Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's Certificate)

The Post-Master’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program will prepare the APRN with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health care patients across the lifespan. The program is designed for the licensed RN who has a master’s degree and at least one year of advanced practice nursing experience*. Courses are competency based, founded on evidence-based approaches to care management and learning strategies with commitment to student success and continuous quality improvement embedded within the process. 

Synchronous, asynchronous, low and high-fidelity simulation, virtual and on campus intensives, and clinical immersion will reinforce didactic content and afford the student the opportunity to transition to an active member of a collaborative mental health care team. Upon successful program completion, graduates will be eligible to sit for the ANCC board certification exam for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan (PMHNP-BC).

Admission Requirements

In addition to the standard Graduate School requirements, the Department of Nursing and PM-PMHNP program require:

1. Unencumbered, active RN license in the United States
2. At least a master's degree in nursing; current license to practice as an APRN.
3. Nurse practitioner certification and/or Advanced Practice Nurse specialty with one year of practice experience; prerequisite coursework in prior Nurse Practitioner academic program to fulfill the requirements of ANCC *
4. 3 professional letters of reference.  Professional recommendations should be substantial and an academic reference is recommended.
5. Personal statement.Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:
   1. This is a post-graduate program that requires a high cognitive load, explain in detail how you are going to prepare yourself for that and manage throughout the program?
   2. Discuss the Post-Master’s PMHNP program, what experiences have contributed to your interest and how do you visualize yourself in this role after graduation?
   3. Where do you visualize yourself in 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years?
6. Resume

*Eligibility for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) certification examination requires completion of the following three separate,comprehensive graduate-level courses:

• Advanced Physical/Health Assessment
• Advanced Pathophysiology (through the lifespan)
• Advanced Pharmacology

Prior coursework will be evaluated during the application process and any noted deficiencies will be disclosed at the time of admission.

A customized plan of study will be created for admitted students and is based upon prior course work. Additional foundational coursework to meet ANCC certification requirements may be required.

Certificate Requirements

Clinical Hours: 750*

*

Clinical hours are completed through the following required courses: NURS 986, NURS 987, NURS 988, NURS 989.

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

The University of New Hampshire offers a number of academic programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification in New Hampshire. However,  completing a UNH degree/program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like years of work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria.

UNH does not guarantee that its professional licensure programs will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states. Some states maintain different requirements for professional licensure or certification and requirements can change frequently. Federal regulations require the University to make public disclosure of certain information regarding professional licensure or certification programs, regardless of the modality the program is offered (i.e., in-person or online). The University provides guidance below but recommends students contact their state/territory licensing or certification board to ensure a program meets specific state/territory requirements.

Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for information about whether this program meets professional licensure requirements in your state.