Dec 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Bulletin

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 nursing degree from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (formerly NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (must submit official transcript)
  • Evidence of an unencumbered registered nurse (RN) Mississippi license
  • All other general requirements required by the Graduate School (see Bulletin)
  • Current cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (BLS) certificate;
  • Proof of a recent health examination to include;
  • Proof of immunization against the Hepatitis B virus
  • Must have at least one year of clinical experience as an RN before beginning clinical courses;
  • Current tuberculosis (TB) skin test or quantiFERON G test
  • Current Tdap immunization
  • Evidence of immunity to varicella
  • Must have at least one year of psychiatric nursing experience
  • Current MMR immunization
  • Criminal background check and drug screening
  • Exceptions to the above criteria must be approved by the director, the dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the dean of the Graduate School.
  • Must have earned a 3.0 or higher grade point average (GPA) (based on a 4.0 system in both undergraduate and graduate level courses).

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

Progression in the program requires a minimum grade of C in all courses and an overall GPA of 3.0 each semester. 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. Students cannot earn a grade of C in more than two courses regardless of the GPA. 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. Students cannot earn a grade of Cin any course regardless of the GPA. 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. Students cannot earn a grade of D+, D, D, or F in any course regardless of the GPA. 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. Students who withdraw from the program may be eligible for readmission to the program. Students eligible for re-admission will be required to follow the current admission process as new applicants. 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 course work in the following areas: advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment for practitioners. Students not having the courses must take NUR 646 NUR 647  and NUR 803  prior to beginning nurse practitioner emphasis area courses.