Program Overview
The MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate Bridge Program offers an alternative pathway for students who earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) but have not completed Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning for APRN Role, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology pre-requisite coursework to meet the eligibility for the PMHNP Certificate Program. Students accepted into the MSN-PMHNP Bridge Program will take the prerequisites in the fall and, upon successful completion, will be eligible for the PMHNP Program in the spring.
Eligibility Requirements
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Current, unrestricted California RN license with no disciplinary action pending or imposed
- One year of full-time nursing or APRN experience
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, including any programs in which you are currently enrolled
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units taken
To review the eligibility requirements of the PMHNP Program, click here.
Schedule of Classes
Courses offered through the MSN-PHMNP Bridge Program
- Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning and the APRN Role
- Advanced (Lifespan) Physical Health Assessment
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Pathophysiology
Cohort 1 – Fall 2025
Fall 2025 Admission
| Course Name |
Course Dates |
| NURS 5305 Introduction to Diagnostic Reasoning and the APRN Role (1 unit) |
TBD |
| NURS 5040 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3 units) |
TBD |
| NURS 5310 Advanced Health Assessment (3 units) |
TBD |
| NURS 5330 Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics (3 units) |
TBD |
Cost
There is no fee to submit your application to the MSN-PMHNP Program. Each unit is $405. (Excludes textbooks, lab supplies and other costs incurred for the program).
No financial aid is available for the MSN-PMHNP Bridge Program.
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.
How to apply
Fall 2025 Application Period: April 1, 2025 – August 1, 2025
Submit application with Continuing and Professional Education (Link to apply will become available during the application period).
*Do NOT Apply through Cal State Apply.
Please upload the following documents to the online application:
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, including any programs in which you are currently enrolled
- RN License
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. If a high volume of qualified applicants is reached, the application period could close early.
There is no fee to apply for the MSN-PMHNP Bridge Program. Submit all requirements to the online application.
Important Dates
Keep in mind that MSN-PMHNP Bridge Program students must meet minimum PMHNP eligibility requirements by the PMHNP program start date.
| MSN-PMHNP Bridge Program Application Filing Period for Fall Admission: April 1, 2025 – August 1, 2025 |
Applications Closed |
| PMHNP Certificate Program Application Filing Period for Spring 2025 Admission: April 1, 2025 – December 1, 2025 |
Cal State Apply | CSU |
Contact Information
Brandy Gleason
PMHNP Program Director
Bgleason1@csustan.edu
Dr. Mechelle Perea-Ryan
Nursing Graduate Program Director
Mperearyan@csustan.edu
Daisy Ramirez Meza, MBA
Program Specialist
dramirez15@csustan.edu
