Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Master’s)
Program Details:
- Credit Hours: 30
- Courses in Program: 13
- Cost Per Credit: $1,110
- Transfer Credits Accepted: 9
- Estimated Completion Time: 2 to 2.5 years (depending on gap analysis)
Build on your experience and prepare to make an impact as a psychiatric nurse practitioner with D’Youville University.
The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that the United States only has adequate mental health care provision for 28.1% of the population as of September 2021.[1] If you’re a working nurse with an MSN and at least one year of experience, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) and help to bridge the gap.
D’Youville University offers an online post-master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate program you can complete in one to two years of study. Through a blend of interactive online coursework plus 780 hours of hands-on clinical practicum experience, this advanced nursing certificate program covers topics including:
- Mental health assessment and intervention
- Individual and group counseling
- Prescription writing
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Psychotherapy
Study with clinically experienced D’Youville nursing faculty and expand your peer network—all while preparing to become a provider of primary mental health care.
[1] https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/mental-health-care-health-professional-shortage-areas-hpsas/
Who This Program Is For
The online PMHNP certificate is a 30-credit graduate certificate program for working nurses who:
-Have an active, unencumbered RN license
-Hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree
-Have at least one year of work experience as a registered nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing
If you pursue the PMHNP certificate as a full-time student, you can complete the program in as little as one year. If you earn the degree while continuing to work, you can finish in as few as two years. Whichever option you choose, you’ll have more control over your schedule thanks to the flexibility of classes that are mainly delivered online.
COURSES AND REQUIREMENTS
This program meets licensure requirements in the state of New York. Note that PMHNP is not a recognized credential for Extended Class Advanced Practice Certification as a nurse practitioner in Ontario.
*We will conduct an individual gap analysis of each applicant’s transcripts to determine what additional courses or clinical hours may be needed to satisfy PMHNP certificate requirements. Note: courses included in the gap analysis form cannot be older than 5 years.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
We require that applicants hold a master’s degree and have completed at least one year of practice as a registered nurse in a psychiatric or mental health setting. To apply, prospective students must:
- Completed Master of Science degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC- (ACEN)accredited program at a college or university in the U.S. (or by the CNO in Ontario).
- A curriculum vitae (CV)/ current resume documenting at least one year of practice as a registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree.
- Official transcripts from all college/ universities attended.*
- College transcripts must show completion of a 3-credit descriptive statistics course or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- An overall G.P.A. of at least 3.0. Applicants whose overall G.P.A. was between 2.70–2.99 will be considered based on their professional experience and CV. Preferential admissions will be given to applicants with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher.
- Active unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the state in which the student resides (New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania) or in Ontario for Canadian students.
- A current CPR certification with a psychomotor component.
- Applicants who work full-time are not eligible to complete the Family Nurse Practitioner certificate on the planned two-year completion timeline.
- Canadian Students: D’Youville is proud to welcome Canadian applicants to our online programs. Our program is 100% online and therefore does not require any visa to attend.
*Non-U.S. students must submit a “course-by-course” evaluation (or equivalent) of all college and/or university transcripts through the World Education Services (WES) or other approved foreign transcript evaluation agencies.
**A student who meets the entry requirements and is currently or previously enrolled in a nurse practitioner program at another college or university must obtain a letter from their current school of nursing stating the student is in good standing, not on probation, and able to register for classes. Students who were dismissed for any reason from a graduate nursing program will not be considered for admission.
TUITION AND FEES
Tuition and fees vary based on your program of study and whether you are considered a full- or part-time student. Financial aid is available for those who qualify and can be applied to full- and part-time status.
Entering the program with previous academic credit can help lower your cost. Below, you’ll find information about the potential cost of your program.
| COST | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Program Tuition | $1,110 per credit hour | $33,300 |
| Full Program Fees | $160 (full time)* | $640 |
| Full Program Total | $34,260 | |
CAREER OUTCOMES
Becoming certified as a PMHNP prepares you for mental health care service in community settings as well as inpatient mental health facilities. General demand for nurse practitioners across all specialties is projected to grow rapidly over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for nurse practitioners will grow by 52% from 2020-2030, making this one of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation.[1]
[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
PMHNPs support patient mental health through assessment, diagnosis, and counseling. Although their exact scope of practice may vary by state, PHMNPs can generally provide mental health counseling, make referrals, and prescribe medications. As of May 2021, nurse practitioners across all specialties earned a median annual salary of $120,680 per year.[1]
[1] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Start your journey toward a new chapter as a psychiatric mental health NP with D’Youville. Fill out an information form today!