Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Specialized Post-MSN Track for
Advanced Practice Nurses
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate track is designed to be a post-MSN non-degree seeking option for those who do not wish to complete the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or may already have a DNP. This track is designed for those who already possess, at a minimum, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), hold national certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and wish to become certified as a PMHNP.
The program will also consider applications from those who are nationally certified as a CNM, CNS, or CRNA with a B or better in graduate-level coursework in pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and assessment (the assessment course must include across the lifespan).
The curriculum prepares certificate completers to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification through the American Nurses' Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The curriculum for the program is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's (AACN's) The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Standards for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education 6th edition (2022). The program objectives build upon those for the masters in a nursing program.
Who Should Pursue the PMHNP Certificate?
This certificate is an online track that requires 36 credits and 800 clinical hours. The PMHNP Certificate track is designed to include education and preparation that will assist the student to acquire the advanced knowledge and clinical skills to provide best practices and comprehensive care to clients across the lifespan. The clinical component of this program will focus on the mental health care needs of individuals and families whether in outpatient, inpatient, or private practice settings. The seats for this track are combined with the seats for the PMHNP DNP track for 14 total each spring beginning in 2024. Note that financial aid is not available for the certificate track as it is not a degree-yielding track.
Note: Those who are interested in pursuing the DNP must apply to the PMHNP DNP track rather than to the PMHNP Certificate track.
Support and Resources for Online Students
Candidates seeking online, distance learning options who do not reside in Florida are encouraged to first review the State Authorization page for distance learning before making application. This program prepares students for licensure in the state of Florida. To be admitted, students must be located in Florida or intend to seek employment in Florida.
Below are several tools and resources to review:
Application Deadlines
Spring Term . . . . . . . . Sept. 1
Admission Requirements
For admission requirements and information on how to apply, please visit our Admissions area or
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Dr. Beth A. Dibble
