Post-Master Certificate

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Division of Nursing offers a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate program for RNs who already hold master of science in psychiatric and mental health nursing.  This certificate program is designed to provide the psychiatric nurse specialist with the necessary knowledge and skills regarding differential diagnosis, health promotion and psychotropic medication management (prescriptive authority) fundamental to the role of PMHNP.  Didactic and clinical course content will assist the psychiatric clinical specialist transition beyond psychotherapist, consultant and educator by adding knowledge and skills related to the practitioner role.  Focus areas include ongoing assessment, health promotion, differential diagnosis, planning and medication management of psychiatric mental health clients across their life spans.  Completion of this course will qualify you to take the PMHNP exams, family and adult versions offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). 

For more information about the various entry options, click here.

For course descriptions, click here.

For course schedules, click here. 

Admission Requirements:

• Completed graduate application for admission, along with a $30 non-refundable application fee.
• Completed graduate nursing program application.
• Earned a BSN degree from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. 
• Successful completion of MSN in psychiatric mental health.
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
• Be a Registered Nurse licensed in Virginia.
• 2,080 RN Clinical work hours prior to specialty courses
• CPR certification as a Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association.
• Up to date immunizations and health record submitted to Wilkins Wellness Center at Shenandoah University.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Complete Graduate Nursing Program interview process.

Transfer Credits:

• Only grades of C or higher are transferable.
• A maximum of 12 credit hours.

Where to Begin:

• Please contact our Abigail Griffeth, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at agriffet@su.edu or the office of Admissions at Admit@su.edu,  if you have any questions regarding admission or the application process.

• Apply online:  graduate application for admission

Certificate Requirements: