Master of Science in Nursing in the Field of Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The master of science in nursing in the field of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program offers registered nurses the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills to provide care to individuals, families, and groups with psychiatric/mental health needs. The lifespan curriculum is a synthesis of knowledge derived from nursing science, neuroscience, behavioral change theories, motivational theories, learning theories, and other psychotherapeutic frameworks to provide a holistic perspective from which to assess, diagnose, treat, manage, and evaluate acute and chronic mental illnesses. The program covers neuropsychopharmacology, interprofessional collaborative practice, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, health policy, family systems theory, psychotherapy, group therapy, care of vulnerable populations, promotion of mental health and prevention of mental illness, substance use, and co-occurring disorders, and other mental illnesses across the lifespan. 

Upon completion of our program, students are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center certification as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (lifespan).

Visit the School of Nursing website for additional information.

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Admission deadline:	Fall - Priority: December 1 | Final: May 15 Spring - Priority: June 1 | Final: October 1
Recommendations required:	Two letters of recommendation
Prior academic records:	Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools required.
Statement of Purpose:	Compose a 250-500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study in nursing at The George Washington University, your academic objectives, career goals, and related qualifications (including relevant collegiate, professional, and/or community activities). Include any substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form. Your essay should also speak to the role (e.g. FNP, AGACNP, etc.) that you are applying for and how your qualifications will help you succeed in this role both professionally and as a student.
Prerequisites	Bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university Preferred minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scholastic scale from a regionally accredited college or university Active and unencumbered RN license from a U.S. state or territory
Additional Requirements:	Current resume
International Requirements:	The minimum English language scores required are:  Internet-based TOEFL: 100; or IELTS: An overall band score of 7.0 with individual band scores of 6.0 or higher

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Office of Admissions
45085 University Drive, Suite 201-T
Ashburn, VA 20147

Contact for questions:
nursing@gwu.edu ~ 571-553-0138 (phone)
https://nursing.gwu.edu/admissions-aid
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 50 credits in required courses and completion of 600 clinical hours.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
NURS 6202	Concepts in Population Health
NURS 6203	Nursing Leadership
NURS 6205	Health Policy, Quality, and Political Process
NURS 6207	Evidence-Based Practice for Health Care Researchers
NURS 6208	Biostatistics for Health Care Research
NURS 6220	Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
NURS 6222	Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
NURS 6233	Genetics for Healthcare Providers
NURS 6234	Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing
NURS 6242	Psychopharmacology
NURS 6243	Addiction and Change
NURS 6244	Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing with Families and Groups Across the Life Span
NURS 6245	Psychiatric/Mental Health Diagnostic Assessment Across the Lifespan
NURS 6246	Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Nursing with Individuals Across the Life Span
NURS 6247	Population-Based Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Life Span
NURS 6248	Integrated Application of Psychiatric/Mental Health Advanced Practice Nursing