Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:22
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate
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Post-Master's Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Apply Now
OVERVIEW
Help Fill the Critical Need for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
There is a great and growing need for mental health care providers across the country.
Are you ready to advance your nursing career and specialize in behavioral and mental health care?
WGU’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC PMHNP) is a
cutting-edge graduate program for nurses who have a master’s degree
and wish to become advanced practice registered nurses focused on providing psychiatric mental health care.
The program is a blended offering with the
majority of the coursework delivered online
, plus direct patient care clinical practice experiences occurring in your local community.
You’ll be prepared to sit for the
ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam
and to gain state licensure. You’ll also be ready to successfully transition to delivering behavioral and mental health care to individuals across the lifespan and care settings.
NOTE: Due to the clinical requirements of this program, the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner post-master’s certificate is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, New York, North Dakota, and Washington.
Students must have a
permanent and active license
from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state.
See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure
. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about
compact licenses
. You can also
compare post-master's certifications to MSN programs
.
This program can be finished within
1.5 Years
This is dependent on transfer credit and how quickly you move through core coursework. Please note the clinical components of this program are set.
Flexible Schedule
Tuition per six-month term is
$6,955
This includes tuition and all associated program fee costs. Tuition and fees charged per 6-month term—rather than pay per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their degree.
Cost & Time
This is a highly competitive program.
Currently, WGU's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate program is accepting applications from a limited number of students. The required Clinical Internship in this degree makes it a highly practical and demanding program of study.
Admissions
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
Next Start Date:
{{startdate}}
Start Dates the 1st of Every Month
Apply Today
COURSES
Post-Master's Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Courses
Program consists of 11 courses
If you have already taken any of the three Nurse Practitioner Core courses or their equivalent, you will have the option to transfer those credits, lowering the total number of classes you need to take and decreasing the time to earn your post-master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate.
Program Guide
The WGU PMC PMHNP curriculum is evidence-based, designed to help you become a compassionate, effective, and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Credentialing from the ANCC helps ensure that the program is rigorous and will prepare students for real-world situations as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
The PMC is a hybrid program, with the majority of the coursework delivered online and hands-on clinical practice experiences in your local community. This program focuses on the courses you need to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; you will not repeat coursework from your MSN program. All courses are mapped to the industry skills and accreditation standards needed for you to be successful.
Notice: Students in the state of Kansas who intend to seek licensure in Kansas who started on or after March 1st, 2025 will be required to complete 750 direct patient care hours.
Nurse Practitioner Core
Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse prepares the graduate nursing student for the role of an advanced practice nurse with the competencies and skills needed to recognize disease states, identify disease progression, and assess and evaluate symptoms for patients across the lifespan. This course will help the graduate nursing student gain a deeper understanding of pathophysiology from the cellular to the systems level and will provide graduate nursing students with the knowledge and skills to determine the etiology, underlying physiological changes, and the human affective responses to alterations in health. This course will also prepare the graduate nursing student to communicate the pathophysiology of disease processes to providers and patients.
Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse prepares the graduate nursing student for the role of an advanced practice nurse with the competencies and skills for prescribing and monitoring medication safely and effectively. This course will prepare the graduate nursing student to apply pharmacotherapeutics in primary care settings by utilizing the pivotal basis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This course will also prepare the graduate nursing student to select the correct medication, describe the rationale for that selection to the patient, family, and other providers, and to effectively monitor the patient to promote positive drug outcomes.
Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Advanced Health Assessment prepares the graduate nursing student to perform the role of an advanced practice nurse with the essential competencies necessary to provide primary health care to patients and families of diverse populations. Students will develop the skills needed for systematically collecting and analyzing subjective and objective patient data. Through simulation and clinical experiences, students will use data to determine current and ongoing patient health status, predict health risks, and identify health-promoting activities for patients across the lifespan. Advanced Health Assessment will prepare the nursing graduate with the critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and advanced diagnostic skills required for advanced practice nursing. Upon completion of Advanced Health Assessment, the graduate will be able to synthesize individual and systems level subjective and objective data to facilitate the differential diagnosis processes. Also, the graduate will be able to clearly describe to patients and providers the pertinent health assessment findings and rationale supporting the diagnostic process.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty
Foundations of Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice
Foundations of Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice guides students through the process of learning about mental health and mental illness. This course presents the history of psychiatric care, along with cultural components that influence individual attitudes and behaviors. This course introduces conceptual models and theories related to practice that provide the basis for understanding the development of psychopathology to apply appropriate therapeutic strategies. This course includes clinical practice guidelines using the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as a basis for diagnostic consistency across the lifespan. This course also includes relevant advanced practice issues, legal and ethical components, and barriers to practice that a mental health psychiatric nurse practitioner may encounter. Various psychological responses to stress are also discussed. The following courses are prerequisites: All MSN Core courses, Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
The Assessment and Diagnostic Process of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Practice
The Assessment and Diagnostic Processes for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice guides students when examining determinants to the role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This course guides students in building a therapeutic relationship with patients through interviewing skills, conducting a structured assessment, milieu, types of therapy, and various care strategies, including technology usage. This course guides students through exploring their leadership role in collaborating with the interprofessional community as a mental health nurse practitioner. Pathways of quality improvement, practice evaluation, and healthcare reform are also considered. The following courses are prerequisites: All MSN Core courses, Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
Psychopharmacology for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice
Psychopharmacology for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice explains the knowledge of advanced pharmacotherapeutics and why it is important to safely and appropriately prescribe agents to manage common chronic and acute mental health problems of diverse populations. This includes differences between experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. This course covers the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in administration, along with patient education. This course discusses factors of addiction and substance use, including prevalence, clinical manifestations, and treatment of various disorders. Collaborative clinical services, such as group counseling, therapeutic communities, and medication support, are explored. The foundational information in psychopharmacology in this course guides students in planning individualized mental health drug management for individuals across the life span based on setting, context, and professional ethics. The following courses are prerequisites: all MSN Core courses, Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Adults and Older Adults Across Care Settings
Advanced Psychiatric Care of Adults and Older Adults Across Care Settings prepares students to provide evidence-based mental healthcare for adults, older adults, and families. This course guides students through the application of age and developmentally appropriate advanced practice health assessment knowledge and diagnostic reasoning skills for adults, older adults, and families experiencing complex mental health issues. This course helps students develop treatment plans using psychotherapeutic treatment modalities, psychopharmacology, and community resources to manage specific mental health disorders for adults, older adults, and families. This course also includes the influences of family dynamics and societal norms on mental health progression and recovery. The following courses are prerequisites: All MSN Core courses, Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Children and Adolescents Across Care Settings
Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Children and Adolescents across Care Settings prepares students to provide evidence-based mental healthcare for children, adolescents, and families. This course guides students through the application of age and developmentally appropriate advanced practice health assessment knowledge and diagnostic reasoning skills for children, adolescents, and families experiencing complex mental health issues. This course helps students develop treatment plans to manage specific mental health disorders through the use of psychotherapeutic treatment modalities, psychopharmacology, and community resources. This course also covers the influences of family dynamics and societal norms on mental health progression and recovery. The following are prerequisites for this course: all MSN Core courses, Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Internship I
Through precepted clinical experiences, the learner will develop the competencies needed to provide comprehensive and holistic mental health care to individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. In the precepted clinical setting, the learner will combine competencies developed in preparatory advanced practice coursework to deliver consumer-centered mental health care. Therefore, the learner will conduct advanced mental health assessments and utilize the competencies of advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and health promotion for individuals and populations across the life span to build self-efficacy in individuals and groups, to determine correct diagnoses, and to establish mental health plans of care that include consumer and population preferences. All MSN Core Courses, NP Core courses, and PMHNP Specialty courses must be completed before taking this course.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Internship II
Through precepted clinical experiences, the learner will develop competencies needed to provide comprehensive and holistic mental health care to individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. In the precepted clinical setting, the learner will combine competencies developed in preparatory advanced practice coursework to deliver consumer-centered mental health care. Therefore, the learner will conduct advanced mental health assessments and utilize the competencies of advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and health promotion for individuals and populations across the life span to build self-efficacy in individuals and groups, to determine correct diagnoses, and to establish mental health plans of care that include consumer and population preferences. All MSN Core Courses, NP Core courses, and PMHNP Specialty courses must be completed before taking this course.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Internship III
Through precepted clinical experiences, the learner will develop competencies needed to provide comprehensive and holistic mental health care to individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. In the precepted clinical setting, the learner will combine competencies developed in preparatory advanced practice coursework to deliver consumer-centered mental health care. Therefore, the learner will conduct advanced mental health assessments and utilize the competencies of advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and health promotion for individuals and populations across the life span to build self-efficacy in individuals and groups, to determine correct diagnoses, and to establish mental health plans of care that include consumer and population preferences. All MSN Core Courses, NP Core courses, and PMHNP Specialty courses must be completed before taking this course.
11 Courses
Program consists of 11 courses
If you have already taken any of the three Nurse Practitioner Core courses or their equivalent, you will have the option to transfer those credits, lowering the total number of classes you need to take and decreasing the time to earn your post-master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate.
Program Guide
Field Experiences
Special requirements for this program
While most of your coursework will be completed online, your nurse practitioner program includes some requirements—including clinical internships—that must be completed in a facility near you, and the university will work with you through the approval process.
Request Info
Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
Leadership and Navigation:
Successfully ensured accountability for the implementation of project plans and initiatives, leading to timely and successful project completion.: Problem Solving: Expertly recommended multiple solutions for a variety of problems, showcasing problem-solving skills to address challenges.
Acute Care:
Proficiently applied knowledge of patients' pathophysiology when analyzing lab data, test results, physical assessment data, telemetry, invasive monitoring, and vital signs, facilitating accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans.: Research: Developed evidence-based processes based on research findings to improve access and quality of care.
Financial Management:
Successfully recommended financial actions that aligned with organizational objectives, contributing to improved financial stability and growth.: Risk Management: Skillfully recommended risk management strategies that minimized potential risks within the organization, safeguarding assets and reputation.
Instructing:
Conducted thorough assessments of learners to gauge comprehension of provided instruction, ensuring effective teaching and learning outcomes.: Leadership: Inspired collaboration among healthcare professionals in pursuit of the highest quality patient care, fostering a culture of teamwork and shared commitment to excellence.
Health Informatics:
Successfully managed clinical data in a digital format, enhancing the quality and safety of patient care by ensuring accurate and accessible health records.: Health Information Technology: Applied technology and information management tools effectively to support safe processes of care, enhancing patient safety and optimizing healthcare delivery.
Data Analysis:
Proficiently presented analytical and statistical information to decision-makers and stakeholders, enabling data-driven decision-making and fostering informed strategies.: Analytical Techniques: Developed effective solutions based on comprehensive data analysis results.
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—John Steele, Senior Vice President of Human Resources
HCA Healthcare
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.
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Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
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When you enroll in an online certificate program at WGU, you join an impressive network of healthcare professionals.
CAREER OUTLOOK
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (
http://www.ccneaccreditation.org
).
COST & TIME
An Affordable Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.
Note: The Post-Master's Certificate PMHNP program may be completed in as little as 1.5 years.
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Cost Breakdown
Tuition
$
6,955
E-Books and Resources Fee
+
$
200
TOTAL (per 6-month term)
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A Post-Master's Certificate Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Responsible Borrowing Initiative
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Financial Aid
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
Scholarships
*
WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
An Online PMHNP Certificate Program Built for a Nurse’s Schedule
WGU offers
unparalleled flexibility
to work with your busy schedule. Online coursework and tests are available anytime, anywhere. Our commitment to flexible education means that you move through your courses as quickly as you demonstrate mastery of the material.
Your prior experience and education can help you complete your courses more quickly.
WGU is built to help students succeed. See how our
education model
makes a difference in your life as you take on furthering your education.
REQUEST MORE INFO
"WGU has a wonderful learning platform where you can learn and succeed at your own pace, and they have mentors and course instructors to guide you along the way..”
—Breann Dickey
M.S. Nursing
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate Prepares You to Treat Mental Health Conditions
Nurse practitioners are in high demand. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, nearly
120 million Americans live in areas where there are mental health care provider shortages.
Working as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is a rewarding career focused on helping others. Through our PMHNP program, you'll be prepared to
take your extensive nursing experience and transform it into patient care as a psychiatric health care provider
. You’ll work with patients experiencing mental illness, substance abuse, and other mental health challenges. You’ll give care by:
Conducting mental health assessments
Providing diagnoses
Visiting with patients
Documenting patient history
Prescribing medication or psychotherapy
Graduates of this program will be qualified to practice in a wide variety of care settings as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
MORE ABOUT CAREERS
Return on Your Investment
Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source:
2024 Harris Poll
of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
40%
Projections indicate that employment of nurse practitioners will grow 40% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate Leads to Rewarding Careers
When you become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you can work in a variety of settings helping individuals and families. This program can prepare you to sit on organizational boards or serve as a PMHNP in settings including:
Private mental health practices
Behavioral health and recovery facilities
Community clinics
Substance abuse and rehabilitation centers
Prisons and correctional facilities
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.
More About Career Growth
ADMISSIONS
Admissions Requirements Unique to our Post-Master's Certificate, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program
To be considered for this program, you must:
Possess an M.S. in Nursing or Terminal Nursing Degree (e.g., DNP, PhD)
from an accredited institution or state board of nursing-approved program.
Possess a current, active, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license from AND a permanent residence in an approved state. Students must complete the internships in their state of residence/license and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state.
Compact licenses
must be endorsed by your state of residence. (The PMHNP is currently not available for students in California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, New York, North Dakota, and Washington.)
Submit a
criminal background check
through DISA Heatlhcare Technology
. Additional fees may apply.
Submit a
professional resume or CV
outlining your academic, professional, and service history.
Submit an
application essay
. You must submit a response to the application essay questions detailing your experience in nursing and explaining why you want to become an NP. This essay helps us understand your unique situation and personal goals.
Provide
three letters of recommendation
from:
1. A supervisor or manager who directly supervised you in a clinical setting.
2. A professor, faculty member, or academic advisor who can provide meaningful input regarding your academic record.
3. A Board Certified practicing healthcare provider (APRN, NP, PA, MD, DO) who has served as a mentor or whom you have shadowed, preferably in the specialty to which you are applying. Note: A registered nurse cannot serve as the practicing provider for this recommendation source.
Have one year of clinical experience and be actively working as an RN at the time of application.
*This requirement is strongly preferred, as these will be competitive factors in the admission decision-making process.
MORE ABOUT PMHNP ADMISSIONS
Transfer Credits
WGU offers a generous transfer policy, but many graduate level degrees do not allow for transfer credits. Some graduate programs allow the transfer of individual courses or certifications and others do not. Please
speak to an Enrollment Counselor for the specifics of your desired program.
You will still need to send in your transcripts to validate your bachelor's degree—this can be done independently or with our free transcript service.
TRANSFER INFORMATION
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
VIEW CHECKLIST
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR
Safety Notice
WGU and the Leavitt School of Health are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all patients, community members, and key stakeholders that interact with WGU students at various clinical/host sites. IInteractions will include direct patient interaction, observation experiences, and in-person FNP SageSkills Workshop. Interactions may include project development or conducting research. Standard compliance verification for students in applicable LSH programs is required to protect the public, meet LSH program expectations, reasonably assure compliance with state regulatory board requirements, meet WGU’s contractual and legal obligations with clinical partners, and support WGU’s mission to prepare students who will be qualified to enter their desired field. Compliance items may include, but are not limited to, background checks, immunizations, and drug screens as needed.
More About the Mental Health Practitioner Program
General Program Questions
Financial Aid Questions
Apply Now
PMHNPs assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of patients. Many PMHNPs provide therapy and prescribe medications for patients. Many therapists are not able to prescribe medications.
The ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) board certification exam is a competency-based test that provides an assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of the PMHNP. Once you complete eligibility requirements to sit for the exam and successfully pass, you are awarded the credential Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PMHNP-BC).
WGU is approved to offer
federal student aid
. You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.
Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates.
This video shows more
about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:
How to apply
Eligibility requirements
Examples of scholarships
What happens after you apply
FAQs
Other financial aid options
WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools.
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©2026 WGU. All rights reserved.
Skip to content
Skip to Chat
Post-Master's Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Apply Now
OVERVIEW
Help Fill the Critical Need for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
There is a great and growing need for mental health care providers across the country.
Are you ready to advance your nursing career and specialize in behavioral and mental health care?
WGU’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC PMHNP) is a
cutting-edge graduate program for nurses who have a master’s degree
and wish to become advanced practice registered nurses focused on providing psychiatric mental health care.
The program is a blended offering with the
majority of the coursework delivered online
, plus direct patient care clinical practice experiences occurring in your local community.
You’ll be prepared to sit for the
ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam
and to gain state licensure. You’ll also be ready to successfully transition to delivering behavioral and mental health care to individuals across the lifespan and care settings.
NOTE: Due to the clinical requirements of this program, the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner post-master’s certificate is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, New York, North Dakota, and Washington.
Students must have a
permanent and active license
from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state.
See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure
. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about
compact licenses
. You can also
compare post-master's certifications to MSN programs
.
This program can be finished within
1.5 Years
This is dependent on transfer credit and how quickly you move through core coursework. Please note the clinical components of this program are set.
Flexible Schedule
Tuition per six-month term is
$6,955
This includes tuition and all associated program fee costs. Tuition and fees charged per 6-month term—rather than pay per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their degree.
Cost & Time
This is a highly competitive program.
Currently, WGU's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate program is accepting applications from a limited number of students. The required Clinical Internship in this degree makes it a highly practical and demanding program of study.
Admissions
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
Next Start Date:
{{startdate}}
Start Dates the 1st of Every Month
Apply Today
COURSES
Post-Master's Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Courses
Program consists of 11 courses
If you have already taken any of the three Nurse Practitioner Core courses or their equivalent, you will have the option to transfer those credits, lowering the total number of classes you need to take and decreasing the time to earn your post-master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate.
Program Guide
The WGU PMC PMHNP curriculum is evidence-based, designed to help you become a compassionate, effective, and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Credentialing from the ANCC helps ensure that the program is rigorous and will prepare students for real-world situations as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
The PMC is a hybrid program, with the majority of the coursework delivered online and hands-on clinical practice experiences in your local community. This program focuses on the courses you need to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; you will not repeat coursework from your MSN program. All courses are mapped to the industry skills and accreditation standards needed for you to be successful.
Notice: Students in the state of Kansas who intend to seek licensure in Kansas who started on or after March 1st, 2025 will be required to complete 750 direct patient care hours.
Nurse Practitioner Core
Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse prepares the graduate nursing student for the role of an advanced practice nurse with the competencies and skills needed to recognize disease states, identify disease progression, and assess and evaluate symptoms for patients across the lifespan. This course will help the graduate nursing student gain a deeper understanding of pathophysiology from the cellular to the systems level and will provide graduate nursing students with the knowledge and skills to determine the etiology, underlying physiological changes, and the human affective responses to alterations in health. This course will also prepare the graduate nursing student to communicate the pathophysiology of disease processes to providers and patients.
Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse prepares the graduate nursing student for the role of an advanced practice nurse with the competencies and skills for prescribing and monitoring medication safely and effectively. This course will prepare the graduate nursing student to apply pharmacotherapeutics in primary care settings by utilizing the pivotal basis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This course will also prepare the graduate nursing student to select the correct medication, describe the rationale for that selection to the patient, family, and other providers, and to effectively monitor the patient to promote positive drug outcomes.
Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Advanced Health Assessment prepares the graduate nursing student to perform the role of an advanced practice nurse with the essential competencies necessary to provide primary health care to patients and families of diverse populations. Students will develop the skills needed for systematically collecting and analyzing subjective and objective patient data. Through simulation and clinical experiences, students will use data to determine current and ongoing patient health status, predict health risks, and identify health-promoting activities for patients across the lifespan. Advanced Health Assessment will prepare the nursing graduate with the critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and advanced diagnostic skills required for advanced practice nursing. Upon completion of Advanced Health Assessment, the graduate will be able to synthesize individual and systems level subjective and objective data to facilitate the differential diagnosis processes. Also, the graduate will be able to clearly describe to patients and providers the pertinent health assessment findings and rationale supporting the diagnostic process.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty
Foundations of Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice
Foundations of Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice guides students through the process of learning about mental health and mental illness. This course presents the history of psychiatric care, along with cultural components that influence individual attitudes and behaviors. This course introduces conceptual models and theories related to practice that provide the basis for understanding the development of psychopathology to apply appropriate therapeutic strategies. This course includes clinical practice guidelines using the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as a basis for diagnostic consistency across the lifespan. This course also includes relevant advanced practice issues, legal and ethical components, and barriers to practice that a mental health psychiatric nurse practitioner may encounter. Various psychological responses to stress are also discussed. The following courses are prerequisites: All MSN Core courses, Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
The Assessment and Diagnostic Process of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Practice
The Assessment and Diagnostic Processes for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice guides students when examining determinants to the role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This course guides students in building a therapeutic relationship with patients through interviewing skills, conducting a structured assessment, milieu, types of therapy, and various care strategies, including technology usage. This course guides students through exploring their leadership role in collaborating with the interprofessional community as a mental health nurse practitioner. Pathways of quality improvement, practice evaluation, and healthcare reform are also considered. The following courses are prerequisites: All MSN Core courses, Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
Psychopharmacology for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice
Psychopharmacology for Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practice explains the knowledge of advanced pharmacotherapeutics and why it is important to safely and appropriately prescribe agents to manage common chronic and acute mental health problems of diverse populations. This includes differences between experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. This course covers the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in administration, along with patient education. This course discusses factors of addiction and substance use, including prevalence, clinical manifestations, and treatment of various disorders. Collaborative clinical services, such as group counseling, therapeutic communities, and medication support, are explored. The foundational information in psychopharmacology in this course guides students in planning individualized mental health drug management for individuals across the life span based on setting, context, and professional ethics. The following courses are prerequisites: all MSN Core courses, Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Adults and Older Adults Across Care Settings
Advanced Psychiatric Care of Adults and Older Adults Across Care Settings prepares students to provide evidence-based mental healthcare for adults, older adults, and families. This course guides students through the application of age and developmentally appropriate advanced practice health assessment knowledge and diagnostic reasoning skills for adults, older adults, and families experiencing complex mental health issues. This course helps students develop treatment plans using psychotherapeutic treatment modalities, psychopharmacology, and community resources to manage specific mental health disorders for adults, older adults, and families. This course also includes the influences of family dynamics and societal norms on mental health progression and recovery. The following courses are prerequisites: All MSN Core courses, Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Children and Adolescents Across Care Settings
Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Children and Adolescents across Care Settings prepares students to provide evidence-based mental healthcare for children, adolescents, and families. This course guides students through the application of age and developmentally appropriate advanced practice health assessment knowledge and diagnostic reasoning skills for children, adolescents, and families experiencing complex mental health issues. This course helps students develop treatment plans to manage specific mental health disorders through the use of psychotherapeutic treatment modalities, psychopharmacology, and community resources. This course also covers the influences of family dynamics and societal norms on mental health progression and recovery. The following are prerequisites for this course: all MSN Core courses, Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment for the Advanced Practice Nurse.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Internship I
Through precepted clinical experiences, the learner will develop the competencies needed to provide comprehensive and holistic mental health care to individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. In the precepted clinical setting, the learner will combine competencies developed in preparatory advanced practice coursework to deliver consumer-centered mental health care. Therefore, the learner will conduct advanced mental health assessments and utilize the competencies of advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and health promotion for individuals and populations across the life span to build self-efficacy in individuals and groups, to determine correct diagnoses, and to establish mental health plans of care that include consumer and population preferences. All MSN Core Courses, NP Core courses, and PMHNP Specialty courses must be completed before taking this course.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Internship II
Through precepted clinical experiences, the learner will develop competencies needed to provide comprehensive and holistic mental health care to individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. In the precepted clinical setting, the learner will combine competencies developed in preparatory advanced practice coursework to deliver consumer-centered mental health care. Therefore, the learner will conduct advanced mental health assessments and utilize the competencies of advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and health promotion for individuals and populations across the life span to build self-efficacy in individuals and groups, to determine correct diagnoses, and to establish mental health plans of care that include consumer and population preferences. All MSN Core Courses, NP Core courses, and PMHNP Specialty courses must be completed before taking this course.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Internship III
Through precepted clinical experiences, the learner will develop competencies needed to provide comprehensive and holistic mental health care to individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. In the precepted clinical setting, the learner will combine competencies developed in preparatory advanced practice coursework to deliver consumer-centered mental health care. Therefore, the learner will conduct advanced mental health assessments and utilize the competencies of advanced pathophysiology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and health promotion for individuals and populations across the life span to build self-efficacy in individuals and groups, to determine correct diagnoses, and to establish mental health plans of care that include consumer and population preferences. All MSN Core Courses, NP Core courses, and PMHNP Specialty courses must be completed before taking this course.
11 Courses
Program consists of 11 courses
If you have already taken any of the three Nurse Practitioner Core courses or their equivalent, you will have the option to transfer those credits, lowering the total number of classes you need to take and decreasing the time to earn your post-master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate.
Program Guide
Field Experiences
Special requirements for this program
While most of your coursework will be completed online, your nurse practitioner program includes some requirements—including clinical internships—that must be completed in a facility near you, and the university will work with you through the approval process.
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Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
Leadership and Navigation:
Successfully ensured accountability for the implementation of project plans and initiatives, leading to timely and successful project completion.: Problem Solving: Expertly recommended multiple solutions for a variety of problems, showcasing problem-solving skills to address challenges.
Acute Care:
Proficiently applied knowledge of patients' pathophysiology when analyzing lab data, test results, physical assessment data, telemetry, invasive monitoring, and vital signs, facilitating accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans.: Research: Developed evidence-based processes based on research findings to improve access and quality of care.
Financial Management:
Successfully recommended financial actions that aligned with organizational objectives, contributing to improved financial stability and growth.: Risk Management: Skillfully recommended risk management strategies that minimized potential risks within the organization, safeguarding assets and reputation.
Instructing:
Conducted thorough assessments of learners to gauge comprehension of provided instruction, ensuring effective teaching and learning outcomes.: Leadership: Inspired collaboration among healthcare professionals in pursuit of the highest quality patient care, fostering a culture of teamwork and shared commitment to excellence.
Health Informatics:
Successfully managed clinical data in a digital format, enhancing the quality and safety of patient care by ensuring accurate and accessible health records.: Health Information Technology: Applied technology and information management tools effectively to support safe processes of care, enhancing patient safety and optimizing healthcare delivery.
Data Analysis:
Proficiently presented analytical and statistical information to decision-makers and stakeholders, enabling data-driven decision-making and fostering informed strategies.: Analytical Techniques: Developed effective solutions based on comprehensive data analysis results.
“Our partnership with WGU enables our employees to advance their education affordably without interrupting their careers.”
—John Steele, Senior Vice President of Human Resources
HCA Healthcare
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.
HOW WE DO IT
Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in an online certificate program at WGU, you join an impressive network of healthcare professionals.
CAREER OUTLOOK
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (
http://www.ccneaccreditation.org
).
COST & TIME
An Affordable Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.
Note: The Post-Master's Certificate PMHNP program may be completed in as little as 1.5 years.
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200
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A Post-Master's Certificate Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Responsible Borrowing Initiative
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Financial Aid
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
Scholarships
*
WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
An Online PMHNP Certificate Program Built for a Nurse’s Schedule
WGU offers
unparalleled flexibility
to work with your busy schedule. Online coursework and tests are available anytime, anywhere. Our commitment to flexible education means that you move through your courses as quickly as you demonstrate mastery of the material.
Your prior experience and education can help you complete your courses more quickly.
WGU is built to help students succeed. See how our
education model
makes a difference in your life as you take on furthering your education.
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"WGU has a wonderful learning platform where you can learn and succeed at your own pace, and they have mentors and course instructors to guide you along the way..”
—Breann Dickey
M.S. Nursing
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate Prepares You to Treat Mental Health Conditions
Nurse practitioners are in high demand. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, nearly
120 million Americans live in areas where there are mental health care provider shortages.
Working as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is a rewarding career focused on helping others. Through our PMHNP program, you'll be prepared to
take your extensive nursing experience and transform it into patient care as a psychiatric health care provider
. You’ll work with patients experiencing mental illness, substance abuse, and other mental health challenges. You’ll give care by:
Conducting mental health assessments
Providing diagnoses
Visiting with patients
Documenting patient history
Prescribing medication or psychotherapy
Graduates of this program will be qualified to practice in a wide variety of care settings as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
MORE ABOUT CAREERS
Return on Your Investment
Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source:
2024 Harris Poll
of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
40%
Projections indicate that employment of nurse practitioners will grow 40% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
WGU's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate Leads to Rewarding Careers
When you become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you can work in a variety of settings helping individuals and families. This program can prepare you to sit on organizational boards or serve as a PMHNP in settings including:
Private mental health practices
Behavioral health and recovery facilities
Community clinics
Substance abuse and rehabilitation centers
Prisons and correctional facilities
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.
More About Career Growth
ADMISSIONS
Admissions Requirements Unique to our Post-Master's Certificate, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program
To be considered for this program, you must:
Possess an M.S. in Nursing or Terminal Nursing Degree (e.g., DNP, PhD)
from an accredited institution or state board of nursing-approved program.
Possess a current, active, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license from AND a permanent residence in an approved state. Students must complete the internships in their state of residence/license and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state.
Compact licenses
must be endorsed by your state of residence. (The PMHNP is currently not available for students in California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, New York, North Dakota, and Washington.)
Submit a
criminal background check
through DISA Heatlhcare Technology
. Additional fees may apply.
Submit a
professional resume or CV
outlining your academic, professional, and service history.
Submit an
application essay
. You must submit a response to the application essay questions detailing your experience in nursing and explaining why you want to become an NP. This essay helps us understand your unique situation and personal goals.
Provide
three letters of recommendation
from:
1. A supervisor or manager who directly supervised you in a clinical setting.
2. A professor, faculty member, or academic advisor who can provide meaningful input regarding your academic record.
3. A Board Certified practicing healthcare provider (APRN, NP, PA, MD, DO) who has served as a mentor or whom you have shadowed, preferably in the specialty to which you are applying. Note: A registered nurse cannot serve as the practicing provider for this recommendation source.
Have one year of clinical experience and be actively working as an RN at the time of application.
*This requirement is strongly preferred, as these will be competitive factors in the admission decision-making process.
MORE ABOUT PMHNP ADMISSIONS
Transfer Credits
WGU offers a generous transfer policy, but many graduate level degrees do not allow for transfer credits. Some graduate programs allow the transfer of individual courses or certifications and others do not. Please
speak to an Enrollment Counselor for the specifics of your desired program.
You will still need to send in your transcripts to validate your bachelor's degree—this can be done independently or with our free transcript service.
TRANSFER INFORMATION
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
VIEW CHECKLIST
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR
Safety Notice
WGU and the Leavitt School of Health are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all patients, community members, and key stakeholders that interact with WGU students at various clinical/host sites. IInteractions will include direct patient interaction, observation experiences, and in-person FNP SageSkills Workshop. Interactions may include project development or conducting research. Standard compliance verification for students in applicable LSH programs is required to protect the public, meet LSH program expectations, reasonably assure compliance with state regulatory board requirements, meet WGU’s contractual and legal obligations with clinical partners, and support WGU’s mission to prepare students who will be qualified to enter their desired field. Compliance items may include, but are not limited to, background checks, immunizations, and drug screens as needed.
More About the Mental Health Practitioner Program
General Program Questions
Financial Aid Questions
Apply Now
PMHNPs assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of patients. Many PMHNPs provide therapy and prescribe medications for patients. Many therapists are not able to prescribe medications.
The ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) board certification exam is a competency-based test that provides an assessment of the entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of the PMHNP. Once you complete eligibility requirements to sit for the exam and successfully pass, you are awarded the credential Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PMHNP-BC).
WGU is approved to offer
federal student aid
. You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.
Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates.
This video shows more
about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:
How to apply
Eligibility requirements
Examples of scholarships
What happens after you apply
FAQs
Other financial aid options
WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools.
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