Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Certificate Level: Graduate
Certificate Type: Post-Master's
Number of Credits to Completion: 34.0
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 51.3801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1171

About the Program

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Across the Lifespan Post-Master's Certificate program prepares graduates to deliver safe, evidence-based, and person-centered mental health care to individuals, families, and populations across the lifespan. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive psychiatric assessment, differential diagnosis, and psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic management while integrating behavioral and physical health care to address complex mental health and substance use disorders in diverse clinical settings, including outpatient, inpatient, community, and integrated primary care environments. Grounded in recovery-oriented and trauma-informed principles, the program prepares students to promote mental health equity, reduce stigma, and advocate for vulnerable and underserved populations. Interprofessional collaboration, cultural humility, and ethical practice are central to the PMHNP role, empowering graduates to lead in care coordination, quality improvement, and systems-based mental health innovation. Graduates emerge as expert clinicians, leaders, and advocates who apply evidence-based practice, utilize health informatics and technology, and contribute to the transformation of psychiatric and behavioral health care delivery across the lifespan.

Admission Requirements

Master of Science in Nursing and/or Doctorate of Nursing Practice from program fully accredited by National League of Nursing (NLN) and/or American Association Colleges of Nursing (AACN.) The accrediting body for NLN is ACEN and the accrediting body for the American Association Colleges of Nursing is CCNE.

BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation)

GPA of 3.0 or above

Current, unrestricted United States RN license

Minimum 1 year of psychiatric nursing experience

Transcripts:
Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended

Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former nursing faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill and potential aptitude for graduate study. References will not be accepted from colleagues or family members

Personal Statement:
Personal statement (800 to 1,600 words) that will give the admissions committee a better understanding of:
Why you are choosing this particular track
How your current work experience will enhance your experience in this program, and
Your plans upon completing the degree

Resume including specific details of your responsibilities and job experiences

International Students:
Additional information can be found here.

Program Requirements