Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Advanced Certificate)
- School of Nursing
- 2-Year
- 30 Credit Hours
Gain experience and education as you become eligible to take the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner exam.
An advanced certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner will prepare you to assess, diagnose and manage acute and chronic mental health conditions across all ages as you provide care to individuals, families and groups.
D’Youville’s program is designed for students who have already earned a master’s degree in nursing and are prepared to take a leadership role as a member of the mental health care team with prescriptive privileges to provide a holistic, patient-centered approach to patients facing mental health problems.
As a student, you will benefit from a simple scheduling structure with all classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and you will be able to complete the program in 12 to 24 months.
As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared to take the exam for board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to further demonstrate your expertise in the mental health field.
If you’re interested in advancing your career by obtaining an advanced certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, D’Youville’s nursing program is an ideal place to learn. Established in 1942, the Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing has earned a reputation as a leading resource in the region for high-quality, student-centered education.
Why Choose D'Youville?
- Our faculty are clinical experts in their fields and recognized for their student-centered approach that emphasizes individualized instruction and knowledgeable career guidance.
- Research has shown that teamwork across clinical specialties improves patient outcomes and D'Youville has created an environment that promotes a team-learning approach. D'Youville's unique interdisciplinary education lab offers the opportunity to practice treating patients (played by actors) alongside a team of students from seven other health care majors at the college — all under the supervision of a skilled instructor.
- The nursing program at D'Youville reflects the institution’s mission to educate professionals who contribute to the world community through leadership and service to others.
- D'Youville's Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) program provides an ideal option to students interested in furthering their education after completion of their master's degree.
What you'll learn:
- To assess, diagnose and manage acute and chronic mental health conditions
- Skills that promote mental health and educate patients about mental illness prevention and recovery
- Practical experience in the study of the physiology of the brain and pathological processes associated with various mental disorders
Careers
The D’Youville advanced certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program gives advanced practice nurses the in-depth understanding of mental health disorders and skills necessary to treat a growing patient base and provides them the educational preparation to obtain certification.
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner's Role
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are providers of holistic care and possess an understanding of all dimensions of patient care. They assess, diagnose and provide treatment using an in-depth understanding of mental health disorders. They treat patients of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds as they work with individuals, families and groups.
PMHNPs are employed in traditional outpatient and inpatient settings, though as holders of advanced degrees, they are often involved in research, consulting and private practice.
Career Outlook
For more information about careers in nursing, visit: www.DiscoverNursing.com and www.nln.org.
Admission Requirements
Program Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements for the graduate programs at D'Youville College, applicants to the post-master's certificate in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner must present the following:
- Completed online graduate application for admissions (no application fee).
- Completed masters of science degree in nursing from a CCNE or NLNAC (ACEN) accredited program at a college or university in the US (or by the CNO in Ontario).
- Evidence of capability to succeed in a graduate program based on an overall GPA of at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Canadian students must submit a ‘course-by-course’ evaluation (or equivalent) of all Canadian college and/or university transcripts through the World Education Services (WES) or other approved foreign transcript evaluation agencies.
- All official graduate transcripts. If health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology courses were taken at the undergraduate level those official transcripts must be submitted.
- An overall G.P.A. of at least 3.0. Applicants with a masters’ degree in nursing, earned more than five years ago, with an overall G.P.A. less than 3.0 but more than or equal to 2.7, who have achieved significant professional success as documented on curricula vitae, may submit an application for consideration. Preferential admissions will be given to applicants with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher.
- Active, unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in New York state or Ontario if Canadian.
- Current CPR Certification with psychomotor component
- A minimum of one year of experience in an advanced nursing role with experience in mental health is recommended.
- Baccalaureate-level health assessment, pathophysiology and pharmacology courses or equivalent
- Two references on clinical performance with one reference from a professional with an advanced degree attesting to the clinical knowledge, skills, leadership and the ability to be a good applicant. Other acceptable references include supervisor, manager or former professor.
- Writing assignment on your philosophy of nursing, 2 pages in length, double space and 12-point font that includes philosophy of nursing focused on past experience, what influencing nursing has had on your career, why you chose to pursue this degree, how you see this degree enhancing your career and how you will utilize this degree to advance patient care and health care outcomes.
- A student who meets the entry requirements and is currently enrolled or previously enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner program or Doctor of Nursing Practice program at another college or university, must obtain a letter from that School of Nursing stating that the student is in good standing, not on probation, and able to register for classes. Students who were dismissed from a graduate or doctoral program will not be considered for admission.
- Applicants who work full-time are not eligible for planned 2-year completion of the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certificate track.
A minimum of one year of experience as a registered nurse is recommended.
Curriculum
Find detailed course information for the Certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's) program, tools to plan your education, and complete academic policies and procedures in the D'Youville academic catalog.
Course Requirements for the Major
Clinical Component
| Number | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NUR-631 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR-631L | Advanced Health Assessment Lab | 1 |
| NUR-706 | Co-MGT for Medical Disorders for APN's | 1 |
| NUR-707 | Foundations of PMH for APRNs I | 3 |
| NUR-708 | Foundations of PMH for APRNs II | 3 |
| NUR-714 | Clin Practicum in Comm-Based Family Care | 2 |
| NUR-715 | Psy Mental Health Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
| NUR-716 | Psy Mental Health Clinical Practicum II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 20 |
Supportive Component
| Number | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NUR-611 | APN Role Transit Policy Sem | 2 |
| NUR-632 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR-633 | Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR-672 | Advanced Psychopharmacology | 1 |
| NUR-673 | Advanced Psychopathophysiology | 1 |
| Total Credits | 10 | |
| Total Credits | 30 |
An individual gap analysis of student transcripts will be done for nurse practitioners to determine courses from their previous programs that may be given credit.