Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Two-year part-time hybrid program
The post-professional certificate program prepares graduates with specialization as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The program is an option for advanced practice registered nurses with a M.S. or D.N.P. Graduates earn a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner post-professional certificate and are eligible to apply for certification with a national certifying agency.
- Expand your practice abilities and advance your career with a low-cost and time-efficient certificate
- Sit for the national certification exam without earning a separate degree
Program Details
In the post-professional certificate program, students will expand their scope of practice and develop new skills and knowledge to independently assess, diagnose and provide treatment in a new specialty. The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner concentration prepares graduates to provide psychiatric care to individuals and populations across the lifespan and across the continuum of care.
Your coursework will focus on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. You will learn about a variety of types of interventions to support and promote mental health and be introduced to topics such as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, nonpharmacologic interventions, and advanced therapeutic communication. Through your coursework and practicum experiences, you will develop advanced clinical skills that will prepare you for success in your future career as a PMHNP.
VCU Bulletin is the official source for course and academic program information.
Application Info
| Application Opens | Application Closes | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2024 | October 15, 2024* | Ongoing |
*In order to be reviewed for admission, all components of the application (personal statements, references, transcripts, etc.) must be verified by October 15. Incomplete applications after this date will not be reviewed for the spring semester start.
Complete the NursingCAS application ($80 fee) and the VCU supplemental information application ($75 fee).
Submit the following materials with your application through NursingCAS, including:
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Resume or a curriculum vitae
- RN license
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable): Visit VCU's Graduate International Applicants page and see heading 'Application materials --> Proof of English proficiency'
We're here to help! Contact us at VCU_Nurse@vcu.edu with your admissions questions.
Review the functional and technical standards required for participation in the academic programs of the School of Nursing.
Prospective students with a conviction showing on their criminal history record may not be eligible to participate in clinical experiences at selected sites. This may impact the student’s ability to successfully complete program requirements. Applicants with a criminal history record are advised to review eligibility and licensure requirements for states in which they may seek employment (see Virginia eligibility requirements).
Financial Info
Use the following links to understand what your attendance costs will be and how aid and scholarships can help make your degree affordable.
Guaranteed Admission
Students who graduate with the minimum of a bachelor’s degree from the VCU School of Nursing are guaranteed admission to any VCU nursing graduate program provided they meet the requirements for admission and there is program space availability. Contact VCU_Nurse@vcu.edu for more info.