Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Master’s)
Program Details:
- Credit Hours: 35
- Courses in Program: 13
- Cost Per Credit: $1,255
- Transfer Credits Accepted: 9
- Estimated Completion Time: 2.5 to 3 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 35-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
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
In addition to the general admission requirements for the graduate programs at D'Youville University, applicants to the post-master's certificate in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner must present the following:
- Completed online graduate application for admissions (no application fee).
- Completion of a Master of Science in Nursing (MS) degree in a Nurse Practitioner track from an accredited or approved nursing program.
- Evidence of capability to succeed in a graduate program based on an overall GPA of at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). International 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.
- All official graduate transcripts. If health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology courses were taken at the undergraduate level those official transcripts must be submitted.
- Current CPR Certification with psychomotor component.
- At least one year of experience as a registered nurse in psych-mental health or a related field is required and 1 year in a NP role
- A descriptive statistics course or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Active, unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in New York state or Ontario if Canadian. Students must hold unencumbered license for the state or province in which clinical is held & must hold current Advanced Practice Nurse (APN/NP) licensure as required by program
- GPA for admissions decisions:
- GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or greater is required for unconditional admission to master’s programs.
- GPA of 2.75-2.99 is eligible for provisional admission status. Students must successfully complete two faculty determined graduate courses with a grade of B or better in the first semester to attain full admission in the second semester of study. Students who earn a grade less than B will not be permitted to repeat the course and will be ineligible to continue in the program.
- Applicants with a GPA of 2.70-2.74 and a baccalaureate degree in nursing earned more than five years ago and who have achieved significant professional success as documented on curricula vitae are eligible for consideration of provisional admission.
- Optional: Applicants who wish to strengthen their submission packet are encouraged to submit two references on clinical performance with one reference from a professional with an advanced degree attesting to the clinical knowledge, skills, leadership, and the ability to be a good applicant. Other acceptable references include supervisor, manager, or former professor.
- Optional: Applicants who wish to strengthen their submission packet are encouraged to submit a writing assignment on their philosophy of nursing, 2 pages in length, double space and 12-point font that includes philosophy of nursing focused on past experience, what influencing nursing has had on your career, why you chose to pursue this degree, how you see this degree enhancing your career and how you will utilize this degree to advance patient care and health care outcomes.
PMHNP is not a recognized credential for Extended Class Advanced Practice Certification as a nurse practitioner in Ontario.
**A student who meets the entry requirements and is currently enrolled or previously enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner program or Doctor of Nursing Practice program at another college or university, must obtain a letter from that School of Nursing stating that the student is in good standing, not on probation, and able to register for classes. Students who were dismissed from a graduate or doctoral 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 | $1,255 per credit hour | $42,905 |
| Fees Per Semester | $510* | $2,550 |
| Full Program Total | $45,455 | |
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!