SCHOOL OF NURSING

Post-Master APRN Certificate — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The Post-Master APRN Certificate — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program allows current nurse practitioners to receive additional education focused on mental health and psychiatric conditions. The program is designed to refine the knowledge and skills needed to meet the demands of mental health patients through diagnosis and management of common mental health conditions.

Post-Master APRN Certificate — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Post-Master APRN Certificate — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Post-Master Certificate (PMC) students must successfully complete all didactic and clinical requirements of the desired area of practice. In order to obtain a PMC in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty, students are required to complete a minimum of 585 supervised clinical hours. The program of study includes academic and clinical courses, and completion results in the awarding of a certificate of academic achievement of post-master study.

Didactic components of the program will be offered virtually, and participants will complete clinical rotations at approved clinical sites with which the University of Mobile has partnered.

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SHAPING YOUR FUTURE
Program Benefits

Program Benefits

  • Local partnerships for clinical placement
  • Complete this certificate program in just 3 semesters
  • Experienced, professional and compassionate faculty will partner with you to meet your professional goals
  • Online asynchronous courses
SHAPING YOUR FUTURE
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Additional Program Information

Admission Requirements

  • Submission of application. Applications will be accepted until the class is filled;
  • Submission of official transcripts of all college coursework from all institutions attended;
  • International Students:
  • Students with international transcripts must provide an evaluation from Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.org for previous nursing coursework;
  • Students with international transcripts must provide evaluation from World Education Services (http://www.wes.org/) for previous non-nursing coursework;
  • International students must show proof of English proficiency. Applicants should request that official TOEFL test scores be sent directly to Enrollment Services;
  • Completion of MSN, DNP, or other terminal nursing degree from a regionally accredited educational institution;
  • Current certification as a Family, Primary Care, or Adult-gerontology Nurse Practitioner.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 on last 60 hours of academic coursework;
  • Must hold and maintain an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in a state or territory of the United States in which the student will complete clinical experiences;
  • Minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience as a nurse practitioner preferred but not required;
  • Submission of a clear background check and absence of criminal conviction;
  • Submission of a clear drug screen when requested;
  • Submission of health history and record of required immunizations;
  • Submission of record of American Heart Association or American Red Cross BLS Healthcare Provider Certification;
  • A personal interview with the Graduate Admissions Committee of the School of Nursing may be required, if requested;
  • Submission of current personal health insurance coverage;

OTHER ITEMS NEEDED

    • Three reference forms from:
      • A current clinical supervisor or nurse manager who has direct knowledge of the applicant’s skills in the clinical setting and how they will translate into the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner role;
      • A professor, faculty member or academic advisor who can provide a meaningful assessment of the applicant’s academic record;
      • A practicing clinical nursing professional, or APRN, who has served as a mentor and can speak about the applicant’s abilities as a nurse or nurse practitioner
    • Current Curriculum Vita or Resume is required. The Curriculum Vita or Resume should include:
      • Educational background including institutions, degree(s) awarded, degree(s) in progress, dates of degree(s) awarded and/or anticipated date of receiving degree(s);
      • Relevant employment history, including:
        • Job title, job description, and relevant duties performed;
        • Employment dates of each position;
      • Community service or volunteer experience;
      • Any awards, publications, presentations, memberships, or honors;
      • Evidence of leadership and career progression;
    • Personal statement of no more than two pages discussing:
      • How your previous education, experience and professional interests have prepared you to be successful in the program
      • Your professional goals and how completing the program will help you achieve your professional goals;
      • Your understanding of the PMHNP role and your intentions regarding service in this specialization;
      • How have you prepared for success in this program;
      • Your essay should be APA formatted

Required Prerequisites

Students must have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or other terminal nursing degree from a regionally accredited educational institution.

Transcript must include completion of 3 separate graduate-level courses in advanced physical assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology.

Students must hold an existing nurse practitioner certificate as a Family, Primary Care, or Adult-Gerontology nurse practitioner.

Programs of Study

Course Credit Hours
Fall
NU 641 Psychopharmacology for APRN 2
NU 642 Psychopathology 2
NU 539 Psychiatric Mental Health I (65 clinical hours) 4
Semester Total 8
Spring
NU 643 Psychiatric Mental Health II 3
NU 644 Psychiatric Mental Health II Clinical (260 clinical hours) 4
Semester Total 7
Summer
NU 645 Psychiatric Mental Health III 3
NU 646 Psychiatric Mental Health III Clinical (260 clinical hours) 4
NU 647 Role Synthesis and Faith Integration 2
Semester Total 9
Clinical Hour to Credit Hour Ratio 65:1
Clinical Hours- 585
Total Credit Hours- 24

Tuition & Fees

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification

Graduates are eligible and prepared to complete a national certification exam and apply for licensure to practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). It is the graduate’s responsibility to ensure the program meets the requirements to practice in their selected state or U.S. territory.

“University of Mobile faculty is known for mentoring and getting to know each student individually, including in our online programs. Faculty in the FNP program are experienced practitioners who continue to practice in order to stay up to date on treatment modalities.”

Dr. Melinda McGaughy Associate Professor of Nursing 251.422.2342 mmcgaughy@umobile.edu

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