Our curriculum is designed to promote the core centrality of the nurse-client relationship while maintaining a neurobiologically-informed approach to increasing core knowledge in the behavioral and biological disciplines. You will learn evidence-based practice across the life span, gaining the ability to treat psychiatric disorders within individuals, families, and groups. Emphasis is placed on the development of psychiatric nurse practitioners who will be prepared to function autonomously in a variety of clinical settings.

POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

The Psychiatric Mental Health Post-Graduate Certificate Program is a 26 credit hour, three semester program is that is comprised of six courses, with a total of 720 precepted direct clinical hours (+45 contact hours of simulated onsite/virtual experiences).

Courses will be delivered via synchronous/asynchronous classroom sessions with designated onsite or virtual intensives and clinical practica at sites where students are geographically located.

On completion of the post-graduate certificate program, graduates will be prepared to implement their psychiatric mental health advanced practice clinical judgement to assess, diagnose, plan, and implement holistic plans of care including psychotropic medication management; individual, group, and family psychotherapy and crisis management; and provide interprofessional collaborative care. Program graduates will link their advanced practice nursing skills with their knowledge of evidence-based research and practice to become highly effective practitioners.

During the program’s final clinical course, PMHNP Clinical Practice III: Advanced Integrative Clinical Practice and Advanced Clinical Practicum Immersion, Blake Scholars will be supported in their clinical focus of child and adolescent behavioral and mental health and complete their clinical training at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).

To be considered for admission to the program, you must submit the following items:

• A baccalaureate and a master's degree from an accredited nursing program (CCNE, NLNAC)
• Unencumbered APRN license in the state of Georgia or a multi-state RN license

Competitive applicants will have direct patient care experience of a minimum of one (1) year of full time employment as an APRN with a pediatric focus of care.

We strongly advise that your application, personal statement, and recommendations speak specifically to the relevant child and adolescent behavioral/mental health interest and experience that you believe make you a competitive applicant for the program and for consideration for the Blake scholarship.

ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST

• Application deadline: March 1, 2024
• Application for Admission
• $50 Application Fee
• Official transcripts from each school attended
• Resume
• Personal statement
• 2-3 References (preference for at least one to be a nursing supervisor)
• Students with international nursing degrees must provide an evaluation from Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (www.cgfns.org) for previous nursing coursework.
• Students with international transcripts for non-nursing degrees must provide an evaluation from World Education Services (www.wes.org) for previous non-nursing coursework.
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duo-lingo scores are required if English is a second language. Read Emory University's accepted tests policy.

POST-GRADUATE CERTIFICATE APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE

Personal Statement: Describe your psychiatric nursing interest, experience, and your career goals. Please answer the following essay questions in your personal statement.

• Describe your professional strengths and opportunities for growth
• Describe a time you experienced a professional setback, how you dealt with it, and what you learned
• Describe how you currently manage your work-life balance and how do you anticipate this will change when you begin a graduate/doctoral program?

Three References: References are preferred from professional colleagues, supervisors, or faculty who can speak specifically to the applicant’s professionalism and experience.

Emory University undergoes accreditation at the university level and throughout our colleges and schools to ensure our educational programs meet the highest standards. The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is accredited by multiple organizations. For a list of accreditations, you can visit our Accreditations page.