Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate Program

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 Berkley School of Nursing and campus whole person education through exposure to different viewpoints, faiths and cultures.

A Message From the Post Graduate PMHNP 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 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)

Semester 2 (Spring 1)

Semester 3 (Summer 1)

Semester 4 (Fall 2)

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

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.

Start Your Application

Tuition

Scholarships and Other Aid

Program 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.