Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
Texas A& M Texarkana is pleased to announce the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program. There are two tracks for the PMHNP program, post-MSN and BSN to MSN. The first cohort of both programs is scheduled to begin in Fall 2021. Both tracks are offered in a hybrid manner to incorporate face-to-face time with A& M-Texarkana faculty, including evaluation of clinical skills. The didactic portion of the curriculum will be offered online as both synchronous and asynchronous learning to assist students who are working while pursuing an advanced degree. Clinical immersion days will be scheduled prior to the beginning of each semester to allow students adequate time to arrange their personal schedules. The on-site immersion dates will allow for faculty to build stronger relationships with students and will also assist with mentoring, academic coaching, and clarification of any concerns or issues.PMHNP students will be provided quality clinical rotation sites. If the student has a desired preceptor, this will be discussed with faculty.All graduates will be academically and experientially qualified to seek national board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center . The program will be assessed based on the certification pass rates as part of the Systematic Program Evaluation plan and CCNE Standards.Please contact the program coordinator Julie Durand DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC at with any questions!
Your Clinical Placement Is Our Pledge
We understand securing clinical placement is one of the biggest concerns MSN students face. As a Herzing student, well encourage you to find your own preceptor and clinical sites as there are many benefits to doing so. However, we provide extensive support should you find difficulty along the way. With Herzing, you are never on your own.
Because of our strong relationships with healthcare providers across the U.S. and our step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process, we are confident in our ability to help you find clinical placement. So much so that if you are unable to find a clinical site on your own, we pledge to step in and help you secure clinical placement.
Youre Much More Than a Number
At Herzing, we believe that providing you with a caring, supportive community will have a positive impact on your learning experience. We know our students by name and are committed to your academic, personal, and professional success. Discover why Herzing’s student-first approach, individual attention and caring community set us apart from other colleges and universities.
Your Degree Options, Your Career Choices
Earning a degree is easier with choices. Some Herzing degrees are offered at one of our campuses, through our convenient online division or as a combination of both campus and online classes. Whether you earn your degree online or at one of our campus locations, you can expect the personalized attention and support for which Herzing is known.
Online Pmhnp Courses & Financial Aid
Many students who enroll in PMHNP training schools are concerned about how they will pay for their education. Those who qualify may be able to obtain financial aid to help them pay tuition and fees, and there may be some standards students are expected to adhere to in order to receive these awards. The following are some of these stipulations.
1. AccreditationPrograms are designed to prepare students to get their certification, and in order to ensure that theyre getting the high-quality education they need, they should enroll in accredited programs. As a result, students can only qualify for financial aid for attending accredited schools.
2. Courses for creditStudents cannot apply financial aid awards to non-credit courses.
3. Minimum grade point averageIn order to receive certain scholarships and grants, students may be expected to demonstrate academic excellence by maintaining a minimum grade point average.
4. Enrollment statusIn some cases, financial aid awards are only available to students who are enrolled in a program on a full-time basis.
For more information about how to pay for a PMHNP education, check out EduMeds full page on .
Don’t Miss: How To Become A Nicu Nurse In Texas
Dnp Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP is a practice-focused doctoral program that prepares nurses to provide comprehensive primary mental health care across the lifespan to those at risk for developing and/or having a diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or mental health problems. Program emphasis is on working with a multidisciplinary team to facilitate and accelerate the patients return to optimal health and manage mental health in the context of individuals, families, health care settings, and society.
PMHNPs practice in a variety of locations including, in-patient psychiatric facilities, state psychiatric facilities, correctional facilities, mental health centers, home health, school, and private practice. Graduates will be eligible for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center .
What Sets Us Apart

-
Learn from faculty who are outstanding educators, researchers, and practitioners committed to your success.
-
Benefit from coursework delivered online through an interactive learning platform.
-
Hone your leadership skills through interaction with fellow students, faculty, and community partnerships.
-
Join the distinguished TCU alumni network.
Recommended Reading: Emergency Trauma Nurse Practitioner Programs
Eye On The Curriculum
The curriculum in PMHNP programs is designed to give nurses the high-level clinical skills necessary to provide specialized care to patients. These programs include coursework that teaching students to develop patient care plans, promote mental health and education, and perform psychotherapy, crisis interventions, and consultations. In addition, these programs provide in-depth information about psychiatric nursing models, pharmacotherapies, and neuroscience. The following are examples of some of the classes involved in most programs.
Advanced pharmacotherapeutics
Students learn about the medications used to treat chronic and acute health issues and gain an understanding of when these drugs should be used. The class also teaches students how to understand the side effects of different medications and monitor the way patients respond to treatments.
Health assessment
Health assessment classes build on nurses former education in order to help them understand how assessments are conducted in a mental health context. Students also learn different evidenced-based assessment principles.
Mental health care for individuals and groups
This course trains students to care for people with mental health challenges in different age groups. The curriculum covers care from assessment to diagnosis to pharmacological interventions.
Neuroscience for mental health practitioners
Health care law and policy
Nursing theory
Nursing leadership
Population-based nursing
Nursing ethics
Popular Psychiatric Np Subspecialties
Within the psychiatric realm of the nursing field, there are several subspecialties that professionals can focus on. As a result, students who train for PMHNP jobs should enroll in a program that not only teaches mental health nursing, but caters to their area of interest within the field. The following are common subspecialties that psychiatric nurses may pursue.
Also Check: Failed Nursing School Now What
Advantages Of An Online Program
Online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs offer the most convenience and flexibility. Students enrolled in these programs are able to take courses from the comfort of their own home, at times that suit their schedules. This is particularly ideal for those who don’t have a university within feasible commuting distance. Speaking of commuting, online programs also eliminate the expenses associated with transportation, including gas, parking fees, and more.
Learn More About The Best Online Pmhnp Programs
Description:
At Georgia State, students can enroll in an online master of science in nursing degree program with a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner concentration. The degree comprises 39 credits completed over the course of two years for full-time students or three years for part-time students.
The online psychiatric nurse practitioner program includes some synchronous components with students streaming didactic classes on Thursdays. But distance learners also participate in some asynchronous online modules and lectures. Degree seekers must complete 570 clinical hours at a location within their own communities.
In addition, students visit campus a few times for face-to-face immersion experiences. These include an orientation experience during the student’s first summer and an intensive skills practice experience as part of the advanced assessment course.
Details:
- School Site: Tuition | Financial aid
Also Check: Best Nursing Specialties For New Grads
Make A Difference As Apsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
A 2019 report from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association revealed that the United States could face a shortage of up to 250,000 mental health care practitioners by 2025. With an estimated 46.6 million Americans reporting mental health problems as of 2017 , this shortage amounts to a serious crisis. If youre a nurse, Herzing can help you can become part of the solution.
Our CCNE-accredited* online Master of Science Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program lets you:
- Get on the path to your MSN whether you have a BSN or an associate degree
- Complete 540 hours of clinical experience across the lifespan, plus specific telemedicine training
- Study online from anywhere with our Everywhere Classroom
- Prepare for ANCC certification as a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Next Start: January 10th
What To Expect From The Texas Tech University Online Nursing Programs
Admission Requirements: MSN applicants must have a bachelor of science in nursing degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Prerequisites include undergraduate statistics and research with a grade of C or higher.
Post-Masters Certificate applicants must have a master of science in nursing degree and can first submit unofficial transcripts for evaluation to determine which courses can be transferred in and which must still be completed for the nursing program.
Each specialization has track specific essay questions as well as the following requirements:
Application materials include official transcripts, an essay including a personal statement, three professional letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and oath of residency, and proof of RN licensure and Basic Life Support certification. No GRE or GMAT is required.
State Restrictions: The TTU MSN programs accept students from most states. However, at this time TTU does not accept students from Arizona, California, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Students in all other states are responsible to verify enrollment eligibility with the TTU School of Nursing as well as their State Board of Nursing.
The PMHNP specialization offers a full-time degree path of six semesters or a part-time path of nine semesters. The NM Specialization offers two, two and one-half, and three-year degree plans.
You May Like: Post Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs
Accreditation & Program Notes
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
8 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 10 Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 12 State Restriction Note: This program is only available in fewer than 15 states.14 Program is no longer accepting new students.
Pmhnp & Prescriptive Authority

Prescriptive authority is regulated by state law. Although all State Boards of Nursing allow certified & licensed PMHNPs to prescribe, states have different rules about the scope of practice.
- In some states, you may have full practice authority .
- In other states, you may need to be supervised by a psychiatrist/physician.
Your prescriptive authority will also depend upon your job title. Currently, there are two types of Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurses :
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner : Before they will grant you a state license, most State Boards of Nursing will want to see that you have PMHNP certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center . Once you are licensed as an APRN & certified as a PMHNP, youll be permitted to prescribe under the terms weve outlined above. If youd like more info on a PMHNPs scope of practice, the APNA has a helpful State by State Practice Authority Guide for APRNs, available to APNA members.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist : Some State Boards will not allow clinical nurse specialists to prescribe. Other State Boards are willing to grant prescriptive practice to PMH-CNSs who have taken graduate courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and physical health assessment and have current ANCC certification. If youre interested in the prescriptive authority of CNSs, check out the NCSBNs CNS Independent Prescribing Map.
You May Like: University Plaza Rehabilitation & Nursing Center
Can I Complete An Online Pmhnp Program Without A Nursing Degree
You may not be able to complete an online PMHNP program without a nursing degree. Admission requirements may require an RN license, and in order to pursue that license, you must have completed at least an approved nursing program. Be sure to check with your preferred university and states board of nursing for more information.
What Is The Difference Between Pmhnp With An Msn Vs Dnp
From a clinical hour experience perspective, MSN students in a PMHNP program may complete less clinical hours than DNP candidates. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties has made a commitment to move all entry level nurse practitioner degrees to DNPs by 2025. This may mean that PMHNP programs may be offered only at the DNP level.
For more specialized programs, check out the list of online nurse practitioner programs.
Information on this page was last retrieved in October 2020.
Also Check: Private Nursing Schools In Northern California
Is Texas A Good State To Become A Nurse Practitioner
The Lone Star State scores high for job opportunities and salaries. Texas ranks third among U.S. states with the highest NP employment levels, and the Dallas and Houston metropolitan areas stand among the top ten cities for employment levels. The coastal plains region places fifth among the top paying non-metro areas, with an average salary of $130,480.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The MSN-PMHNP program is designed for registered nurses who want to expand their career opportunities and professional contributions. During the program, students will develop the competencies required to provide primary mental healthcare to individuals, families, and populations across the lifespan. This program can be completed in as few as 15 months.
PMHNPs are needed in medical facilities to change mental healthcare practice, reduce mental health stigma, and increase access to care.
Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following:
Graduate Advisor
The PMHNP provides developmental, physical, and mental health assessments, mental health diagnoses, and implementation of care, including psychotherapy, thereby increasing patient access to quality mental healthcare.
Pamela Willson, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, NE-BC, FAANP
Don’t Miss: The University Of Texas At Austin School Of Nursing
University Of Texas Medical Branch
- Galveston, Texas
- Graduation Rate: 100%
The University of Texas Medical Branch offers a strong nurse practitioner program in Galveston. Its MSN program offers tracks in FNP and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. UTMB is known for having some of the most advanced health simulation facilities of any institution.
School Overview
- Irvine, California
- Graduation Rate: 75%
School Overview
- Lubbock, Texas
- Graduation Rate: 100%
Lubbock Christian University is a private institution with a great nurse practitioner program. LCUs MSN program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner program. Students can also get a post-masters FNP certificate. Their Nurse Practitioner graduation and board certification pass rates are both 100%.
School Overview
- Belton, Texas
- Graduation Rate: 48%
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is a small private institution that is known for its nursing programs. Its MSN offers an FNP track and a gerontology nurse practitioner track. A DNP program is also offered.
School Overview
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Graduation Rate: 56%
Texas Wesleyan University is a private institution with a solid nurse practitioner program. It is a Christian institution, though students of all faiths can attend. The school recently began offering an FNP program within its MSN degree.
School Overview
Accreditation For Pmhnp Programs
Accreditation for nursing programs in the United States falls to the recognition of Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . This organization accredits bachelor and graduate nursing programs across the country. For psychiatricmental health nurse practitioner programs, this is no different. PMHNP programs online may be offered as a masters or doctoral degree and be offered by a nursing school. Be sure to check with your preferred university for more on accreditation.
Don’t Miss: Carleen School Of Nursing Tuition
What Can You Do As A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
What Do Psychiatric Nurses Do

Registered psychiatric nursing is a distinct health care profession regulated by the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals . Registered Psychiatric Nurses work with a team of health care professionals to assess patient needs and develop treatment plans. They also address the complex relationship between a patients mental, emotional and physical health, as well as any relevant social, cultural or religious factors.
Get a career that matters. Become a psychiatric nurse.
Also Check: Becoming A Nurse After 40
Certification: The Pmh In Pmhnp
After students complete their psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner degree program, the next step is to become nationally certified. In most cases, professionals are not able to obtain a state license unless they receive a PMHNP certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
In order to receive the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification, or PMHNP-BC, professionals must pass a 200-question examination that takes four hours to complete. To qualify for the exam, candidates must have an active nursing license and a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner masters, doctoral, or postgraduate degree.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Degree Levels Offered
Two advanced nursing options are available for those interested in becoming psychiatric nurse practitioners. A master’s level program, which gives students the high-level education needed to enter this advanced field, and the doctoral program for those who want an even more elevated educational experience.
Also Check: Starr Farm Nursing Home Burlington Vt
Definition Of A Pmhnp
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are APRNs who provide advanced psychiatric care and mental health services to patients of all ages. PMHNPs perform psychiatric assessments & evaluations, diagnose psychiatric disorders & mental illnesses, create & administer plans of care, promote self-care & wellness, and manage medications & labs .
- As case managers & patient advocates, PMHNPs often end up coordinating services for folks with complex psychiatric issues.
- As therapists, PMHNPs may be responsible for organizing psychotherapy sessions, counseling clients with chronic psychiatric conditions, and intervening in acute mental health crises .
- As key members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams, PMHNPs work closely with primary care providers, doctors, social workers, and psychiatrists.
- As nursing specialists, PMHNPs can choose to focus on an area of particular interest .
Common healthcare settings for PMHNPs include:
- In-patient psychiatric facilities & hospital practices
- Outpatient community mental health centers
- Private psychiatric practices
- Correctional facilities, prisons & court clinics
- Veterans Administration psychiatric facilities
- Emergency Departments
- School-based programs
In certain workplaces , PMHNPs may have a great deal of autonomy.