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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (CAGS)

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Program Overview

The Rowan Experience
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The purpose of the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) is to allow a registered nurse with at least a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) to obtain a nurse practitioner certification by completing the required coursework to prepare for the certification exam. The program coordinator will conduct a gap analysis of applicants’ academic transcripts in order to identify the courses they will need to complete in order to obtain the relevant post master’s certificate. The CAGS is available in three practice areas: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Once accepted, students will take the required courses according to their personal course sequence. Upon successfully completing the course sequence, students will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take the certification exam.

Curriculum
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The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a part-time program offered in an hybrid format at our Glassboro, NJ campus. Students must take at least four courses (two didactic and two clinical) at Rowan University to receive the CAGS. Students may obtain more than one certification. However, only one certificate may be completed at a time due to the amount of clinical practicum hours required. Clinical hours as determined by the accrediting body.

  • 9 Courses / 27 Semester Hours
  • Foundation Courses: No
  • Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes
    • Minimum 750 Clinical Hours
Course Number Title S.H. (Credits)
Required Courses: 27 S.H.
NURS 05551 Theoretical Foundations of Psychotherapy Across the Life Span* 3
NURS 05552 Biopsychosocial Assessment and Differential Diagnosis 3
NURS 05553 Principles of Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span* 3
NURS 05554 Behavior Theory I: Care of the Adult and the Older Adult and Family 3
NURS 05555 Behavior Clinical Practicum I: Care of the Adult and the Older Adult and Family (250 hours) 3
NURS 05556 Behavior Theory II: Care of the Adult and the Older Adult and Family 3
NURS 05557 Behavior Clinical Practicum II: Care of the Adult and the Older Adult and Family (250 hours) 3
NURS 05558 Behavior Theory III: Care of the Child and Adolescent and Family 3
NURS 05559 Behavior Clinical Practicum III: Care of the Child and Adolescent and Family (250 hours) 3

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

Transfer Credit Evaluation Policy

The program coordinator will conduct a gap analysis of applicants’ academic transcripts in order to identify the courses they will need to complete in order to obtain the relevant post master’s certificate. Syllabi from requested transfer credits from all prior academic institutions are required. For didactic coursework, only graded courses are accepted; no P/NC grades are accepted. A "pass" or "satisfactory" would be acceptable for clinical course work. A personal course sequence will be developed based upon the nurse practitioner practice area in which the student would like to obtain their certification. 

  • Up to 6 credits of course equivalents may be transferred in for didactic courses only (NURS 05551, 05552 and 05553)*
  • Course must reflect a grade of B or better (at least 3.000 on a 4.000 scale)
  • The courses and credits must be deemed equivalent to required courses and credits in the anticipated/requested program
  • The coursework must have been completed within the past 10 years.
Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation, or will indicate any missing items.

  • Completed Application Form
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in Nursing from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Master’s degree (or its equivalent) in Nursing from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of the number of credits earned; presented in a sealed official envelope)
  • Current professional resume
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) 
  • Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of NJ
  • Individual Professional Malpractice Insurance
  • Copy of all valid CPR cards
  • Interview. Applicants will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admission Committee regarding the interview. The interview can be in person or via telephone.
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators and include information, which attests to the applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree.
We invite you to join us for a

Virtual Information Session or Event

Rowan University hosts a series of on campus and virtual events throughout the year to help you get to know us. From general information sessions, to program specific meetings with advisors, to webinars on timely and thought-provoking topics, these gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions, network with academics and future students, and learn from some of the most innovative and informed faculty in higher education today.
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