This certificate program is designed for graduate prepared (MN or DNP) advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who are already nationally certified in another nursing speciality area (e.g., family nurse practitioner) to add an additional (stackable) population practice focus credential and become nationally certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

The annual application deadline is December 15th for the following fall semester admission. 

Distance Delivered Format

All graduate courses are offered via distance delivery with video conference used to supplement content. Seeteaching methodsbelow for more information. Travel to Bozeman may be required for some coursework. Applications are limited to students from states: MT, UT, WY, ID, CO, or AK

Eligibility

Graduate prepared (MN or DNP) advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who is already nationally certified in another nursing speciality area. 

How to apply

All graduate nursing program applications are conducted through MSU's application portal.  Please create an account to initiate the application process. 

 

The following elements are required for a complete application:

  • 3 personal essays (prompts can only be found on the first page of the application).​
  • 3 professional references that can speak to your nursing knowledge, motivation, work ethic, and writing ability.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions where you completed coursework, even if a degree was not conferred.
    • Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for coursework completed at MSU-Bozeman​.
  • Completed and clear background check & urine drug screen via Complio (http://msucompliance.com). 
  • Upload and attach APRN licensure documentation. 

 

 

More Details Below: 

Applicants must meet the following requirements:  

  • Be physically located in MT, UT, WY, ID, CO, or AK.
  • Undergraduate and graduate minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred.
  • A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited upper division program which included supervised clinical practice in a variety of nursing settings, including nursing leadership/management.
  • Graduate APRN Nursing Degree.
  • Successful completion of undergraduate courses in research and statistics. 
  • Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse and APRN.
  • If clinical education experiences are to be completed in Montana, RN licensure in Montana is required.
  • If applicable, English proficiency scores as outlined by the Graduate School.
  • Maximum number of transferable credits from prior nursing graduate work is limited to 9 credits from a non-conferred degree, and 30 credits from a conferred degree. Read more in our Graduate Program policy.

Full details on Montana State University's graduate cost of attendance and estimated fees can be found on the MSU catalog.  

Read more details on expenses 

Computer proficiency and reliable Internet access is required for graduate students who are admitted to the program: refer to Technical Requirements

All Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing graduate courses are offered via 'Distance Delivery' which is defined as a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities.

 

Synchronous Intensive Classes: At the discretion of course faculty each semester, classes meet synchronously via video conference monthly.  Dates and times are announced at the beginning of each academic year.  Some exams/quizzes may also be held synchronously, and students will be given dates/times months in advance. 

 

Asynchronous: During a semester individual students log on to the digital learning management system (at their convenience) to participate in class discussions, submit assignments, take quizzes or exams, complete content modules, or other similar activities.  Courses will have published due dates for assignments and activities. 

 

Travel: Travel to Bozeman is typically not expected more than once per year, though this may vary across graduate program options. Travel to Bozeman may include in-person orientation for first year students, clinical skills weeks, and graduation. Travel to other campuses (Billings, Great Falls, Kalispell, or Missoula) may be required once or twice per year for simulation, exams, or skills checkoffs. 

Accreditation Info:

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