The PMHNP graduate certificate will prepare the advanced practice nurse (APN) with
the expertise and skills to diagnose and treat individuals suffering with psychiatric
and mental health disorders. The graduate certificate courses will provide the APN
with the skills to prescribe psychotropic medication and provide psychotherapy to
individuals across the lifespan. Upon completion of the approved courses, the certificate
seeking student will be eligible to take the PMHNP American Nurse Credentialing Center
(ANCC) certification exam.
It is projected that a full time student can complete the certificate in one year
and part-time students may require 18 to 24 months for completion.
Admissions Requirements
- A master’s degree in nursing (M.S.N.) or doctoral degree in nursing (Ph.D. or D.N.P.)
- Current certification as a Nurse Practitioner and a license to practice as a registered
nurse
- Cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the graduate level
- Current certification in BLS or ACLS
- Completed Graduate College application
- Resume or curriculum vitae that includes prior education and professional practice
- Professionally written letter describing career goals and how certification will assist
in achieving those goals
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
- Three letters of reference from professional contacts
- Personal phone interview with graduate nursing faculty
Please note: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required.
Curriculum Requirements
All students with a current certification as a Nurse Practitioner will be required
to complete the following courses and clinical hours to enable them to meet the criteria
established by ANCC for the PMHNP certification exam. The PMHNP courses have met prior
approval by the Radford University Graduate College, for the PMHNP concentration in
the post-B.S.N. to D.N.P. degree.
- NURS 760: Advanced Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health: Theory & Practice
- (3 credit hours)
- NURS 761: Neuropathophysiology & Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders: A Lifespan
Approach - (4 credit hours)
- NURS 762: Psychotherapeutic Treatment Modalities & Clinical Psychopharmacology - (4
credit hours)
- NURS 765: PMHNP Practicum Across the Lifespan (12 credit hours - 540 clinical hours)