Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Overview

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate track is designed to be a post-MSN non-degree seeking option for those who do not wish to complete the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or may already have a DNP.  This track is designed for those who already possess, at a minimum, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), hold national certification as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), and wish to become certified as a PMHNP.  The program will also consider applications from those who are nationally certified as a CNM, CNS, or CRNA with a B or better in graduate-level coursework in pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and assessment (the assessment course must include across the lifespan). The curriculum prepares certificate completers to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification through the American Nurses' Credentialing Center (ANCC).  The objectives build upon those for the master's in a nursing program.

This certificate is an online track that requires 36 credits and 800 clinical hours. The PMHNP Certificate track is designed to include education and preparation that will assist the student to acquire the advanced knowledge and clinical skills to provide best practices and comprehensive care to clients across the lifespan. The clinical component of this program will focus on the mental health care needs of individuals and families whether in outpatient, inpatient, or private practice settings.  The seats for this track are combined with the seats for the PMHNP DNP track for 14 total each spring beginning in 2024.  Note that financial aid is not available for the certificate track as it is not a degree-yielding track.  Note:  Those who are interested in pursuing the DNP must apply to the PMHNP DNP track rather than to the PMHNP Certificate track.

Candidates seeking online, distance learning options who do not reside in Florida are encouraged to first review the State Authorization page for distance learning before making application.  Note that per the U.S. Department of Education, effective July 1, 2024, institutions must ensure that distance education programs leading to professional licensure or certification satisfy state educational requirements in the state where the student is located at the time of initial enrollment or where the student attests s/he intend to seek employment.  The regulation only applies to students at the time of initial enrollment in a program and does not apply to students enrolled prior to July 1, 2024.  Due to this change, UNF will not admit out-of-state students into the PMHNP DNP or Certificate track unless they attest that they intend to be located in or seek employment in Florida.

Below are several tools and resources to review:

Distance Learning Student Services