Please Note:
Applications for our fall 2025 PMHNP cohort are open to all Medstar Health nurse practitioners.
Applications for our fall 2025 PMHNP cohort are open to all Medstar Health nurse practitioners.
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.
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
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.
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 | 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) |
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Psychopharmacology | 3 credits |
PMHNP Clinical Practicum II | 2 credits (200 clinical hours) |
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice | 3 credits |
PMHNP Clinical Practicum III | 2 credits (200 clinical hours) |
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) |
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:
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.
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.
View current tuition information on the Georgetown University Revenue and Receivables website.
See Tuition InformationNote: Non-degree programs may not qualify for traditional student loans.
We encourage you to explore the following scholarship resources: