Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate University Certificate

General Information

The School of Nursing offers Post-Graduate Certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, for nurses who have completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or higher and who wish to obtain a second nursing specialty. The number of credit hours required for completion varies by specialty. All MSN policies apply to the Post-Graduate Certificate students.

Program Outcomes

1.  Integrate advanced nursing knowledge, theories, and evidence from nursing and related disciplines to form clinical judgment, promote innovation, and improve patient and system level outcomes.

2.  Formulate and implement individualized, evidence-based care plans that are developmentally appropriate and integrate shared decision-making.

3.  Apply population-level data to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions that address social determinants of health and improve health outcomes for populations.

4.  Critically appraise, translate, and apply evidence into practice to improve care quality. 

5.  Apply principles of safety science, quality improvement, and systems thinking to minimize harm and enhance patient and population outcomes.

6.  Collaborate within interprofessional teams to coordinate care and optimize health outcomes.  

7.  Coordinate resources and apply evidence-based strategies to deliver safe, quality, cost-effective care to patients within a healthcare system.

8.  Integrate health informatics, data analytics, and emerging technologies to support clinical decision-making, manage care, and improve health outcomes.

9.  Demonstrate professionalism through ethical practice, accountability, and advocacy, reflecting the core values and responsibilities of the nursing profession.

10.  Demonstrate leadership behaviors that foster resilience, self-awareness, and lifelong learning.

Admission Requirements

Admission is competitive and limited to available space. In addition to the above criteria, consideration is also given to the student’s Professional Statement submitted with the Graduate School application and the three required professional references.

Minimum requirements for admission to the program include:

1. Admission to the Graduate School.
2. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing degree from a nationally-accredited program.  
3. An unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license from an approved state.
4. One year of experience as an RN.

Please refer to the School of Nursing website at https://www.eku.edu/chs/nursing/ for specific information on the application process for admission and progression plans for study, or contact the School of Nursing at (859) 622-1827 for information on the application process for admission.

Progression Policy

Students must complete all required course work with a grade of “B” or higher and must complete any pre-requisite courses before advancing to the next course. Students who fail to meet the requirements for progression must apply for readmission. Readmission to a nursing course is not guaranteed to any student. Please refer to the MSN Student Handbook for specific information on readmission procedures. The program reserves the right to alter the suggested plan of study as necessary to enhance a quality educational program.

Program Requirements

CIP Code: 51.3810

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Concurrent NSC 800 Advanced Practice Role enrollment with NSC 880 PMHNP I, NSC 882 PMHNP II, NSC 884 PMHNP III for a total of 8 hours.