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

A nurse counsels a person in distress

Please Note:

Applications for our fall 2025 PMHNP cohort are open to all Medstar Health nurse practitioners.

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

Karan Kverno

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 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

CourseCredits
Psychiatric Evaluation, Formulation, and Differential Diagnosis3 credits
Neuroscience for Mental Health Care2 credits
PMHNP Clinical Practicum I1 credit (100 clinical hours)
On-Campus Intensive: Formative0 credits (workshops and simulations with standardized patients)

Semester 2 Spring 1

CourseCredits
Psychopharmacology3 credits
PMHNP Clinical Practicum II2 credits (200 clinical hours)

Summer 1

CourseCredits
Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice3 credits
PMHNP Clinical Practicum III2 credits (200 clinical hours)

Semester 1 Fall 2

CourseCredits
Community Mental Health2 credits
PMHNP Clinical Practicum IV1 credit (100 clinical hours)
On-Campus Intensive: Summative0 credits (workshops and simulations that provide a comprehensive synthesis of all clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in courses)
A nurse listens as a patient speaks

Requirements for Admission

The admission requirements for the PMHNP-PGC program are:

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

Connect With Us For More Information

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.

Application Deadline

Please Note: Applications for our fall 2025 PMHNP cohort are open to all Medstar Health nurse practitioners.

This program admits students once per year in the fall. Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 academic year.

Apply Now

St. Mary's Hall

Application deadline: Feb. 1, 2025

Tuition

View current tuition information on the Georgetown University Revenue and Receivables website.

See Tuition Information

Scholarships and Other Aid

Note: Non-degree programs may not qualify for traditional student loans.

We encourage you to explore the following scholarship resources: