The Education And Certification Requirements Youll Need To Become A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
To become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, youll need to earn national certification and a state license to practice. For most, that means starting off as an RN before making the move to advanced practice by earning a DNP or MSN in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Once you graduate, youll need to become certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through The American Nurses Credentialing Center Certification Program .
Although you can earn national certification and state licensure to practice as a PMHNP by completing an MSN in that area of practice, many nurses are choosing instead to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice . For many psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, the DNP comes with a larger paycheck, more professional opportunities, and a level of respect and recognition that the MSN cant match.
There is a clear trend toward the doctorate. Many healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and audiologists, are already required to hold doctorates, and theres been a push to see state nursing boards and certification agencies adopt the DNP as the new standard minimum for APRNs. Many RNs who make the decision to go into advanced practice view the DNP as a way to futureproof their careers.
With the popularity of the DNP increasing in recent years, colleges and universities have responded by offering it with a number of entry points:
Are Clinical Hours Required For The Bsn To Dnp Program
Clinical hours are mandatory for any BSN to DNP program which requires licensure in the desired state of practice. Even if an RN opts for an online program, a clinical practicum is typically required, but can often be arranged in the student’s local area. These BSN to DNP specialties involve hands-on patient care, so clinical hours are a great way to give a nurse the direct experience required to handle the role upon graduation.
BSN to DNP specialties which require clinical hours and state licensure are:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- Certified Nurse Midwife
The amount of clinical hours required varies by the individual program and state requirements. When researching programs, be sure to check with the State Board of Nursing to determine the schools that satisfy this requirement. Accredited schools should have programs which satisfy the clinical hour requirement for state licensure.
Arrangement of clinical hours may rely solely on the student or the school may organize them.
Some schools may require travel in or out-of-state to organized clinical sites.
What Can I Do With This Degree
Completion of the track will allow students to take the certification exam to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner . PMHNPs are advanced practice registered nurse specialists who assess and diagnose mental health conditions, and who offer treatment by means of psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic interventions. PMHNPs work in clinical settings that include private, state or Veterans Administration in-patient or outpatient psychiatric facilities, private psychiatric practices, and community mental health centers. PMHMPs also provide services in settings such as correctional facilities, domestic violence shelters, residential substance abuse facilities, and schools. These practitioners are in high demand, and the University receives frequent inquires about graduates.
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What Type Of Nursing Experience Should Applicants Have
You must have at least two years of full-time psychiatric mental health experience at the time of application and it is recommended that you be certified in PsychiatricMental Health Nursing . Membership and participation in the professional specialty organization, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, is also recommended.
Do You Provide Clinical Placements For Nurse Practitioner Students
Our clinical placement model provides students with faculty and staff support to ensure clinical sites align with clinical course objectives and nurse practitioner competencies. Our approach includes a clinical placement team dedicated to processing legal documentation required to clear students for clinical placement. Although we offer as much support as possible to students who are unable to locate a preceptor, our process is driven by student submission of a request for placement. We are dedicated to ensuring adequate and robust clinical experiences, however, GW Nursing is not required to locate clinical sites and preceptors for our NP students.
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The Modern Psychiatric/mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners , also known in nursing circles as PMH-APRNs, provide advanced psychiatric care to patients. In most situations, they are able to assess patients, diagnose mental illnesses and psychiatric disorders, and prescribe medication. In the role of psychotherapists, PMHNPs help patients deal with depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts, and advise families and communities on ways to manage a patients condition. However, they typically refer any patients with significant primary care/medical problems to other experts.
PMHNPs can be found all over the country from correctional facilities to community mental health centers. In addition to nursing roles in hospitals and clinics, they may work as consultants, community educators, university professors, policy makers, and independent practitioners. Some are experts in sub-specialties such as adolescence, substance abuse, or geriatrics. And although PMHNPs often consult with doctors and psychiatrists, they have considerable independence in their role.
One important thing to note. Although the job of a PMHNP is similar in some respects to a psychiatrist and overlaps with the tasks of a psychologist or social worker, it is still a nursing discipline. The scope of practice and titles for PMHNPs varies from state to state, so please consult your State Board of Nursing to learn more about the specifics.
What Does A Pmhnp Do
Some of the duties that a PMHNP could take on include:
- Create healthcare plans, based on outpatient or home-based care for acute or chronic mental health care conditions
- Provide consultations
- Prescribe medications per their state laws
- Prescribe and offer various treatments, such as psychotherapy, medication therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc.
- Work alongside doctors for referrals and to provide patient care
- Participate and/or initiate research
- Education on mental health disorders
- Contribute to policy development, quality improvement, practice evaluation, and healthcare reform
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Dismissal From The Dnp Nurse Anesthesia Program
Grounds for dismissal from the Nurse Anesthesia Program are as follows:
The DNP NAP Committee may order the dismissal of a resident for any of the above stated reasons. The Committee will notify the resident of their dismissal in writing within 3 business days of the rendered decision.
The Transformation Of Mental Health Care Begins With You
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Seattle University prepares you for advanced nursing practice and leadership in transforming health care systems that serve individuals with mental health and substance-related problems and their families. Our programs distinctive approach focuses on the integration of mental health and addictions treatment in community, primary care, hospital and outpatient settings.
Join us as we provide a scientific and compassionate framework for understanding and intervening in complex problems that face populations disproportionately affected by mental health and substance-related problems. Become a leader who drives policies and reduces disparities in access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment for children, adolescents, adults and older adults in our community.
Graduates of the DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health are eligible sit for the Family PMHNP examination from the American Nurses Credentialing Center .
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Is There Anything Else I Can Do To Strengthen My Application
Many variables are taken into consideration when reviewing a students application for admission. A strong foundation in courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment is one key to success. Writing and grammar skills are also critically important for graduate-level education. Taking a writing course, particularly a technical writing course, may be of assistance. You may take these courses at a university of your preference. In addition, an applicants involvement in professional and organizational activities, as well as other scholarly activities, is evidence of leadership capabilities and interests. Current clinical experience is ideal and completion of certification in your specialty area is strongly recommended. We highly recommend that you spend several hours shadowing an advanced practice nurse in the specialty you wish to pursue.
Dnp Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role Concentration
The DNP Post-Baccalaureate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner role concentration prepares clinical experts in the delivery of care to the psychiatric-mental health population. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities, assessing, diagnosing and treating individuals and families with psychiatric disorders or the potential for such disorders using their full scope of therapeutic skills.
More information may be found at the American Psychiatric Nurses Association website.
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Minimum Requirements For Progression
The DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program follows the above-mentioned grading scale for all courses, except for courses with a Pass/Fail option. Residents must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 to remain in the graduate program. Final course grades below 79.5% are not considered passing.
To progress academically:
Residents are responsible for contacting their course faculty and faculty advisor at the first sign of their course grade falling below 79.5% to institute an action plan for correction. If necessary, appointments outside of regularly scheduled advising should be made.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-baccalaureate DNP program of study consists of 94 credit hours. The plan of study is based on the Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Competences , NP Core Competencies and the DNP Essentials . The program prepares graduate students for evidence-based psychiatric mental health nursing practice with culturally diverse populations across the lifespan. Program outcomes will be achieved in a variety of mental health settings including behavioral clinics, outpatient clinics, and adult and pediatric mental health services. The primary teaching-learning practices used in this program are seminars, case studies/discussions, skills lab, simulation and practicum experiences. Practicum focuses on developing clinical competency in the role and scope of advanced psychiatric mental health nursing practice under the guidance of program faculty and direct supervision by approved preceptors.
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Are Online Bsn To Dnp Programs Available
Finding the right BSN to DNP program involves taking inventory of life and work demands and finding a program which will work with those demands.
Flexible program options are available to meet the needs of busy students. Coursework options to attend school full-time, part-time, in-classroom, and online are available.
All BSN to DNP programs are offered full-time and many are offered part-time. Of these, some programs now offer online core coursework to accommodate the schedules of busy RNs. These online options are a lifesaver for many nurses who have families, work obligations, or who don’t live close enough to a school to attend in person.
Below are a few popular universities which offer completely online or partially online options for the BSN to DNP program:
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Loyola University offers a unique online BSN to DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. The program immerses students in theory and practice that develops diverse nursing skills and healthcare leadership. Other features include:
- CCNE-accredited
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
The University of South Alabama offers an online BSN to DNP pathway with concentrations including Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist-Adult Health, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and more. Other features include:
Applicants Without A High School Diploma Or College Degree In The Us:
- If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
- If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.
This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, due to the amount of online courses.
If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.
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General Information And Requirements
Applicants to the Advanced Standing DNP program must be master’s prepared nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists *.The Advanced Standing Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the Decker School of Nursing:
- Prepares nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists to respond more efficiently to changes in healthcare delivery and emerging healthcare needs
- Incorporates the advanced practice content and competencies included in the school’s master’s degree program
- Provides graduates with knowledge and competence in health systems leadership, policy development and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve healthcare outcomes and increase healthcare access for all populations
- Prepares clinicians to design, evaluate and continuously improve the context within which healthcare is delivered
- Teaches students the clinical, organizational, economic and leadership skills necessary to significantly impact healthcare outcomes
- Focuses on providing leadership for innovative and evidence-based nursing practice, which requires competence in translating research in practice, evaluating evidence, applying research and decision-making, and implementing viable clinical innovations
Students holding a master’s degree in nursing who are seeking the DNP may apply for admission for fall semester and will be required to complete 3538 credits.
Where Can Graduates Work What Is The Job Market Like For Graduates Of This Specialty
PMH Nurse Practitioners are well-respected health care professionals and they are in very high demand. Graduates from this specialty work in areas similar to those where they gained clinical experience: private practice, mobile, hospital, and clinical settings are representative of the varied work environments where PMHNPs readily find jobs. Our graduates are very well prepared academically. Their pass rates for the ANCC board certification exam are above the national average, enabling them to confidently embark on their careers and immediately begin to help improve access to care.
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Whats The Difference Between A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner And A Psychiatrist
The American Psychiatric Nurse Association provides helpful details about what exactly a PMHNP does, and how the role may differ from a traditional physician role as a psychiatric or psychologist. Although many of the duties of a PMHNP and psychiatrists may be very similar , the primary differences will be in the educational pathway and some of the state limitations that a PMHNP may have.
Advanced Nursing Practice Dnp
Hone your expertise in mental health care to individuals of all ages within traditional, nontraditional and culturally diverse families. Courses are designed to prepare students for certification in advanced practice nursing as a family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
This DNP program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Education, provides a foundation for the specialty through graduate courses in the application of theory to advances practice. The focus is on development of expertise in providing mental health care to individuals of all ages within traditional, nontraditional and culturally diverse families.
This program is offered in a hybrid iCourse format that requires students to travel to campus for up to a week for orientation at the beginning of the program and then two or three times per semester.
Students residing outside of Arizona are responsible for identifying one or more clinical sites in their area of residence. These sites must be approved by Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation before starting any clinical experience. Experiences with disadvantaged and multicultural populations are encouraged as are experiences in rural areas when sites are available for these experiences.
Questions about this concentration? Please email .
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Thomas Jefferson University Bsn To Dnp
Thomas Jefferson offers the following courses as part of its Nurse Anesthetist BSN to DNP program:
- NU 706 Quality Measurement and Outcomes Analysis in Healthcare
- NU 673 Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Decision-Making
- NU 570 Pathophysiology of Human Disease
- NU 568 Basic Principles of Anesthesia and Advanced Health
- NU 624 Chemistry and Physics Related to Anesthesia
Dnp: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner option prepares graduates to function as doctorally prepared nurses at the highest level of clinical practice, to translate knowledge into practice, to apply policy, as well as design, implement and evaluate innovations to improve health care systems and patient centered outcomes.
This option offers registered nurses the opportunity to expand their scope of practice to include the care of individuals, families and groups with psychiatric and mental health needs.
Our lifespan curriculum is a synthesis of knowledge derived from nursing science, neuroscience, behavioral change theories, motivational theories, learning theories and other psychotherapeutic frameworks to provide a holistic perspective from which to assess, diagnose, treat, manage and evaluate acute and chronic mental illnesses.
You will learn about neuropsychopharmacology, interprofessional collaborative practice, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, health policy, family systems theory, psychotherapy, group therapy, care of vulnerable populations, promotion of mental health and prevention of mental illness, substance use and co-occurring disorders, and other mental illnesses across the lifespan.
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