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) |
8/20/25 – 12/9/25 |
| NURS 5040 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (3 units) |
8/20/25 – 12/9/25 |
| NURS 5310 Advanced Health Assessment (3 units) |
8/20/25 – 12/9/25 |
| NURS 5330 Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics (3 units) |
8/20/25 – 12/9/25 |
After completing the four courses above, you will be eligible to begin the PMHNP Certificate Program for Spring 2026.
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.
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
