Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate Online

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate program provides the knowledge, skills and credentials you need to specialize your nursing career in caring for patients through mental health struggles and recovery.

Apply by: 1/6/25
Start class: 1/21/25 Apply Now

Program Overview

A Psychiatric Mental Health NP Post-Master’s Certificate at TAMIU offers new opportunities

The TAMIU - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate online program is designed for current master’s-educated and/or doctorate-educated family nurse practitioners who are interested in specializing their career in the psychiatric-mental health field.

This is the only PMHNP program within a 150-mile radius that is preparing mental health providers to thrive in an already underserved community and throughout Texas.

Help fill the demand for specialized family nurse practitioners prepared to assess, diagnose, plan treatment, prescribe medications for mental health needs of patients or substance abuse problems and practice psychotherapy.. This online post-master’s certificate program leverages the strengths of current FNPs, such as empathy, compassion, devotion to duty, commitment to learning and cultural competence as essential traits that can serve well in the field of mental health.

Throughout the curriculum, you will gain a holistic understanding of human health that includes neurobiological, psychological, social, spiritual, emotional and mental well-being.

While most of the program is taught online, you will have several practicum courses to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. You will be able to interact with instructors and preceptors in-person and gain hands-on learning experiences. The faculty for this program are current healthcare providers in pediatric clinics and behavioral health clinics.

Upon completion of this program, you will have met the education requirements to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate exam.

In this post-master's PMHNP certificate online, you will learn to:

  • Explore theories and conceptual frameworks, and their relationship to psychiatric and mental health advanced nursing practice across the lifespan
  • Apply theories and models in nursing as a basis for practice to provide a caring, comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare delivery within a multicultural society
  • Apply assessment, diagnosis and health promotion practices in the comprehensive management and implementation of evidence-based practice in the primary mental healthcare setting
  • Develop the role of the advanced practice nurse as a member of the interprofessional team in the primary mental healthcare setting in collaborative partnerships with individuals, families and professional colleagues to explore population-based health disparities and their impact on the health of the individual and family
In this post-master's PMHNP certificate online, you will learn to:+
  • Explore theories and conceptual frameworks, and their relationship to psychiatric and mental health advanced nursing practice across the lifespan
  • Apply theories and models in nursing as a basis for practice to provide a caring, comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare delivery within a multicultural society
  • Apply assessment, diagnosis and health promotion practices in the comprehensive management and implementation of evidence-based practice in the primary mental healthcare setting
  • Develop the role of the advanced practice nurse as a member of the interprofessional team in the primary mental healthcare setting in collaborative partnerships with individuals, families and professional colleagues to explore population-based health disparities and their impact on the health of the individual and family

As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to work in multiple settings, including:

  • Psychiatric hospital
  • Private practice
  • Schools, colleges, and university-based clinic
  • Community behavioral health center/mental health center
  • Psychiatrist or mental health group
  • Veteran’s administration outpatient psychiatry clinic
  • Telemedicine visits
  • Correctional facility
  • Residential substance abuse facility
  • Assisted living facilities/residential treatment center
As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to work in multiple settings, including:+
  • Psychiatric hospital
  • Private practice
  • Schools, colleges, and university-based clinic
  • Community behavioral health center/mental health center
  • Psychiatrist or mental health group
  • Veteran’s administration outpatient psychiatry clinic
  • Telemedicine visits
  • Correctional facility
  • Residential substance abuse facility
  • Assisted living facilities/residential treatment center
+

Also available:

Texas A&M International University offers a variety of in-demand online nursing programs. Explore all of our online nursing programs.

Total Tuition $9,542*
Duration As few as 12 months
Credit Hours 26

Accreditation

ACEN Accredited

The undergraduate and graduate programs in the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Contact by mail at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, by phone at 404-975-5000 or visit acenursing.org.

Also available:

Texas A&M International University offers a variety of in-demand online nursing programs. Explore all of our online nursing programs.

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 844-872-8712

Call 844-872-8712

Tuition

Pay your program tuition as you go

Tuition for the PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate online program is affordable, and can be paid by the course. All fees are included.

View additional tuition information+

In-State Tuition:

The following tuition applies only to Texas residents.

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program*
PMHNP $367 $ $9,542

Out-of-State Tuition:

Program Per Credit Hour Per Program*
PMHNP $1,030 $26,780

*Tuition subject to change.

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $9,542*
Per Credit Hour $367

Calendar

Review our academic calendar

The PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate program is delivered in an online format ideal for working nurses. Choose the start date that is best for you.

View full calendar  + 

SessionProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring I1/21/251/6/251/13/251/17/253/8/25

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 1/6/25
Class Starts 1/21/25

Ready to take the next steps toward earning your next degree?

Apply Now

Admissions

Carefully review the PMHNP admission criteria

Applying for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate online program is a simple process. Learn more about the admission requirements below.

Admission Requirements:

  • Completion of Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical Assessment and Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Unencumbered RN license in Texas
  • MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner or DNP
View all admission requirements +

To be considered for admission into the PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate online program, you must pay a $35 application fee and meet the following requirements:

  • Submit an application via ApplyTexas to the Graduate School
  • Graduate Application Fee of $35.00. International Graduate Student Application Fee of $50.00
  • Official College/University Transcript(s) from institutions other than Texas A&M International University must be sent directly from each institution attended. Degree(s) must be posted on the transcript. The degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Degrees and transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. will be evaluated for equivalency to U.S. degrees according to generally accepted practices in higher education.
  • A valid unencumbered RN license without restrictions in the State of Texas.
  • Evidence of a baccalaureate nursing degree from a nationally accredited college or university.
  • Evidence of a completed graduate degree from a nationally accredited Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice Program with a focus in advanced nursing practice.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.00 from a completed master’s degree or doctoral degree in advanced nursing practice (i.e. Family Nurse Practitioner) from a nationally accredited program.
  • Successful completion of Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical Assessment and Advanced Pathophysiology prior to admission with a minimum of a “B”.
  • Required immunizations, medical health insurance, physical examination completed by a licensed medical health provider, criminal background check and drug screen must be submitted separately to a designated vendor for repository of documents, i.e. Verified Credentials.
    • Immunizations: MMR and varicella immunizations or rubeola, rubella or varicella titers; Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis); Hepatitis B (HBV) series or HBV titer or signed informed refusal; Annual influenza vaccination (received in the Fall of each year).
    • Verification of drug and criminal background screening by a designated company or agency at student expense. (Contact the Director of graduate Program for questions).
    • Submit a signed release of information form for release of information to the CNHS. (Contact the Director of Graduate Program for this form).
    • Annual tuberculosis (TB) skin test or blood tests.
    • Students are required to provide proof of health insurance obtained from a U.S. health insurance provider.

    International Transcript Evaluation:

    TAMIU does their own foreign credential evaluations. Graduate School does not require third party evaluations nor are obligated to accept the results, or GPA calculations, if an evaluation is submitted. If an applicant submits an official evaluation, the evaluation does not replace official transcripts or certificates of graduation.

    Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended should be mailed directly from the institution(s) to TAMIU at this address:

    Texas A&M International University
    Graduate School
    Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, Suite 223
    5201 University Boulevard
    Laredo, TX 78041
    OR
    Electronically to [email protected]

    Former TAMIU students DO NOT have to request TAMIU transcripts.

    For documents other than transcripts, please upload to your application portal located here. If transcripts are uploaded to the portal, you will be asked to resend all official transcripts by mail or email and will delay the application process.

    Have a question? Call us at 844-872-8712.

    Courses

    The PMHNP program offers online coursework and in-person experiences

    Curriculum for the PMHNP online program is comprised of six core courses.

    Expand All
    Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 4
    The focus of this course is on the exploration of theories and conceptual frameworks, and their relationship to psychiatric and mental health advanced nursing practice across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the utilization of theories and models in nursing as a basis for practice to provide a caring, comprehensive, and holistic approach to health care delivery within a multicultural society. Introduction to scientific foundations of neurobiology for various psychiatric disorders and mental health problems, psychiatric history taking, assessment, diagnostic evaluation, treatment modalities, and determinants of mental health for individuals and families across the life span. Requires a one day onsite intensive component on a Saturday or Sunday.
    Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 4
    This course focuses on the theoretical and clinical foundation of advanced practice management of psychiatric mental health problems common to individuals and their families across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the application of assessment, diagnosis, and health promotion practices in the comprehensive management and implementation of evidence-based practice in the primary mental health care setting.
    Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 4
    This clinical practicum course emphasizes the clinical assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and management of individuals and families across the lifespan, who present with common acute, episodic, and chronic psychiatric illnesses in the primary mental health setting. Application of assessment, wellness and health promotion practices in the comprehensive management and implementation of evidence-based practice in the primary mental health care setting is emphasized. There is 180 hours of practicum required.
    Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 4
    This course focuses on theoretical foundations and evidence-based practice that guide the advanced practice management of psychiatric mental health problems common to individuals and their families across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the role of the advanced practice nurse as a member of the interprofessional team in the primary mental health care setting in collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, and professional colleagues to explore population-based health disparities and their impact on the health of the individual and family.
    Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 4
    This clinical practicum course emphasizes role of the advanced practice nurse as a member of the interprofessional team in the primary mental health care setting with emphasis on the collaborative partnerships with individuals, families, and professional colleagues. Population-based health disparities and their impact on their health will be explored. There is 180 hours of practicum required.
    Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
    Credit Hours: 6
    This course emphasizes the full integration of advanced psychiatric-mental health nursing management across the life span and builds on knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course of study. Emphasis is on the acquisition of clinical competence in the care and management of individuals and families across the lifespan with episodic, acute, and chronic conditions, both simple and complex. There is 270 hours of practicum required.

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