Psychiatry and Behavorial Health, Graduate Certificate

This completely online, competency-based, self-paced program is designed for Physician Assistants with at least one year of clinical practice experience in any practice specialty. The program includes 16 online competency modules (one non-credit Introduction module and 15 clinical modules) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5®) standard diagnostic and classification criteria and the NCCPA Psychiatry CAQ blueprint. Each module covers disease etiology, prevalence and course; patient evaluation and screening; pharmacotherapy and management; and ethical and legal considerations of care. Students may enroll in a maximum of two modules concurrently (exclusive of the Introduction module).

Length of Program

This program is self-paced and has an estimated completion time of 12-24 months for the entire certificate. The program is comprised of 16 competency modules (courses); 15 semester hours of academic credit (one credit hour per module, no credit or tuition for the introduction module).

Admissions

Application Process

Applicants who are interested in the Certificate in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health program can locate an online application at http://www.atsu.edu/contact/apply or may contact Admissions at 877.469.2878 or by email at onlineinquiry@atsu.edu.

Application Deadline

There are eight rolling start dates per year, please contact online admissions for more information at onlineinquiry@atsu.edu or 1.877.626.5577.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Certificate in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Program must meet the following requirements prior to matriculation.

1. Applicants will hold a certification and/or licensure as a Physician Assistant.
2. Applicants will have at least one year of clinical practice experience (any practice specialty).
3. One Letter of Reference from a current or former employer must be provided.
4. Submission of an official college transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended to the ATSU Online Admissions Office within 14 days of submitting the Admissions Agreement.
5. ASHS and many of its clinical affiliations require criminal background checks on matriculants and students to ensure the safety of patients and employees. The checks are conducted by a vendor selected by ATSU. The student will pay the cost of the criminal background check directly to the vendor. Failure to comply with this mandate will result in denial to matriculate. A matriculant with a positive criminal background screen will be reviewed.
6. International students: Acceptable internet based TOEFL minimum score= 80
7. Students are required to have a computer which meets minimum requirements prior to beginning the program, and agree to provide, at their expense, all required technology and internet connectivity for interactive and Web-based course sessions. Accepted applicants will be provided minimum software/hardware specifications.
   1. See the Minimum Technology Specifications  under the General Admission Requirements section.

Certificate Completion Requirements

To earn a Certificate in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, all students must achieve a grade of “Pass” in all 16 competency modules.