Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Coursework and Training

In the current healthcare climate, mental health professionals are in high demand. If you are a Family Nurse Practitioner already holding a master’s or doctoral degree and ready to specialize, Anderson University can help you earn the certification you need for a rewarding career in the field of mental health.

In our program, you will learn a holistic approach to patient care that recognizes the neurocognitive implications of disease and treatment. Our instructors are all practicing nurses, ready to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual tools you need to make a difference in your field.

Coursework and Training

Your studies will equip you to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric and behavioral disorders. Classes include Advanced Assessment, Processes in Mental Health, Psychopharmacological Therapies Across the Lifespan, and Management of the Complex Client.

Clinical residencies are required for all Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification students. You must complete 500 clinical hours spread across the program. While it is your responsibility to find a clinical preceptor, AU works hard to establish relationships with clinical partners, to aid you in your search.

Your clinical and in-class experiences at AU will also prepare you to take the standardized national exam to become certified to practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Flexible Learning Experience

At AU, we offer a flexible program catered to you, the working nurse. All classes are offered online, so you can learn anywhere.  This program consists of 22 credit hours which are completed over the course of four consecutive semesters.  It can be completed in just 15 months.  You will still meet your cohort and professors in person during a three-day session, held once per semester.

Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Nursing or higher from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 from the most recent nursing degree program
• Active and unencumbered RN license
• CPR certification
• Current immunization record by start of program
• Family Nurse Practitioner Certification

Application Process

• Complete online application and pay 25 dollar application fee
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Official Transcripts from all former academic institutions

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Track

This mostly online option is designed for an Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner that desires the classes necessary to prepare them for the PMHNP Certification exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  Students complete 21 hours including 500 clinical hours in working with Psychiatrists or PMNNP’s. Students come to campus for 2-3 days mid semester to meet with faculty,  interact with their classmates, and learn new skills to help them to be successful in their field.