Applications for our fall 2026 PMHNP cohort are open to nurses in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
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.
In this program you will:
- 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 Berkley School of Nursing and campus whole person education through exposure to different viewpoints, faiths and cultures.
“Many of my patients don’t want to go to a psychiatrist. With this program, I’m building the skills necessary to meet my patients where they are at, and help them build healthier habits.”
— Tyris Ford, CRNP, ’25-’26 Cohort
Request More Information
Learn more about Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate program by clicking the link below and completing the form. Our admissions team will contact you with additional information.
A Message From the Post-Graduate PMHNP Program Director
Karan Kverno
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 post-master’s nurses with the knowledge and training necessary to deliver mental health care across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings.
The vision for the Post-Graduate PMHNP 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
Post-Graduate PMHNP Program Format
The PMHNP-PGC Program’s hybrid format includes:
- Synchronous online class discussions.
- Two on-campus clinical intensive programs with workshops and simulated, standardized patients.
- Community-based asynchronous learning and service.
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.
Students will develop competencies in psychiatric assessment, diagnostic reasoning and evidence-based interventions during clinical practicum experiences in D.C, Maryland and Virginia.
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 | 1 credit (150 clinical hours) |
Semester 3 (Summer 1)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice | 3 credits |
| PMHNP Clinical Practicum III | 2 credits (250 clinical hours) |
Semester 4 (Fall 2)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Community Mental Health | 2 credits |
| PMHNP Clinical Practicum IV | 2 credits (250 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
To be eligible to apply for the PMHNP post-graduate certificate program, applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Hold the following degrees:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A graduate-level nursing degree (CNL/entry-level MS in Nursing or APRN from a CCNE-, ACME- or ACEN-accredited program, or DNAP, DNP or PhD).
- Hold a current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 science GPA
- Have successfully completed a college level three-credit course in statistics with a grade of C or better
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 advanced practice nursing 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 nursing practice. At least one should be from a faculty member from your previous nursing program, and at least one from a recent supervisor or practice director.
For Prospective Program Applicants
Virtual Information Sessions
Prospective students can meet program personnel and learn more about the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate Program. Click on a date below to register:
Connect With the Berkley School of Nursing
Dreaming of a nursing career? We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Explore the diverse program opportunities at Georgetown’s Berkley School of Nursing and receive expert advice on navigating the application process to help you start your journey toward a fulfilling and impactful career in health care.
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 p.m. (ET)
How: Connect with us on Zoom
Application Information
This program admits students once per year in the fall.
Apply Now
We are accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Final Application Submission Deadline – June 1, 2026.
Tuition
View current tuition information on the Georgetown University Revenue and Receivables website.
See Tuition InformationScholarships and Other Aid
We encourage you to explore the scholarship information the Berkley School of Nursing has assembled for this program.
View Scholarship and Grant OpportunitiesProgram Contacts
- Program Director: Karan Kverno, PhD, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FAANP, FAAN
- Senior Program Coordinator: Marcella Ruano
Please direct questions about the PMHNP PGC program to PMHNP-PGC@georgetown.edu.