MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is responding to the nation’s mental health care crisis with a new online Post-Master APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This fully online, asynchronous program can be completed in just three semesters.
The University of Mobile is accepting applications now for fall semester 2025. Classes start in August. Apply at umobile.edu/psychnp.
Growing Demand, Competitive Salaries
“The psychiatric provider shortage is having a direct impact on our communities,” said Dr. Jessica Garner, graduate dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Mobile. “Our new PMHNP certificate program is a strategic response to this urgent need by preparing nurses to provide mental health services with clinical excellence and compassion grounded in a Christian worldview.”
As mental health needs continue to rise nationwide, the demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners is expected to grow significantly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 46% increase in nurse practitioner jobs between 2023 and 2033, far above the average for other occupations.
Salaries average $129,000 across the United States, and there are increased opportunities for remote jobs following graduation.
Complete in 3 Semesters
This fully online, asynchronous program can be completed in just three semesters. Graduates will be prepared to assess, diagnose and treat individuals across the lifespan with psychiatric and mental health conditions.
Students in the program complete a minimum of 585 supervised clinical hours in direct patient care. Didactic coursework is delivered virtually.
Program Welcomes Dr. Taiye Ajayi
The University of Mobile welcomes Dr. Taiye Ajayi, program director and assistant professor of nursing, whose expertise in psychiatric nursing will be a valuable addition to the UM School of Nursing. Ajayi is affiliated with AltaPointe Health and is a dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with a doctoral degree.
“Dr. Ajayi brings valuable experience in psychiatric nursing, with extensive experience in inpatient and psychiatric emergency services for psychiatric patients. She will contribute to our program’s focus on excellence, empathy and innovation,” Garner said.
Program Benefits
Additional program benefits include:
- Increased opportunities for remote and telehealth jobs following graduation
- Integrated, holistic approach to mental health care that incorporates a Christian worldview
- Supportive faculty with clinical expertise committed to helping students achieve their professional goals
- Certificate of academic achievement upon successful completion of clinical and academic requirements
Apply Now for Fall Classes
Applicants must have completed an MSN, DNP or other terminal nursing degree from a regionally accredited educational institution and be currently certified as a Family, Primary Care or Adult-gerontology Nurse Practitioner.
For more information or to apply to the Post-Master APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, visit umobile.edu/psychnp or contact Dr. Jessica Garner at jgarner@umobile.edu.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.
The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.