The psychiatric mental health practitioner’s role is unique and on the cutting edge of mental health care. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners synthesize theoretical, scientific and contemporary clinical knowledge and are capable of medical, pharmacological and psychotherapeutic intervention in acute, crisis and chronic persistent situations, as well as being skilled in disease prevention and health maintenance planning. Credentialed to practice in a collaborative relationship with the psychiatrist and other mental health team members and treat patients across the life span. Full utilization of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners has the potential of extending mental health services in a cost-effective manner. Nurse practitioners with this credential are highly valued and frequently sought out.
Students seeking a post-graduate certificate will be reviewed as courses from your prior nurse practitioner program will be used to ensure ability to take the certification exam. Graduates of the post-graduate certificate program are qualified to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification examination.
A total of 22-25 credits is required for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate program. Admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program is available to certified licensed nurse practitioners, seeking licensure as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
All graduate nursing courses must be complete with a grade of B (3.0) or higher in each course to progress in the program. Please refer to the Graduate Nursing Student handbook.
Admission Requirements
- Master of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
- Current unencumbered license as a nurse practitioner (in a specialty other than the discipline you want to study)
- Current unencumbered RN license in the United States
