Certificate Highlights
Prepare for the NCCPA Exam
Demonstrate your qualifications as a PA specializing in psychiatry. Our curriculum is specifically designed to prepare you to pass the NCCPA Psychiatry CAQ exam. Our certificate curriculum includes 1600 hours of high quality didactic content, taught by experienced psychiatric PAs.
1000 Supervised Clinical Hours
Receive dedicated online supervision in psychotherapy while you continue to practice clinically full-time. You鈥檒l complete a total of 1000 guided clinical hours over the course of two semesters, which count toward the two required practicum courses. Doctorate-prepared psychotherapists and clinical psychologists, specially trained in virtual clinical supervision,听 will serve in this supportive role. You can complete these supervised clinical hours no matter your current clinical specialty or geographic location.
Transfer Into Our DMSc Program
Designed for Working PAs
Continue your education and advance your credentials while you continue working as a physician assistant/associate; specialize in psychiatry while you continue practicing as a PA. This certificate is designed for the busy schedule of a PA, and is completely online and mostly asynchronous.
Curriculum
Psychotherapy Practicum
During the two practicum courses, you will carry out supervised psychotherapy while engaging in full-time clinical practice for a total of 1000 hours over two semesters. You鈥檒l learn motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavior therapy from master practitioners, and increase your knowledge of psychotherapeutic methods and procedures. Our specialized instructors will provide instructive, evidence-based feedback that will increase your proficiency in clinical case formulation and expose you to therapeutic applications of cognitive-behavior therapy.
Psychiatry Diagnostics
Focus on the psychiatric interview for the accurate diagnosis of psychiatric conditions. Learn more about the ethical and legal issues associated with the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. Dive into the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental, psychotic, trauma-related, eating, substance-related disorders and more.
Psychiatry Therapeutics
Learn how to implement comprehensive treatment plans for psychiatric conditions. Deepen your knowledge of psychiatric pharmacology, crisis intervention, and risk management. Broaden your knowledge of treatments for a wide range of psychiatric conditions.
Courses
Core Courses
Code
Course
Credits
PMH 710Advanced Neuroscience of Psychiatry3
This course provides a detailed review of the neuroscience model beginning with neuroanatomy and neurophysiology (cells, circuits, neurotransmitters, receptors and signaling the nucleus, genetics, and epigenetics) followed by an exploration of how these structures and processes are modulated (hormonal actions in the brain, plasticity during maturation and adult development, immunity/inflammation and bioelectric modulation) and finally how the neuroscience model contributes to our understanding of pain, pleasure, appetite, anger and aggression, sleep, sex, social attachment, memory, intelligence, attention, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer鈥檚 disease.
Content will be delivered using the latest evidence-based asynchronous methods to a small group of dedicated learners from around the world in a virtual classroom environment. In addition to the course text, a variety of video presentations will be included, with weekly formative assignments that will engage learners in a self-directed review of the published literature, peer to peer learning through post and reply style academic writing on a scholarly forum, and brief quizzes to build confidence in the mastery of instructional content. Summative assignments will require each student to complete 24 learning activities qualifying for the Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI) Master Psychopharmacology Certificate and complete all 10 self-assessments for the NEI Master Psychopharmacology certificate.
PMH 720Psychiatry Diagnostics & Therapeutics I3
This course focuses on the psychiatric interview for the accurate diagnosis of psychiatric conditions and the implementation of comprehensive treatment plans. In addition to psychiatric pharmacology, crisis intervention and risk management will be reviewed. The course will also explore the ethical and legal issues associated with the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Neurodevelopmental, psychotic, mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, trauma-related, stressor-related, dissociative, and somatic disorders will be covered in this course.
Prerequisite: PMH 710
PMH 730Psychiatry Diagnostics & Therapeutics II3
This course is a continuation of the Psychiatry Diagnostics & Therapeutics course series, building upon the concepts that were explored in Psychiatry Diagnostics & Therapeutics I. The focus of this course will be feeding/eating disorders, sleep disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, disruptive and impulse control disorders, substance use disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and personality disorders.
Prerequisites: PMH 710, PMH 720
PMH 790Psychotherapy Practicum I3
The focus of this course is Motivational Interviewing (MI) for advanced graduate-level students in assisting individuals, families and groups in achieving therapeutic goals. Learners will be provided with a comprehensive review of MI as a person-centered therapeutic modality, its clinical application to a wide range of behavioral and psychological conditions involving diverse clinical settings and populations across the life span. Learners will receive access to online therapy supervision asynchronously from a licensed mental health therapist while they complete 500 hours of clinical practice at their current location of employment. Learners will conduct systematic and continuous process and outcome measurements during their practical application of established psychotherapeutic methods and procedures. This course will include proctored case scenarios and real-time audio-visual patient/client interactions to promote mastery of the course material. Learners will receive instructive feedback through evidence-based clinical supervision models that include session recording, transcription, and analysis.
Prerequisite: PMH 710
PMH 795Psychotherapy Practicum II3
This course focuses on the gold-standard of contemporary psychotherapy practice, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT), for advanced graduate students. Learners will be guided through a comprehensive review of CBT based on the theoretical models and strategies proposed by CBT pioneers, Aaron and Judith Beck. Learners will receive access to online therapy supervision asynchronously from a licensed mental health therapist while they complete 500 hours of clinical practice at their current location of employment. The learner will expand their proficiency in clinical case formulation and the therapeutic application of CBT in a variety of clinical settings with diverse populations (individuals/families and groups) across the lifespan. This course will incorporate clinical conceptualizations, reflective strategies, practice exercises, interactive videos, and case examples to stimulate learner skill acquisition, fostering needed social, cognitive, behavioral, and affective change in clients/patients. This course will include proctored case scenarios and real-time audio-visual client/patient interactions to promote mastery of the course material. Learners will receive instructive feedback through evidence-based clinical supervision models that include session recording, transcription, and analysis.
Prerequisite: PMH 790
Optional Courses
Code
Course
Credits
PMH 890*Advanced Psychotherapy Techniques I3
This course focuses on Medical Family Therapy (MedFT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) for advanced graduate-level students. Learners will develop MedFT skills to conceptualize patients from a family systems model and infuse interpersonal strategies and interventions into general psychotherapy practice and integrated care 芒鈧�� especially patients presenting with trauma syndromes and somatic-based illnesses. Additionally, learners will acquire knowledge and skills relative to SFBT to address patient needs without exploring the illness history and origin of problems. Competencies with this psychotherapy modality focus on practical application to many family-related situations, including children, pregnant and peripartum women, couples, parents treating family members of patients with serious illnesses, and families coping with suicide. Learners will concurrently engage in online supervision and consultation with faculty, colleagues, and peers.
Prerequisites: PMH 790 & PMH 795
PMH 895*Advanced Psychotherapy Techniques II3
This course focuses on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for advanced graduate-level students. Learners will obtain DBT skills to treat patients with personality disorders and interpersonal conflicts, mood disorders and suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress and dissociative disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and changing behavioral patterns such as self-harm, substance use, and eating disorders. Additionally, learners will acquire ACT skills to promote psychological flexibility, including the following behavior-change strategies: reducing the tendency to reify thoughts, images, emotions, and memories; allowing unwanted thoughts, feelings, and urges to come and go without engaging in compulsive behaviors; and awareness of the present moment allowing them to experience greater openness, interest, and acceptance (mindfulness). Learners will concurrently engage in online supervision and consultation with faculty, colleagues, and peers.
Prerequisites: PMH 790 & PMH 795
*Course offering dependent on enrollments
Semester Dates
Winter 2027
Type
Date
Summer 2027
Type
Date
Winter 2028
Type
Date
Application Deadlines: Apply Early and Position Yourself for Success鈥�
Priority Deadline
Applying by the priority deadline is the best way to set yourself up for success. It gives you the most time to complete the admissions process, explore financial aid, complete 黑料专区鈥檚 online orientation course, and feel fully prepared for your program.鈥�听
Since we review applications on a rolling basis, submitting early means you鈥檒l hear back sooner鈥攐ften while spots are still open for your preferred start term. It鈥檚 a great way to secure your place and start planning your next steps with confidence.鈥�听
Final Deadline
We continue to accept applications through the final deadline鈥攁nd even up to the first day of classes鈥攁s space allows. If you need a little more time, you鈥檙e still welcome to apply. Just keep in mind that some programs may fill early, and things like course availability or financial aid processing may be more limited closer to the start of the semester.鈥�
Applying early helps you get a smooth start as you begin your journey at 黑料专区.鈥�
Admissions
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree from a Physician Assistant (PA) program at a regionally accredited institution, (or foreign equivalent)
- Proof of unencumbered licensure and/or certification as a physician assistant (PA), or for new graduates, certification or licensure must be obtained during the first semester of the Psychiatry Certificate program.
- Current full-time clinical practice
Application Materials
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts* from the physician assistant (PA) program and any institution from which a post-graduate master’s or doctoral degree was earned.
- Resume or CV detailing education, employment, volunteer service, and scholarly activity
- Statement of professional goals
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*You must request official transcripts from your previous institution鈥檚 Registrar鈥檚 Office. Official transcripts can be sent electronically to admissions@rm.edu. Any transcripts emailed from the applicant will be considered unofficial.
Other Requirements
Vaccinations
Vaccinations
No vaccination requirements
Tech Requirements
Technology Requirements
Background and Purpose
The healthcare industry is heavily reliant on technology and on providers who are proficient in utilizing technology. As a result, 黑料专区 of Health Professions requires extensive utilization of electronic devices for its programs. The purpose of this document is to define minimum technology requirements for students to ensure they are equipped with the hardware and software necessary to facilitate their participation and success in all facets of their education.
Laptop Computer*
Students are required to secure a personal computer for use during the course of their studies that adheres to the below minimum requirements (*this does not apply to students in the Optometry OD program.)听
Operating System (OS)
- For PC: Windows 10
- For Mac: macOS 13 (Ventura) or higher听
Specifications
- Processor: Apple – M1 Chip or better. Windows – Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 or better
- Memory: 8 GB or more
- Storage: 128 GB Flash Solid-State Drive (256GB or more recommended)
- Display: 13 inches or larger (retina display 12-inch is acceptable)
- WiFi Connectivity: 802.11ac or higher
- Camera: Built-in high resolution (720p or better), internal or external
Buying Recommendations
Required Software
Your computer must have these systems installed:
- Adobe PDF Reader
- An anti-virus program* 鈥↖f you don鈥檛 already have one installed, we recommend Sophos
*Note: You should have only ONE anti-virus program installed; multiple installations can be troublesome.
High Speed Internet
- The connection should be a Cable/DSL broadband connection or better. We recommend having a minimum of 10 mbps download and 2 mbps upload. You can check your download and upload speeds at Speedtest.
- Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) must be reliable. Please note that wireless connections can be unstable; wired Ethernet connections should be used whenever possible. If the speed of your connection is inadequate, contact your ISP to upgrade to a higher-level service.听
Internet Browser
- Due to its integration with G Suite, we recommend Google Chrome.
- We recommend you also have the Mozilla Firefox browser available, as a backup.听
Programs Not Using These Requirements
Applicable to all new students except the PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA) program. Check PA program technology policy for reference.
LAST UPDATED: July 2024.
Application Process
Step 1:
Complete online application through our applicant portal.
Step 2:
Submit supplemental materials i.e. official transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.
Step 3:
Once your application is complete, it will be sent to the program specific Admissions Selection Committee for review. The review process can take 1-2 weeks on average.
Step 4:
Step 5:
Tuition & Fees
2026
Cost per Credit
Total Credits
Total Tuition Cost
*Other Program Fees
*^University Resource Fee
*Fees may be subject to change.
^Max. 15 credits per semester
This program is not eligible for Federal Student Loans. Private Loan options are available.
More Information
Locked-in Tuition
黑料专区 offers guaranteed tuition rates while completing your graduate degree. Our programs have a cost per credit rate lock once you are enrolled. Locked-in tuition helps you see your total cost from start to finish. If you defer to a later cohort start, you may be subject to an increased rate.
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance (COA) is the cornerstone of establishing a student’s financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive.
Learn More 听 鉃�