Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
32
Credit Hours
24
Month Completion
Next Start Date
Jan 6, 2025
Placement Tests
GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Accreditation
CCNE

Prepare for psych NP certification and meet the growing need for specialized mental healthcare providers

According to a parity report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than half of U.S. adults and children struggling with mental illness lack the access to mental health providers that they have for other medical providers. Franklin’s post-graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate (PMH-CERT) can help you bridge that gap. With the PMH-CERT, you’ll broaden your knowledge and your practice as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner equipped to provide a holistic approach toward healthcare.

Program Availability

Online
On Site

Finish in 24 Months

Answer the call for specialized psychiatric care providers faster.

Built-in Clinical Hours

Apply what you learn while you learn it.

Transfer Credits Available

Eligible students can get a jumpstart by transferring up to 12 credit hours.

100% Online Coursework

Balance earning your degree with other work-life commitments.

Psych-Mental Health NP Certificate Overview

You’ll gain the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to diagnose acute, episodic and chronic mental health illnesses and provide  treatment options that include medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. Whether you are an RN with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Ph.D. in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or an NP looking for a new specialization, our program equips you with the knowledge and skills to make much-needed behavioral and mental healthcare more accessible to individuals of any age.
 
Upon completing the certificate, you will be eligible for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Balance your ambition with existing commitments

Designed for the working nurse, the PMH-CERT provides you with an essential understanding of cognitive processes, behaviors, and how life events affect the mental health of your patients. Throughout the program you’ll engage in simulated and live patient experiences that mimic clinical practice for a seamless transition into the PMHNP role upon certification. 

With convenient 6-, 12- and 16-week online courses, you’ll build your theoretical knowledge and foundational technical skills quickly – completing your certificate in as few as 24 months. Plus, in your final year of study you’ll get hands-on learning in a simulated skills lab, as well as on-site clinical residency experience in an approved healthcare setting. 

The School of Nursing faculty will collaborate with you to secure your residency placement, however, you should plan to be ready with a site and a preceptor upon notification of acceptance so that you can get started right away on any coursework that involves a clinical rotation. While you’re probably familiar with potential clinical sites available in your area, two great options to start with are practices that are owned and managed by your employer and smaller MD/NP/DO-owned practices. Once you identify a site, we’ll help you obtain site and preceptor approval, as well as ensure that the necessary paperwork is finalized. 

Ideally, placement arrangements are identified six months in advance and formally confirmed no later than two weeks before the first clinical course. So, depending on when you start your clinical rotations, this could be during the first term.

Apply and practice your technical skills as you learn

Throughout the PMH-CERT program, you’ll learn and practice your newfound technical skills in a simulated lab environment. Later, you’ll refine your skills with a real-world internship that lets you put learned theories into clinical practice to provide comprehensive nursing care. 

As part of an interviewing and mental health assessment lab, you’ll focus on treatment modalities for individual, group and family psychotherapy including observation, interviewing skills, mental health assessments and screening mechanisms. By building your familiarity with the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM 5), you’ll learn to formulate a differential diagnosis and pair it with age-appropriate, evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment. 

Save time and tuition with a transfer-friendly, post-graduate PMHNP Certificate program

If you qualify for transfer credit, you could graduate up to 9 months faster. To be eligible for up to 12 hours of transfer credit, credit hours must be from an accredited MSN program. Common sources of transfer credit include standard graduate-level courses like advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced physical assessment, as long as they have been completed within 3 to 5 years of your enrollment in Franklin’s PMHNP Certificate program. Talk with an admissions advisor to see if you may benefit from transfer credit based on previously earned MSN credit.

Earn your PMHNP certificate from a university built for busy adults

Earn your PMHNP certificate on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family and life. Get started on your future today.

 


 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Franklin University are pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

As part of the initial accreditation for the programs, Franklin University hosted an on-site evaluation in September 2022. Franklin anticipates receiving CCNE’s accreditation decision for the programs in Spring 2023.

Read more >

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, post-graduate APRN certificates, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Franklin University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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Your Best Value Post-Grad PMHNP Certificate

Choose Franklin’s Post-Graduate Certificates and you’ll get more for your money while you make the most of your time. Earn your certificate in as few as 24 months with online coursework and built-in practicum hours.

Competitive Tuition

$670
PER CREDIT HOUR

Competitive tuition rates make Franklin's post-graduate certificate programs a professional investment you can feel confident about.

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Save thousands of dollars in fees by choosing Franklin over other leading programs for your post-graduate certificate.*

Source: Internal research of leading programs (May 2022)

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98%
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98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

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Online courses taught by in-field experts = a winning combo for you.

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Certificate – Psych-Mental Health NP Courses & Curriculum

32 Semester Hours
Major Area Required
NURS 644 - Advanced Pathophysiology (3)

This course provides an in-depth study of the physiological changes and responses to altered health states and their impact on the functional status of patients. Students will focus on the essential knowledge of human health and disease across the lifespan. Pathophysiological theories and evidence-based research serve as a basis for applying content to population groups.

NURS 646 - Advanced Physical Assessment (3)

This course builds upon the student?s previous health assessment knowledge offering more advanced health assessment content to provide the foundation for advanced professional nursing roles. This course emphasizes knowledge of health assessment, including physical, psychosocial, spiritual health assessment, risk assessment, and functional assessment in diverse populations in the promotion of health and prevention of disease. To maintain a nursing focus on patient responses to health, illness, or the threat of illness, the nurse must exhibit effective communication and client teaching, which is incorporated throughout the course. The importance of effective documentation and health record keeping is included.

NURS 648 - Advanced Pharmacology (3)

This course focuses on the concepts, principles, and application of pharmacotherapeutics used in the management of health problems encountered in primary care. Emphasis is placed on theories and principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics, which provide a foundation for critical thinking, and the application of research finding. The focus on pharmacology is aimed at the treatment of acute and chronic health problems in populations over the lifespan. Prescriptive authority for nurses is explored.

NURS 730 - Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology (3)

This course focuses on current evidence-based knowledge of neurobiology in relation to psychiatric mental health disorders and addresses principles of psychopharmacology. Emphasis is on neurotransmitters, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and concepts related to prescribing psychotropic drugs as treatment for psychiatric mental health disorders across the lifespan in clinical practice. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 731 - Psychotherapy and Differential Diagnosis for Individuals, Groups and Families (3)

This course focuses on select psychotherapeutic treatment modalities for individual, group, and family psychotherapy. Theories and varied approaches to psychotherapy are reviewed. Differential diagnosis formation of psychiatric mental health disorders is examined through observation, interviewing skills, mental health assessment, and screening mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive mental health assessments with knowledge and use of the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to clinically formulate accurate differential diagnosis and match the diagnosis with treatment planning of age appropriate, evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment modalities. This course has a required interviewing and mental health assessment lab of 16 hours.

NURS 732 - Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice I: Culturally Competent Therapy Across the Lifespan (4)

This course is the initial clinical practicum that provides students an opportunity to synthesize and apply psychotherapeutic theories and concepts as they further develop advanced clinical skills for the PMHNP role. Interviewing and mental health assessment skills are reinforced. Emphasis is on cultivating competencies in conducting individual, group, and family psychotherapy across the lifespan while incorporating cultural humility and cultural competency in developing inclusive approaches to care. 75 clinical hours.

NURS 733 - Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice II: Adult/Geriatric (4)

This course is the second clinical practicum and builds on providing the student opportunity to apply psychotherapeutic clinical skills for the PMHNP role. Emphasis is on psychiatric mental health care needs of the adult/ geriatric population. In the clinical setting the student will use comprehensive mental health assessments for decision making, to formulate differential diagnosis and match the diagnosis with a treatment plan incorporating diagnostic tests, therapy, psychotropic medication, then document and code in EMRs. 175 clinical hours.

NURS 734 - Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice III: Pediatric/Adolescent/Family (4)

This course is the third clinical practicum and builds on providing the student opportunity to apply psychotherapeutic clinical skills for the PMHNP role. Emphasis is on the specific psychiatric mental healthcare needs of the pediatric/adolescent/family population. In the clinical setting, the student will use comprehensive mental health assessments for decision making, formulate differential diagnosis, and match the diagnosis with a treatment plan incorporating diagnostic tests, therapy, psychotropic medication, then document and code in EMRs. 175 clinical hours.

NURS 793 - Psychiatric Management Capstone (4)

This is the capstone practicum course for the PMHNP student. It functions to encourage transition to practice from student to entry level independent practice. Students will integrate knowledge from previous courses to culminate their training to provide comprehensive psychiatric mental health care and the management of complex co-occurring disease processes and disorders across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the professional role of the PMHNP in disease prevention, health promotion, collaboration, quality, and APRN leadership. 175 clinical hours.

NURS 707 - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Prep (1)

This course is designed to prepare the student to successfully pass the national certification exam. Emphasis will be on best test-taking practices and professional and independent practice in primary care for individuals and families.

Psych-Mental Health NP Certificate Program Details

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Nursing Careers & Jobs

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners assess mental health status, diagnose mental illness and determine effective treatment plans that may include therapy and medication. 

Nurse Psychotherapist

Nurse psychotherapists provide psychological therapy and counseling to individuals, families and groups in order to assist in behavioral and mental health challenges. 
 

Mental Health Program Coordinator

Mental health program coordinators plan, organize, direct and coordinate mental healthcare programs and activities for organizations, populations and communities.

Correctional Facility Nurse Practitioner

Correctional facility nurse practitioners work in jails and prisons providing comprehensive acute and emergency care to incarcerated individuals.

Substance Abuse Nurse Practitioner

Substance abuse nurse practitioners work as part of a care team in treatment centers and hospitals to diagnose and treat mental and physical symptoms related to substance abuse.

Employment Outlook

14%

From 2022-2032, jobs in Nursing are expected to increase by 14%

Occupation Median Salary (2022) Job Postings (2022) Projected Growth (2022-2032)
Occupation
Nurse Anesthetists $203,091 46,484 15%
Nurse Anesthetists
Median Salary: $203,091
Job Postings: 46,484
Projected Growth: 15%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists37,10580%
Locums Tenens1,9044%
Nurse Anesthetists2,0104%
Locum Tenens Certified Nurse Anesthetists1,6824%
Certified Nurse Anesthetists7842%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Anesthesias9,97255%
Anesthesiology5,98633%
Nursing4,12823%
Pediatrics2,88916%
Surgery2,83816%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians51%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals27%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners5%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)4%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)3%
Other4%
Nurse Practitioners $121,618 391,419 47%
Nurse Practitioners
Median Salary: $121,618
Job Postings: 391,419
Projected Growth: 47%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Practitioners diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Nurse Practitioners139,37536%
Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants66,54717%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners39,15210%
Family Nurse Practitioners26,0907%
Nurse Practitioners/Advanced Practice Registered Nurses11,5333%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Nursing74,79833%
Primary Care50,51722%
Patient Education And Counseling32,48714%
Medical Records31,20814%
Treatment Planning30,49913%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians47%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals18%
Outpatient Care Centers9%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners4%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)4%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)3%
Other15%
Nurse Midwives $120,890 6,408 12%
Nurse Midwives
Median Salary: $120,890
Job Postings: 6,408
Projected Growth: 12%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Midwives diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Certified Nurse Midwives4,44569%
Nurse Midwives99015%
Dispensing Nurses2113%
Mother/Baby Postpartum Registered Nurses2594%
Postpartum Registered Nurses1422%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Midwifery1,29252%
Nursing1,01041%
Postpartum Care98840%
Obstetrics And Gynaecology98440%
Gynecology91837%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians48%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals20%
Outpatient Care Centers14%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners8%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)3%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)2%
Other4%
Registered Nurses $81,224 4,550,317 12%
Registered Nurses
Median Salary: $81,224
Job Postings: 4,550,317
Projected Growth: 12%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Registered Nurses assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. Includes Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Registered Nurses1,003,65822%
Medical Surgical Registered Nurses350,5468%
ICU Registered Nurses402,2279%
Operating Room Registered Nurses350,2478%
Home Health Registered Nurses167,2804%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Nursing1,664,45359%
Nursing Care659,72823%
Nursing Process407,57114%
Intensive Care Unit298,42210%
Medication Administration288,95810%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals48%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)8%
Offices of Physicians7%
Home Health Care Services6%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)4%
Other24%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $54,621 1,205,255 11%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Median Salary: $54,621
Job Postings: 1,205,255
Projected Growth: 11%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Licensed Practical Nurses618,91451%
Licensed Vocational Nurses166,20114%
Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses73,8986%
Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses68,3836%
Home Health Licensed Practical Nurses39,3413%
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)26%
Home Health Care Services13%
Offices of Physicians12%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals9%
Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly7%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Other28%

Source: Employment Outlook data is provided by Lightcast. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

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