Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing‘s programs are challenging, but the rewards of completing your degree and entering this critical profession are many. We are committed to providing an outstanding education to nurses at all levels.  Our programs are dynamic and responsive to the needs of our students and the health care industry. Shenandoah Nursing offers graduate nursing classes in a fully online format with synchronous class meetings.  Students may also utilize study areas on the main campus in Winchester. We are excited to share our programs with you.

The curricula for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs combine important knowledge and skills with a friendly and caring spirit. Students share diverse backgrounds and professional experiences with seasoned teaching faculty and clinical preceptors, to contribute to robust classroom discussions and enrich clinical interactions. Our goal is to prepare and challenge you for that next step in your professional career

Our graduates work as educators, consultants, prescribers, therapists, researchers and in combined roles. Some work in military installations, community mental health centers, child and adolescent settings, private practice with community psychiatrists or as teaching faculty.

Graduates of the PMHNP program will be able to:

Post Graduate Certificate – PMHNP (NP) 

Total credits: 24

Total clinical hours: 600

Prerequisites (if you need to take the prerequisite courses they may add an additional 2 semesters and start in the Fall)

• Advanced Pathophysiology    3 (offered only in the fall and is a prerequisite for Advanced Health Assessment)
• Advanced Pharmacology    3  (offered only in the spring)
• Advanced Health Assessment    4  (offered both in fall and spring)

Total credits: 29

Total clinical hours: 600

How long will it take to complete the program?

Post-grad certificate takes 5 semesters (summer to summer) for current NP’s, or up to 7 semesters for non-NP’s. 

How are the classes offered?
All classes are offered in an online synchronous format.  

Where are classes located?

Classes are online but students may utilize campus study rooms and facilities on the main campus.

Main campus – 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601

How many clinical hours do I need?
MSN – PMHNP includes 600 clinical hours

Where do I do my clinicals?
Clinical placement is a collaborative process between the student and the faculty. We have current articulation agreements with many sites but will also look to initiate new contracts for clinical sites referred by students. You may also use map of affiliation in EXXAT to see current sites we are already affiliated with by location.  Clinical experiences are scheduled at the convenience of the facility hosting the student.

Can I attend the program on a part time basis?
No.

Is there a certification test that I need to take after graduation?
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to take either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner examination or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) examination.

What does it cost?
See the tuition and fees breakdown
SU alumni receive a per credit discount.

What technology do I need?
A computer with internet and microphone capability.

To participate effectively in Shenandoah University’s distance learning courses, you must have full access to a reliable laptop/desktop connected to the Internet. You will require full administrator permissions to use, change configurations and install programs on the laptop/desktop. Specific courses may have additional requirements and students should refer to the syllabus.

Computer Hardware Requirements: Your computer and communications hardware should meet or exceed the  following requirements:

*Headset or earbuds are recommended for better listening quality

Computer Software & Services Requirements: In order to utilize all the available features and content for Shenandoah University online or distance education courses you will need the following software and services:

**Your Internet connection may vary depending on where you live, what type of Internet connection you have, and your Internet provider. If your Internet connection is slower, you may still use SU features, however, you may encounter difficulties when loading pages, audio video playback may be choppy and downloading/uploading assignments may take longer, especially during peak usage times.

If you have any questions regarding Shenandoah University’s computer recommendations please contact our IC Help Desk at helpdesk@su.edu or 540-665-5555.

When do classes start?

All certificate tracks begin in the summer (prerequisite courses start in the fall and must be satisfied before starting core certificate classes).

We’re excited you’re interested in one of our graduate nursing programs! Applications are reviewed continuously starting in January until the cohort is full.  Students submitting completed applications before our priority deadlines will be considered first.

Priority:  February 15

Final: April 15

Application Information

Prerequisites:

• Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) from CCNE or an ACEN accredited institution. Recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Active nurse practitioner (NPs): Successful completion of following courses with recommended grade of “B” or better:
  • Advanced Physical Assessment
  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Pharmacology
• For applicants with an MSN in a non-NP area:
  • Undergraduate Chemistry course with a grade of “C” or better
  • Will be required to take Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology at Shenandoah before progressing to specialty courses

Admissions Requirements 

• Graduate application along with $30 non-refundable application fee
• Unofficial transcripts for initial admission from all institutions of higher education previously attended
• 2 letters of recommendation (1 from previous nursing faculty if graduated in the last 5 years)
• Current resume/C.V.
• Essay (250-500 words) answering:
  • Why are you choosing to pursue the PMHNP roles?
• Documentation of 2,080 RN or APRN hours (direct patient care required) 
• Unencumbered RN license – multi-state or  individual  state (must obtain licensure in clinical rotation state)
• Copy of Advanced Practice Nursing certification as applicable.  Applicants without national certification will be individually evaluated and must submit evidence of their specialty expertise.
• Interview with graduate nursing faculty may be required.
• Language Proficiency Requirement must be met.  Submission of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test may be required.  See our policy for full details:  https://www.su.edu/admissions/international-students 
• Upon admission – up-to-date immunizations and health records, a criminal background check, a urine drug screen and a CPR (from AHA only) will be required.