Clinical Practicum IV	1 credit (100 clinical hours)
On-Campus Intensive: Summative	0 credits (workshops and simulations that provide a comprehensive synthesis of all clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in courses)

Requirements for Admission

The admission requirements for the PMHNP-PGC program are:

U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
Current unrestricted U.S. registered nurse (RN) license, and nurse practitioner (NP) license and certification.
Master of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 science GPA
At least one year of full-time NP experience is recommended
Values consistent with Georgetown University School of Nursing’s mission and vision

As part of the PMHNP-PGC admission process, the student will also be required to provide the following:

Professional curriculum vitae
Official academic transcripts from all colleges/universities
Passing grades on previous NP advanced practice courses: health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology
Personal statement
Three letters of recommendation from persons who can speak to your knowledge and skills (interpersonal and evaluation/management) in relation to your area of NP practice. At least one should be from a faculty member from your previous NP program, and at least one from a recent supervisor or practice director.

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