Psychiatric Nurse Mental Health Practitioner, Advanced Certificate

The Advanced Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares nationally board‑certified advanced practice registered nurses to expand their scope of practice and deliver comprehensive psychiatric and mental health care across the lifespan. Building on prior graduate‑level preparation, the program emphasizes advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric conditions and co‑occurring physical health issues. Coursework is offered online and includes supervised clinical experiences aligned with certification requirements.  

Program Requirements

Advanced Certificate Applicants: Students interested in and eligible for the PMHNP Advanced Certificate program will have obtained a Master of Science degree as an advanced practice registered nurse from an accredited school of nursing in the US or Canada, with evidence of having previously completed advanced health assessment with lab, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology and completion of a Master's thesis or project. One year of professional nursing practice prior to commencing the PMHNP program is preferred. 

There may be instances when a candidate does not meet GPA requirements for admission and has compelling evidence to demonstrate potential for success in this program.  Candidates believing they may fall into this category are required to submit a written self-reflection with their application for admission consideration, in addition to two letters of recommendation from a MD, DO, PA, or NP.  These letters should convey their perception of a candidate’s ability to be successful in the MS-PMHNP or Advanced Certificate program. 

A gap analysis will be completed for a nationally board-certified advanced practice nurse seeking credit or a waiver for coursework towards completion of post-graduate education in another advanced practice area. Coursework must have been taken within 10 years of beginning the program.