To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you will need certain education, experience and credentials.
1. RN License
The first requirement for the psychiatric nurse practitioner role is an RN license. It must be current and unencumbered.
A valid RN license is also needed for admission to PMHNP education programs.
2. Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree
Another requirement is to obtain a PMHNP degree.
A psychiatric nurse practitioner can hold a master’s, doctoral degree or post-graduate certificate. These options give aspiring PMHNPs multiple entry points into the field.
Here are the different degrees that you can pursue, based on your educational background:
PMHNP Degree
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Degree Required for Entry
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RN to MSN – PMHNP (ADN to MSN)
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ADN
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Master of Science in Nursing – PMHNP
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BSN
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Doctor of Nursing Practice – PMHNP (MSN to DNP)
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MSN
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Post-Graduate/APRN Certificate – PMHNP
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MSN or DNP
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Whichever degree you choose, it must come from an accredited program. Two organizations grant nursing accreditation in the U.S.: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The program should also meet the four coursework requirements outlined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). ANCC grants the board certification for the psychiatric nurse practitioner role.
ANCC-approved coursework includes:
- At least 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours
- Three graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment and advanced pharmacology
- Content in health promotion or maintenance, differential diagnosis and disease management
- Clinical training in at least two psychotherapeutic treatment modalities
3. Board Certification
Licensed RNs who hold a PMHNP degree can apply for the ANCC board certification in psychiatry/mental health.
The ANCC grants certification through a competency-based test. The exam will evaluate your clinical knowledge and skills in five domains:
- Scientific Foundation
- Advanced Practice Skills
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- Psychotherapy and Related Theories
- Ethical and Legal Principles
When you pass the test, you will earn the PMHNP credential: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PMHNP-BC).
4. State License
As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, you can seek licensure in the state where you plan to practice.
The eligibility requirements vary by state. At a minimum, you will need to verify your education, nursing licensure and board certification.
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How Do I Find a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program?
You can find psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner programs by searching the CCNE and ACEN databases of accredited institutions.
Wilkes University offers three CCNE-accredited online NP programs with a concentration in psychiatry/mental health:
Designed for working nurses, the programs will help you fulfill the nation’s growing need for psychiatric and mental health care. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of mental health assessment, psychotherapy, medication management and health promotion.
All of Wilkes’ PMHNP programs offer clinical placement support. Its placement team will provide you with a high-quality placement experience that meets the clinical requirements to prepare you for success as a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner.