Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Course Information

Both synchronous (live, real-time) and asynchronous (on your own, not live) formats are used. Most of the course work is asynchronous but live sessions are scheduled in selected online courses. Students should consult with individual course syllabi for specific live session requirements.

Students come with a variety of educational backgrounds. Therefore, when a student already has a MSN, a gap analysis must be performed by the Program Director to create an individualized program of study.

Admission Requirements

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from a college accredited by the appropriate accrediting association (i.e., NLN or CCNE) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Undergraduate introductory course in statistics with grade of C or better
  • Undergraduate health appraisal/physical assessment course with grade of C or better
• The MAT or GRE is not required for admission.
• Submission/completion of all of the following materials:
  • Complete College of Graduate Studies online application with payment of required fee.
  • Georgia Southern University Health Services Form
  • Three letters of recommendation. Forms in the online application are acceptable, or you can attach 3 recommendation letters to the application.
  • Proof of American Heart Association Level C (2 person-BLS) CPR certification.
  • Proof of Georgia RN licensure (write COPY) over any replication of license submitted.
  • Resume or CV with work history
• One year of full-time registered nurse (RN) clinical nursing experience before the start of Advanced Health Assessment.

Applicants will be pooled for admission consideration. Interviews with individuals under consideration may be conducted prior to admission.

Upon Acceptance

• Nursing Student Health forms
• Proof of current RN malpractice liability insurance (policy cover page) with name, dates of coverage and amount (1 million incident/3 million aggregate)
• Proof of “Student NP” malpractice insurance before entering ANY clinical NP courses that require clinical hours or involves direct patient care.
• NP students will be required to complete all clinical practicums with a qualified preceptor within 250 miles of Georgia Southern University Statesboro Campus in the state of Georgia. NP students must be proactive and secure preceptors for the clinical practicums.

All admission application materials must be received by March 1 for admission consideration to the fall cohort. Students who are admitted to the Post-MSN Certificate program will be provided with an individualized year-round program of study upon acceptance.

Post MSN Certificates

The Post-Master of Science in Nursing (post-MSN) Certificates offer the opportunity to augment the MSN degree previously earned with an additional nursing specialty area. The coursework for these certificates is dependent on the coursework that was completed in your previous master’s degree. A gap analysis must be performed by the graduate program director to create an individualized program of study. Georgia Southern University may be a good fit for you if you wish to add a certification in one of the following specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate

For the Post-MSN certificate programs you must have a master’s degree or higher and currently hold national certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). You must show evidence in your master’s program of advanced physical assessment, pharmacology and pathophysiology.

Program Resources

• Graduate Student Handbook (PDF)

Student Learning Outcomes

SLO 1: Integrate core knowledge from the liberal arts, sciences, and nursing as the foundation for advanced level professional practice.   

SLO 2: Use knowledge of organizational systems, leadership principles, and resources to become responsible, safe, and accountable advanced level professional nurses that demonstrate professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct.

SLO 3: Demonstrate advanced level clinical judgment/decision making by using healthcare

information, technology, scholarship, inquiry, and current evidence to improve individual and population healthcare outcomes.

SLO 4: Collaborate using advanced inter-professional communication to develop partnerships with other members of the healthcare team that improve patient health outcomes.

Upon completing the Post-MSN Certificate curriculum, you will be fully prepared for educational eligibility for certification in your given area of study. At this juncture, you can leave the program with your Post-Master’s Certificate or apply for admission to the Post-MSN-DNP program. The purpose of our DNP program is to prepare advanced practice nurses and leaders to evaluate and improve primary health care. Our ultimate goal is to improve health care and the health of populations and individuals, with a special focus on rural and underserved communities.

Graduates of non-APRN master’s programs may apply for transfer credit into the Post-BSN-DNP, but are not eligible for the Post-MSN Certificate or the Post-MSN-DNP programs.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees charged by Georgia Southern University are approved by the University System of Georgia annually. For a comprehensive costs and affordability analysis, please visit https://em.georgiasouthern.edu/finaid/costs-affordability/.

Professional License Disclosure

The School of Nursing anticipates that graduates of this program will seek the following professional state licenses or certifications: Certification as an APRN (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [depending on which program they completed]) and licensure as an APRN.

For required disclosures on whether this program satisfies the license requirements of all states and territories for APRN license visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (www.ncsbn.org).

The School of Nursing has determined that the required classes and educational activities of this online academic program will qualify a graduate of this program to take the exam for certification as an APRN in Georgia and other states as listed on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (www.ncsbn.org). 

For all Online Programs:

Federal Law requires colleges and universities to make certain disclosures to prospective students of these programs. These disclosure include information on the University’s authority to operate outside of Georgia, complaint processes, adverse actions, and refunds.

For required disclosures in general with regard to online programs offered by the University, visit the Office of Legal Affairs website.

Last updated: 12/18/2023