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?

Read about the clinical placement process above. 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.

Is financial aid available to online students?

Please contact an admissions advisor by scheduling an appointment to learn if you qualify for financial assistance.

Online Post-Master's PMHNP Program | Marymount University

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I have or will have at least a bachelor’sbachelor’smaster's degree, as required for Marymount University’s online programs.

I am a licensed RN

I understand that this program is a full-time commitment, and my clinical placement must be completed in Virginia.

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Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate Program

*Please visit our program offerings by state page to see whether the online Post-Master's PMHNP certificate program is available in your area.

Build on Your MSN and Become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Marymount University’s online PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate (PMHNP PMC) program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become an advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner through a strongly focused curriculum based on ethics and evidence-based care. Coursework in the online Post-Master’s Certificate program is 100% remote, yet with the residency experience on Marymount’s campus in the Washington, D.C. area, you’ll benefit from a global perspective that empowers you to make a difference as a nurse practitioner locally, nationally, and internationally.

In just two years, you can graduate fully prepared for the AANP or ANCC PMHNP certification exam and start your career as a compassionate psychiatric mental health practitioner caring for patients with mental health disorders or substance abuse problems across the lifespan.

Program Features	Admissions Requirements	Clinical Placement	Curriculum	FAQs

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Program Features | Admissions Requirements | Clinical Placement | Curriculum | FAQs

Earn Your MSN-FNP Degree Online. Advance Your Education While You Work.

Marymount’s CCNE-accredited online MSN-FNP degree program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to become a licensed family nurse practitioner, using a curriculum that is strongly focused on ethics and evidence-informed care. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses, the MSN-FNP coursework is 100% online so you can continue to work while advancing your education.

In just over two years, you can graduate fully prepared to sit for the AANP or ANCC FNP certification exam and start your career as a compassionate primary care provider for individuals and families across the lifespan.

Program Features At a Glance

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.

Admissions Requirements

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

Specialize in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing as a PMHNP

Marymount’s online PMHNP certificate program centers around holistic, compassionate care and patient advocacy. After completing this program, you will apply the advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to provide evidence-informed mental and behavioral health care for patients of all ages, considering their families, communities, and socioeconomic status. You will also be able to:

Explain the basic principles of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics related to psychopharmacological therapeutic agents, including classes, mechanisms of action, and symptoms of adverse drug reactions.
Explore the individual and family’s health beliefs to create an individualized, holistic, and evidenced-informed plan of care to promote optimal outcomes.
Discuss pertinent ethical-legal issues, cultural considerations, and bias when prescribing psychopharmacological therapeutic agents across the lifespan.
Distinguish differential diagnoses and propose an evidence-informed care plan for common psychiatric or mental health complaints.
Develop communication strategies with individuals, families, and the interdisciplinary team to promote optimal health outcomes.
Assume increasing responsibility and accountability as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in providing quality care within the legal scope of practice.

"I would absolutely recommend Marymount University to someone considering a nursing degree. The personal attention you receive is unmatched."

- Angeline Thomas

Why Pursue an Online PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate?

Mental health and physical health are strongly connected — one can affect the other — yet nearly half of all Americans lack access to proper mental health care.* As a nurse practitioner, you’ve seen that poor mental health or mental illness can contribute to chronic health conditions and affect a patient’s well-being.

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, only 4.7% of the practicing 355,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. are certified in psychiatric/mental health. The need for more PMHNPs is critical.

Marymount’s online PMHNP PMC certificate program provides a pathway for you to fill the need. Our part-time program offers you the flexibility to balance work and education and get certified to treat mental health concerns in patients of all ages.

*Health Resources & Services Administration

Expert Faculty, Unmatched Student Support

Our highly engaged faculty sees each student as an individual. You’ll learn from practicing PMHNPs who are experts in their field as you translate theoretical knowledge from the sciences and humanities into delivering advanced nursing care to diverse populations. You’ll benefit from access to a dedicated Student Success Advisor, who will work with you to ensure you have the resources you need to complete your degree.