Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners represent one of the most in-demand nursing specialties today. The PMHNP program will increase the number of psychiatric nurse practitioners who are prepared at the Doctor of Nursing Practice level to practice and address growing mental health needs.
The PMHNP option will build on the DNP core curriculum. Graduates will be prepared to provide individualized patient care and to address population-based mental health needs. Psychiatric nursing coursework includes psychiatric assessment and symptom management; psychopharmacology; individual, group, and family therapy.
To further address the PMHNP shortage, a Post-APRN and Post-master's certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner has been added to the UST DNP program. The Post-APRN certificate is for nurses currently educated and recognized as nurse practitioners who wish to add recognition in the Psychiatric Mental Health specialty. The Post-master's certificate is designed for nurses with a masters or doctoral degree in nursing who are not nurse practitioners but wish to be prepared in the Psychiatric Mental Health specialty.
Upon completion of the post-graduate certificate option, students are eligible to sit for ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC™) or the Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification (PMHNP-BC).