Post-Master's Certificate In Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

100% Online Coursework Plus Clinical Hours and Live Online Simulation-Based Learning

Kennesaw State University’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Master’s Certificate equips advanced practice registered nurses with the skills to deliver evidence-based mental health care across the lifespan.

A defining feature of the program is faculty-guided live online simulation. In addition to direct care clinical experiences, students participate in structured simulation-based learning with personalized mentoring from Board-certified PMHNP faculty and a certified Gestalt practitioner. These live role-play experiences are designed to strengthen therapeutic communication, clinical reasoning, diagnostic formulation, safety assessment, medication management thinking, and professional confidence.

The program emphasizes the integration of therapy-informed psychiatric care and medication management. Students learn to consider how therapeutic engagement, symptom patterns, functional concerns, safety risks, adherence barriers, and medication decisions interact over time. This integrated approach prepares graduates to provide continuity of care and make informed clinical decisions in complex psychiatric mental health settings.

Because simulation is central to the curriculum, applicants should be prepared to participate actively in live online simulation role-play, guided feedback, and reflective learning throughout the program.

The program is best suited for applicants who already hold NP certification and have experience in an advanced practice nursing role. The four-semester format is tailored to working professionals. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Graduate admissions criteria varies based on enrollment type. Please visit the Graduate Admissions Requirements site for more details.

Program Admission Requirements

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office: 

Additional materials:

• A GPA of at least 3.0 in one of the following degrees: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing
• Current unencumbered RN license (submit copy)
• Satisfactory completion (B or higher) of three separate, comprehensive, graduate-level APRN Core courses in:
  • 1) advanced physiology/pathophysiology (including general principles that apply across the lifespan),
  • 2) advanced health assessment (which includes assessment of all human systems, advanced assessment techniques, concepts, and approaches), and
  • 3) advanced pharmacology (which includes pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics of all broad categories of agents) as evidenced on transcripts.
• Statement of purpose of approximately 1-2 pages outlining personal goals that the program will support
• One professional letter of reference from work supervisors with direct knowledge of the applicant who can address the applicant’s potential for graduate study.
• A CV or Resume that provides evidence of at least one year experience in a graduate-level nursing role, excluding orientation

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges