Please Note:
Applications for our fall 2025 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.
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
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 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
Program Format
The PMHNP-PGC Program’s hybrid format includes synchronous online class discussions; two on-campus learning intensives with simulated, standardized patients; and asynchronous learning resources.
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.
Prospective Student Office Hours
Join us for prospective student office hours every other Wednesday, starting on Wednesday, February 12, through March 26, from 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. ET via Zoom. No appointment is required.
Application Deadline
This program admits students once per year in the fall. Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition
View current tuition information on the Georgetown University Revenue and Receivables website.
See Tuition InformationScholarships and Other Aid
Apply for a Magis Scholarship
The School of Nursing is pleased to announce the Magis Scholarship for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate Program students.
These new $17,500 awards recognize students who embrace and reflect Georgetown University School of Nursing’s commitment to health equity, social justice and service to others. “Magis” is a Latin adverb meaning “more.” As a core Jesuit value, Magis represents generosity of spirit and doing more for the greater good. The Magis scholarships support students who commit to excellence by advancing the art and science of nursing through humility and justice.
Apply for the Virginia Health Care Foundation PMHNP Scholarship
This scholarship offers $26,000 in return for two years (4,000 hours) of work at a preferred organization serving medically underserved Virginians. Service commitments may be fulfilled in any Virginia locality if they are federally designated mental health professional shortage areas.
We encourage you to explore these additional scholarship resources:
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Maryland Higher Education Commission (for Maryland residents)
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.
Learn more about Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate program by clicking below and completing the form. Our admissions team will contact you with additional information.