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Chamberlain has university accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and masters degree program in nursing accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . Chamberlain continuously earns new approvals from respected agencies across the nation.
Chamberlain University confers online degrees from its Main Campus in Addison, IL.
Dr Melissa Decapua Dnp Pmhnp
Dr. Melissa DeCapua is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She has a background in child and adolescent psychiatry, as well as psychosomatic medicine. Uniquely, she also possesses a bachelors degree in studio arts, which she uses to enhance patient care, promote the nursing profession, and solve complex problems. Dr. DeCapua currently works for Microsoft as a design researcher on their Research & Insight team. She has also served as a healthcare strategist, curriculum developer, consulting psychiatric nurse practitioner, and mental health specialist. Dr. DeCapua graduated with a DNP from DeSales University in 2015. For more about Melissa, check out her blog www.melissadecapua.com or follow her on Twitter .
Paying For An Online Nurse Practitioner Program In Florida
Nurse practitioner programs in Florida can be expensive, and out-of-pocket costs vary depending on full-time, part-time, or accelerated enrollment, public or private school, in-state or out-of-state tuition, required credits and clinical hours, and whether students can work while they’re attending school. However, numerous funding options do exist for students.
The websites below share information on various financial aid resources, including federal, state, and private loans, school-based and organizational scholarships, and other grant and award opportunities. Students can also look into tuition repayment programs through their employers or loan forgiveness offered by government agencies, along with work-study positions.
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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.
How Do I Know An Online Nurse Practitioner Program Is Accredited

Online NP programs undergo the same accreditation process as on-campus programs and are held to the same standards. The nurse practitioner schools in Florida listed in this guide, along with those described on other NurseJournal.org pages, all hold accreditation. Students can also check the links listed above for a list of accredited schools. Nursing program web pages also publish information about their accreditation status.
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Online Rn To Msn Pmhnp Programs & State Licensure
Were tempted to stick this caution in BIG, BOLD WRITING! Before you commit to an Online RN to MSN PMHNP program, check with your State Board of Nursing and the program coordinator about APRN state licensure. State Boards have specific rules and regulations regarding clinical learning experiences for students enrolled in distance education programs. Be sure your degree components will meet licensure requirements in your state.
For example, in its Program FAQ section, East Tennessee State University notes that is unable to accept applications from a number of states due to restrictions imposed on distance education programs by the board of education or board of nursing. Those states include Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
Youll find info about out-of-state applications in the programs FAQ section or on the universitys State Regulation page. The language can be confusing, so feel free to ask for clarification!
Why Nurses Choose Onward Healthcare
Premium Pay and Benefits
We offer our valued clinicians the industrys most competitive pay and benefits packages, which include the following:
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- Competitive benefits: medical, dental, and vision, 401k retirement plan
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Onward Healthcare has partnered with the nations top-ranked healthcare facilities to give RN job seekers exclusive access to high-paying travel nursing jobs that other agencies cant.
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We are committed to giving our clinicians the best possible experience, which is why we offer 24/7 clinical support for when unexpected events or issues arise.
Interested in a travel nursing job with Onward Healthcare? Fill out the form here to get started!
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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Faqs
What Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Wear on the Job?
Depending on where a psychiatric nurse practitioner works, the dress code can be variable.
Psychiatric NPs working in acute care may wear scrubs and a lab coat with the facility logo. They can also wear professional, business attire with or without a lab coat. It depends on the facility.
Psychiatric NPs working in the clinic setting can wear business attire. A lab coat may or may not be required by the organization. Some feel that providers who do not wear scrubs and a lab coat are more “approachable” therefore allowing patients to be more receptive to care. It helps place patients at ease and makes them feel more comfortable. Many psychiatric nurse practitioners prefer a less âclinicalâ environment when treating patients, and shunning the scrubs and lab coat helps build a quiet, comforting environment.
Regardless of the setting, psychiatric nurse practitioners must also consider safety when choosing professional attire. Sometimes patients experience acute mental illnesses and may view the provider as a threat. Dangling jewelry, lanyards, strings, neckties, and even belt loops can be grabbed and used to harm a provider. Dressing for safety as well as professionalism is essential in the field of mental health.
Applying To An Online Nurse Practitioner Program In Florida
Applying to online NP programs in Florida requires advanced planning, which may include scheduling the GRE exam, ordering official transcripts, asking for reference letters, writing personal statements, and completing prerequisite courses. Preparing for interviews, updating resumes or CVs, and selecting writing samples may also be required.
Admission Requirements:Program Length:GPA Requirement:
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Why Choose Our Program
Are you ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Jacksonville University’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate is designed to educate advanced practice nurses who can demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skills in evaluating individuals and families living with mental health issues. Graduates will manage direct care of individuals experiencing acute and chronic mental health issues across the lifespan.
If you do not have a master’s degree or would like to study Psychiatric Mental Health in greater depth, you may be interested in the Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree program.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Nurses with a passion for mental health who want to take their careers to a higher level can opt to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. With both Master’s of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice pathways, students have a wealth of educational program options for the specialty. With just a few years of schooling, a rewarding psychiatric nurse practitioner career can be achieved.
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How To Pick The Right Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner School For You
Its hard to know what the perfect school is for what youre looking for. While there are only a handful of institutions that offer a psychiatric nurse practitioner program, narrowing it down further will likely be based on different factors, including:
- Cost. Is the school within an affordable range? Will you have to move to attend school, and how expensive is the new city going to be? Do they offer financial aid?
- Location. Commuting to and from facilities where you get real-world experience is common for psychiatric NPs. This means you might have to move to a new area for school or work with the school to find clinical sites near your home and complete your coursework online.
- Program length. Depending on the program you study toward, you may have to plan to be in school for 2-4 years, and possibly even longer if youre working full-time and studying part-time. If you have to continue to work while youre in school, youll also want to verify that the program can be completed while you work.
- Accreditation. Accreditation is always something important to keep in mind before selecting any school or programnot only does it ensure that your school will properly prepare you for your certifying exams, but if you plan on applying for federal loans, you may get turned down if your school is not accredited.
Are Online Rn To Msn Pmhnp Programs Available

Yes. A modest number of universities in our directory now offer Online RN to MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degrees. However, we should point out that youll find much more variety in Online RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Programs. Feel free to compare the two!
- Undergraduate Phase: Just like an on-campus RN to MSN program, youll be required to earn credits in upper-level undergraduate courses before you can proceed to the MS or MSN. These courses are usually offered through distance learning, making it easy to work while you study.
- Graduate Phase: Its relatively easy to take standard MS or MSN courses online, but remember that you must participate in clinical practicums in order to graduate. You can earn your clinical hours in your own community. On the other hand, you may be expected to find the site and a clinical preceptor who is willing to supervise you.
Another thing to watch out for? Any program that claims its 100% online. A number of universitiesespecially the ones with good reputationswill expect you to visit the campus for training and assessment. For example:
We give two thumbs up to online programs with on-campus componentsthe hands-on training and networking opportunities are invaluablebut they will involve extra costs . Budget for every part of the degree.
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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.
List Of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools In Florida
Students looking to pursue an online NP program in Florida have a variety schools and pathways to choose from. Depending on your goals, you can complete a masters-level program , a post-graduate certificate program , or a doctoral-level program . Each program will have its own specific requirements, but will generally consist of graduate-level core courses, specialty nursing courses, and typically a clinical portion that must be completed in-person at a local hospital or medical facility. A range of specialization options are available, from Family Nurse Practitioner to Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
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Caring For Patients And People
As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, youll be a clinical expert providing mental health care to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Youll be trained to use an evidence-based approach to diagnose and treat a variety of mental health conditions through the provision of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The focus of Mount Martys PMHNP program is to provide the academic knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide mental health promotion, disease prevention, assessment, and management of psychiatric illness. Youll learn to not only provide advanced patient care but to also care for your patients with compassion, understanding, and a spirit of serviceas part of our Catholic Benedictine values. And clinical experiences in rural and underserved settings mean youll be able to provide primary care to those who need it most.
MMU NURSING MISSION
The mission of the Mount Marty University Nursing Programs is to provide students with an integrated education in a Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts setting and to promote personal character development, holistic professional nursing expertise, and community service involvement.
Pmhnp Salary And Job Outlook
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are one of the highest-paying nurse practitioner specialties because they are a highly-specialized field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mental Health Nurse Practitioners make a mean annual salary of $126,200 with an average hourly wage of $60.67 as of May 2021.
Although most NPs work full-time, salaries will also vary based on the type of occupation, hours, and the state and city.
Nurse Practitioners, in general, have a higher-than-average job outlook and because psychiatric nursing is a field that is still growing in interest and awareness, its reasonable to expect that wages are going to gradually climb over the coming years.
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Post Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Option
Applicants holding an earned Master of Science degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and who meet all MSN admission requirements and have successfully completed Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology and Advanced Pathophysiology may seek specialization as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by applying for a Post Masters Certificate . PMC applicants may be considered for a fall admission.
Once applicant has been accepted into a concentration, a gap analysis will be completed to determine the required courses for each student. PMC programs require a minimum of 10 credits for FAU MSN graduates a minimum of 13 credits is required for applicants from other institutions. Students must provide syllabi and/or course descriptions from other institutions for all transfer courses.
Learn More About The Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs And Schools In Florida
Description:
This top-ranked NP school in Florida offers an online family nurse practitioner program leading to a master of science in nursing . UWF’s curriculum is designed for working nurses who hold a BSN and want to advance their career.
In addition to 45 course credits, candidates complete 600 practicum hours in which they learn to assess, diagnose, and manage the health needs of families, adults, women, and children.
Multiple start dates and a flexible online platform allow distance learners to work and study at the same time. Remote learners enjoy access to library, tutoring, and technical services.
Details:
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Explore Your Tuition Options
Plus, see if you qualify for special rates
We can help create a plan for PMHNP school that fits your budget. More than 90% of Chamberlain students receive some form of financial assistance.
See a typical cost breakdown of our MSN-PMHNP degree program or try our Net Price Calculator for a rough estimate of your costs.
See if youre eligible for Partner Tuition Rates
If your employer, community college or association has an education partnership with Chamberlain, you could receive exclusive savings. Find out if youre eligible.
Chamberlain grad? Save on tuitionEarning your MSN is closer than you think. Chamberlain alumni are eligible to save $100 per credit hour, for a total savings of $3,600.
Overview Of Pmhnp Certification

The road to becoming a PMHNP begins with the first four steps outlined in How to Become a Nurse Practitioner. Once you have decided to pursue your graduate degree in Psychiatric-Mental Health NP and looked into state licensure requirements , you can tackle national certification.
Before you can practice as a Psychiatric-Mental Health APRN, most State Nursing Boards will require you to earn the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner credential from the American Nurses Credentialing Center . This was once known as the Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner credential, and youll still see active APRNs who have FPMHNP-BC initials after their name.
Solid RN to MSN PMHNP programs will help prepare you for the PMHNP-BC certification exam. Great ones will brag about their pass rates! For instance, Shenandoah University likes to boast that graduates of its PMHNP program have achieve a 100% pass rate over the past three years.
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Finding Clinical Sites And Preceptors
STU strongly encourages students to secure their own preceptors, as this is the best way to accommodate schedule and location to the students needs. We strongly encourage students to have an alternate preceptor available if needed.
If assistance with clinical placement is needed, you may be required to commute outside your local area, as STU cannot guarantee a clinical site within your immediate location. Please note that your clinical site could be up to 100 miles from your residence.
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.
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