Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate

The College of Nursing and Health Professions offers graduate certificates in nursing for individuals with a graduate nursing degree who desire to obtain additional education in another clinical emphasis area (see emphasis areas listed on prior pages). These certificates will provide students and professionals an opportunity to gain expertise in another emphasis area to meet educational and role requirements for their present or future employment or to meet advanced clinical certification in specialty areas.

Campus: Online 100%

Admission Requirements

• Graduate degree from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
• An official transcript must be submitted. 
• Proof of a current and unencumbered/unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the State of Mississippi (prior to starting the program). 
• Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate or current basic life support (BLS) certification. 
• Curriculum vitae or professional resumé. 
• Cover letter of introduction and a personal statement of research interests submitted with the application. 
• Supplemental Nursing Application 
• Submission of three letters of reference from employers, supervisors, teachers, or others who are qualified to assess the student’s academic ability and readiness for graduate study. 
• Proof of recent health examination to include (a) proof of immunization against the Hepatitis B virus, (b) current tuberculosis (TB) skin test or QuantiFERON G test, (c) current Tdap immunization, (d) evidence of immunity to varicella, and (e) current MMR immunization. 
• Must pass both a criminal background check and drug screening. 
• An Interview (in-person/virtual)

Program Requirements

• Student will complete the required emphasis area core and clinical courses identified by the director of program after reviewing the student’s official graduate transcript.
• Student shall complete the requirements for the Certificate within 4 years.
• A comprehensive exam and a 3.0 GPA are required to obtain a Certificate.

Progression Policy
1. Progression in the program requires a minimum grade of C in all courses and an overall GPA of 3.0 each semester.
2. Failure to achieve a minimum grade of C in all courses and an overall GPA of 3.0 will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to withdraw or be dismissed from the program.
3. Students cannot earn a grade of C in more than two courses regardless of the GPA.
4. Receiving the third C will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to withdraw or be dismissed from the program.
5. Students cannot earn a grade of C- in any course regardless of the GPA.
6. Receiving a C- will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to repeat the course if eligible.
7. Students cannot earn a grade of D+, D, D, or F in any course regardless of the GPA.
8. Receiving a grade of D+, D, or F will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to withdraw or be dismissed from the program.
9. Students who withdraw from the program may be eligible for readmission to the program.
10. Students eligible for re-admission will be required to follow the current admission process as new applicants.
11. Should an applicant be re-admitted they will be considered a new student and will be required to complete the entire curriculum.

Certificate Emphasis Areas

Students with an MSN interested in a graduate certificate in a nurse practitioner emphasis area must show evidence of completion of graduate level coursework in the following areas: advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment for practitioners, and nurse practitioner role. Students not having the courses must take NUR 615, NUR 805, NUR 671, NUR 800, NUR 801, and NUR 803 prior or during nurse practitioner emphasis area courses.