PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER (PMHNP)
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate is for current Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who are interested in specializing in psychiatric and mental health care. Our 23-credit-hour program is designed to be completed over four semesters (15 months), including 7 courses and 510 clinical hours focused on PMHNP practice. The program offers a flexible, online delivery format, allowing working NPs to transition smoothly into the PMHNP role while balancing their professional and personal commitments. The curriculum covers comprehensive mental health care across the lifespan, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and trauma-informed care. Graduates will be prepared to take the PMHNP certification exam and provide holistic, patient-centered care, promoting mental health and well-being in various settings.
Note – Students are not eligible for financial aid assistance for post-graduate certificate courses unless they are concurrently admitted to a degree program that requires the same courses.
Asynchronous and Online: Our program offers online courses, allowing you to complete your coursework when it fits your schedule.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to offer a deep dive into psychiatric and mental health care, including patient assessment, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and ethical decision-making.
Experienced Faculty: Learn from expert faculty members who are experienced PMHNPs and mental health care providers.
Prepare for Certification: Our program is specifically designed to prepare you for the PMHNP certification exam. You will gain the knowledge, clinical reasoning, and confidence necessary to become a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner.
The PMHNP program does not accept international or F1 students
Program details
In addition to the minimum admission materials required by the Graduate School, applicants must have:
An MSN or DNP degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA with completion of a Nurse Practitioner program.
Current non-restricted license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in North Carolina.
Official copy of national NP certification.
Completion of advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, & advance physical/health assessment.
Three professional recommendations that attest to applicant’s academic ability, readiness for certificate program, professional competency, and character with at least one reference from a healthcare provider (RN, DO, MD, NP, PA).
Official transcripts from each institution where applicant earned (or will earn) a degree, studied for one semester or more, earned 12 or more credit hours, or took classes related to graduate study.
Current/Updated Resume/CV.
Explore the specific degree requirements for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate in the UNCG Catalog.
Course Semester
Course Number – Course Title [Credits]
Clinical Hours
YEAR 1
Fall
NUR 676 – Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice [3 cr.] NUR 677 – Assessment & Diagnosis of Psychiatric & Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan [3 cr.] NUR 678 – Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice for Individuals & Groups [2 cr.]
Total Session Credit Hours – 8
30 hours – (NUR 678)
Spring
NUR 679 – Managing Complex Psychiatric Disorders in Adults & Families [4 cr.] NUR 690 – Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical [4 cr.]
Total Session Credit Hours – 8
240 hours – (NUR 690)
Summer
NUR 691 – Managing Complex Psychiatric Disorders in Special and Vulnerable Populations [2 cr.]
Total Session Credit Hours –2
NA
YEAR 2
Fall
NUR 693 – Integrative Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical [5 cr.]
Total Session Credit Hours – 5
240 hours – (NUR 693)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
This program is designed for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who already hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in nursing and want to specialize in psychiatric and mental health care.
The program can be completed in four semesters (15 months).
Students will complete 510 clinical hours focused on PMHNP practice. Students will also receive credit via a GAP analysis for at least 300 clinical hours from their previous NP program that they completed, ensuring their total clinical experience aligns with the 750-hour recommendation by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) for NP practice.
Yes, the flexible, online format allows you to continue working as you complete the program.
Please complete the request for information form below, and you’ll receive a quick response. If you have any issues with the form or application, please call the UNCG School of Nursing at 336.334.5400.
