Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate

• Total Credit Hours: 33
• Total Clinical Hours: 750
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Clinical Placement Services are offered free of charge.
• On-campus residency connects you with your peers and instructors.
• Recognized as a College of Distinction for Nursing
• Regionally ranked by U.S. News & World Report
• Note: Our online PMHNP certificate program is only offered on a part-time basis.

• MSN from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA
• RN license (unencumbered)
• 2 letters of recommendation

NUF500 – Advanced Health Assessment

This course provides the advanced practice nurse’s didactic and clinical skill foundation in the primary care setting. Emphasis is placed on interviewing skills and a methodical comprehensive approach to physical examination to formulate differential diagnoses and develop an evidence-informed management plan. The focus is on thorough and organized written and electronic documentation. Role preparation for the nurse practitioner is initiated with attention to developing advanced health and health promotion competencies throughout the lifespan. The content incorporates the physiological,

NUF500 – Advanced Health Assessment

You’ll learn advanced concepts in pathophysiology to support advanced nursing practice. The study is wide-ranging, from biochemical to systemic levels, and will include a review of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. The increased depth and scope of the knowledge will provide a foundation for advanced clinical practice associated with primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Evidence-based practice serves as the framework for this course. Students will be provided with the most recent research and evidence in the areas studied. Emphasis is given to the interaction of these systems with other body systems. Students analyze data pertinent to clinical disease states and utilize the information in implementing the nursing process as clinical nursing experts. (6 credits)

NUF500 – Advanced Health Assessment

This course focuses on the study of advanced psychopharmacological treatment of psychiatric symptoms and disorders across the lifespan. Neurobiological processes are emphasized. Medication selection, dosage and monitoring are covered, including prescriptive issues. An in‑depth study of clinical psychopharmacology and toxicology is reviewed. Drugs affecting the organ systems are discussed with emphasis on mechanisms of drug action, types, and mechanisms of adverse drug action as well as drug interactions. The nursing implications of each drug classification are emphasized together with the implications surrounding the decision-making process used in prescribing drugs. Drug legislation and regulations affecting advanced-practice nurses are studied. Relevant research with implications for nursing practice is presented. Prerequisites: NU552, NU554, NUF500, NU501 (3 credits)

NUF500 – Advanced Health Assessment

This course is the first of three clinical courses and provides PMHNP students foundational competency in the clinical role of advanced practice nurses with a specialization in psychiatric mental health. Using the DSM as a framework, the course emphasizes the etiology and epidemiology of selected psychopathological disorders. There is an emphasis on the assessment of common clinical complaints as students are introduced to comprehensive psychiatric assessment and interview skills for diagnosis and evidence-informed treatment, including pharmacologic and therapeutic interventions for individuals across the lifespan. An overview of theories, interventions, and research related to psychotherapeutic treatments utilized by the advanced practice psychiatric nurse in planning, implementing, and evaluating care for individuals across the lifespan, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, are discussed. Prerequisites: NUF500, NU501, NU552, NU554 (3 credits)

What is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners or PMHNPs have advanced training to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health needs. Nurses that earn a PMHNP degree advance their capacity to care, providing patient-centered, holistic and collaborative care for patients across the lifespan.

What does a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner do?
PMHNPs provide therapy and prescribe medications for patients who have mental health disorders or substance abuse problems. They may also provide assessments, emergency care and evaluations. Though the NP scope of practice varies by state, PMHNPs work in a wide range of settings such as private practice, treatment centers, or hospitals.

How does the clinical placement process work?
For additional information, visit our Clinical Placement Services page or schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor.

How long is the online Post-Master’s PMNHP certificate program?
It takes 6 consecutive semesters to complete the program (24 months).

How many clinical hours are required for the certificate?

There are 750 clinical hours required. Students complete the following three practicums:

Clinical Psychiatric Diagnosis and Management I (200 hours)
Clinical Psychiatric Diagnosis and Management II (275 hours)
Clinical Psychiatric Diagnosis and Management III (275 hours)

How much does the online PMHNP certificate program cost?
The online PMHNP certificate program costs $1,275 per credit hour, for a total tuition investment of $42,075. Additional fees do apply.

Is financial aid available to online students?
Please contact an admissions advisor by scheduling an appointment to learn if you qualify for financial assistance. You can also visit this page for more information.