Program Track Overview
Post-Master’s Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate program is approximately $26,338 and would take 15 months to complete on a part-time basis over 4 semesters.
Estimate based on 26 credit hours at $845 per credit hour, calculated from tuition data.
Curriculum
The Post-Master’s Certificate is a 26 semester hour program completed over 4 semesters. The curriculum emphasizes psychotherapeutic approaches, psychopharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical practice across the lifespan with a focus on narrative medicine, holistic care, trauma-informed care, mindfulness practice, and evidence-based psychiatric treatment.
Required Courses
NG 919 – Psychotherapeutic Approaches Across the Lifespan (3)
Survey of major psychotherapy models with age-appropriate adaptations, cultural humility, and ethical practice at the forefront. Emphasizes evidence-based technique selection and therapeutic alliance from childhood through older adulthood.
NG 920 – Applied Psychopharmacology & Psychopathology (3)
Links neurobiology to medication choice, dosing, and monitoring across psychiatric conditions. Covers adverse effects, special populations, and integrating meds with non-pharmacologic care.
NG 921 – PMHNP Clinical Practicum I (3)
Entry-level clinical emphasizing psychiatric interviewing, differential diagnosis, and initial treatment planning across the lifespan. Introduces the PMHNP role under close preceptor supervision.
NG 922 – Diagnosis, Care & Management of Adults (3)
Advanced assessment and management of adult psychiatric disorders using evidence-based therapies and care coordination. Builds practical skills for delivering patient-centered treatment in diverse settings. Prereq: NG 920.
NG 923 – PMHNP Clinical Practicum II (3)
Intermediate practicum focused on complex cases, sharper diagnostic reasoning, and refined psychopharmacology. Expands therapeutic interventions and growing autonomy in practice. Prereq: NG 920.
NG 924 – Child/Adolescent & Older Adult Psychiatric Care (3)
Specialized care strategies for youth and geriatric populations, integrating development, family context, and cultural factors. Applies tailored assessment and treatment plans across settings. Prereqs: NG 919, NG 920, NG 921.
NG 925 – PMHNP Clinical Practicum III (3)
Deepens clinical proficiency with advanced decision-making, outcome evaluation, and interprofessional collaboration. Students manage broader caseloads and apply evidence at point of care. Prereqs: NG 919, NG 920, NG 921, NG 922, NG 923.
NG 926 – PMHNP Clinical Practicum IV (3)
Capstone immersion emphasizing leadership, independent practice readiness, and comprehensive case management. Demonstrates mastery in assessment, psychotherapy integration, and advocacy. Prereqs: NG 919, NG 920, NG 921, NG 922, NG 923, NG 924.
NG 927 – PMHNP Seminar: Board Certification Review & Prep (2)
Targeted review of exam domains, clinical guidelines, and high-yield test strategies. Uses structured practice and feedback to optimize ANCC board readiness. Prereqs: NG 919, NG 920, NG 921, NG 922, NG 923, NG 924.
The program prepares students to evaluate, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and treat psychiatric patients using evidence-based approaches. Students master telehealth best practices and study contemporary treatment modalities.
Clinicals
The program includes four clinical practicum courses providing hands-on experience in psychiatric settings. Students are prepared to work in both acute and outpatient settings including community mental health, private practice, hospital settings, and integrated care models.
Clinical training emphasizes diagnostic evaluation, medication management, psychotherapy, and treatment planning across the lifespan. The program prepares students for both in-person and telehealth practice settings.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree
- Current RN licensure
- Completion of application for admission
- Meeting program admission requirements
The program allows students to work while completing coursework, with most courses offered online and monthly in-person weekend intensives in North Atlanta.
Dual Enrollment Option
Brenau students in the PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate can dual enroll in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program simultaneously. This allows students to graduate with both credentials much faster and transition into advanced practice leadership roles more quickly.
Tuition
Graduate nursing tuition is $845 per credit hour (calculated from $10,140 tuition for 12 credits over fall and spring semesters). Additional fees include:
- I&I Development Fee: $254 annually
- University Services Fee: $500 annually
- Nursing Fees: $565 (average over program duration)
Active duty military personnel, dependents, and spouses receive tuition discounts.
The total estimated cost of attendance for graduate nursing students (based on 6 credits per semester over 9 months) is $32,244, which includes tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, and personal expenses.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate in nursing degree, master’s in science of nursing degree, and post-master’s certificate program at Brenau University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Brenau University Department of Nursing has full approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Other Nursing Programs
Undergraduate Programs:
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Post Baccalaureate Pre-Nursing
Master’s Programs:
- Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Leadership and Management
Post-Master’s Certificates:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate
- Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate
Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Advanced Practice Nurse
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Leadership & Management
More PMHNP Programs in Georgia
View All PMHNP Programs in Georgia
- Augusta University - Augusta
- Emory University - Atlanta
- Georgia College & State University - Milledgeville
- Georgia Southern University - Statesboro, Savannah
- Georgia State University - Atlanta
- Mercer University - Macon
- Valdosta State University - Valdosta