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Post Master's Certificate

Post Master's PMHNP
Online Psych NP Certificate

Calendar

CLASSES START
May 6th

20 Mo.

Program Length

33

Credits

Online

Format

540 Hrs

Clinicals

Post Master's Certificate

Post Master's PMHNP
Online Psych NP Certificate

Take your next career step with Herzing

AccreditationCCNE accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditUp to 12 approved credit hours
Our pledgeWe pledge your clinical placement
Immersion Exp.180-hour, 16-week immersion experience to prepare for your first job
Format100% online classes with 540 clinical hours across the lifespan: every experience counts
Get started6 start dates per year – and no wait list!
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
PMHNP with Post Master's Certificate Consulting with Adult Patient

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2023 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Post Master's Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Overview: Online Post Master's PMHNP Program

The Post Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is a 33-credit post-graduate program which prepares you for a career as an PMHNP. The online certificate program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, counseling and psychotherapy, advanced psychopharmacology and health promotion, and much more.

SVG
Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

SVG
Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

SVG
Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

SVG
Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

SVG
Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start May 6th

Learn More Today

Curriculum

Post Master’s PMHNP program classes & curriculum details

The post master’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program provides students with the academic knowledge, skills and expertise to apply for certification as a PMHNP. Classes include core MSN courses, specialty concentration courses and clinical courses. Upon graduation you’ll be qualified for the Board Certified PMHNP (PMHNP-BC) exam from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Connecting with patients virtually and providing remote care is more important than ever. Our curriculum provides instruction in the principles of telehealth, including the use of appropriate technology, provisions for coding and reimbursement, and the legal and ethical implications of remote patient encounters.

All classes are delivered online with an additional 540 hours of clinicals, including both in-person and virtual/remote experiences; 180 hours of which will be an immersion experience to best prepare you to practice as a PMHNP.

ProgramMonthsiCredits
Post Master's Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMCPMHNP)2033

i. Average number of months for students to complete program

Required Direct Care Core Courses

All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.

* Post Master's Certificate ("PMC") program may transfer in NU 500 and NU 560. Need Program Chair approval for two (2) clinical courses for PMC students.

*Students in the PMHNP program must take NU 610 and NU 671 in the same semester

Required Courses in PMHNP Concentration

All courses, 24.00 semester credit hours, are required.

Clinical Proficiency Exam

The following courses are 0.00 semester credit hours associated with the policy outlined above. Students are required to take as co-requisite courses along with NU 611, NU 664, or NU 671, depending on the program of study. NSG 0600 - Clinical Proficiency Exam Semester Credit Hours: 0.00 NSG 0600R - Clinical Proficiency Remediation Course (if needed) Semester Credit Hours: 0.00

Tuition & Cost

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the post master's PMHNP program is $735 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find my estimate

 Scholarships & Financial Aid

With Herzing University, you are never alone, and there are many options to help you invest in yourself and earn your post master's certificate in nursing.

Find scholarships and grants 

 Military/Veteran Discounts

Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

VA/Military benefits 

Requirements

Post Master’s PMHNP program enrollment requirements

Enrollment in the post master’s certificate nursing program is open to registered nurses who:

  • Hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited university or college
  • Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse in the state in which they live (Note: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident in a compact license state will be deemed to have met this requirement).

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District Of Columbia.

Clinicals

Every experience counts.

Herzing University integrates an “Every Experience Counts” experiential learning approach in the 540-hour clinical component of our post master's PMHNP program. We believe the best preparation for an advanced practice role is real, prescriptive learning through every day experience.

Earn clinical credit hours for unique nursing experiences—either direct patient care in your community or telemedicine/virtual care. Examples of potentially eligible activities include:

  • Grief counseling for patients and families in hospice
  • Assistance with group therapy in a mental health institution
  • Providing mental health education to inmates in a correctional facility
  • Interviewing patients in a crisis stabilization unit
  • Assessment of psychiatric patients in the emergency room

If you discover an opportunity to further develop your skills as a PMHNP you may apply for credit towards your total clinical hours.

Build your career foundation from a variety of instructive and rewarding nursing experiences. Our certificate program makes it possible.

MSN Clinical Placement Pledge Herzing Badge

Your clinical placement is our pledge.

We understand securing clinical placement as part of the post master's PMHNP program is one of the biggest concerns students face. At Herzing, we offer guidance and support through our step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process to ensure you can get the clinical practice experiences you need.

As a Herzing student, we’ll encourage you to find your own preceptor and clinical sites as there are many benefits to doing so. However, we provide extensive support should you find difficulty along the way. With Herzing, you are never on your own.

Because of our strong relationships with healthcare providers across the U.S. and our comprehensive Clinical Guidance Process, we are confident in our ability to help you find clinical placement. So much so that if you are unable to find a clinical site on your own, we pledge to step in and help you secure clinical placement.*

* Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the enrollment documents.

Classes Start May 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee
Careers

Help patients become whole as a holistic healthcare provider

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are qualified to diagnose and treat common mental illnesses within their scope of practice, including bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorders, schizophrenia, depression and anxiety.

What does a typical PMHNP do?

  • Psychological consulting (psychotherapy)
  • Prescribe medication and monitor its effects
  • Work in community clinics, private practice, hospitals and more
  • Instruct patients on an array of coping skills
  • Perform patient care like a detective, uncovering information to solve complex psychological issues

How can I advance my career? After graduating with a PMHNP certificate, Herzing students can also elect to pursue a post master’s FNP certificate, or a certificate in nursing education to continue expanding their professional emphases.

Job outlook

 

The demand for PMHNPs is expected to grow:

Earn the credential you need to join a highly rewarding occupation expected to be in high demand in the recent future.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Both of those common types of nurse practitioner specialties are highly rewarding and represent a big step forward for a registered nurse looking to advance their career.

  • Choose Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) if…you want to be a true psychiatric/mental health specialist, and enjoy giving a voice to patients who are too often misunderstood. An excellent pathway for nurses who have gained practical experience behavioral health or worked in a community mental health facility and want to continue in the psychiatric field.
  • Choose Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) if…you want to specialize in the broader field of family practice across the lifespan and prefer a hands-on approach to patient care. You may pursue many different specialties in neonatal (NICU), pediatric or geriatric care. As an FNP you’ll have a strong educational foundation to pursue your unique career path in family practice. Learn more about the Herzing University MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Learn more about the biggest differences between FNP vs. PMHNP.

We offer multiple options for current nurses of all types, including pathways for ASN/ADN, BSN, and MSN degree holders.

View our available online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs.

Yes!

The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis estimates the demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners will rise 18% from 2016-2030.

In regard to all nurse practitioners, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 45% increase in employment from 2022-2032, much faster than the average across all U.S. occupations.*

A PMHNP is a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who holds expertise in behavioral health and wellness. Their role is to assess, diagnose and treat patients exhibiting psychiatric or addictive disorders. A PMHNP’s job description and scope of practice can include:

  • Provide psychological counseling (psychotherapy)
  • Prescribe medication and monitor its effects
  • Collaborate with additional health professionals: doctors/physicians, nurses, administrators and other healthcare staff
  • Conduct research to improve the delivery of mental healthcare
  • Educate and consult nurses and other mental health professionals
  • Order and interpret diagnostic tests

Whole health begins with mental health—including all ages and demographics across the lifespan. As a nurse practitioner within the mental health specialty, you will have the opportunity to continue your education and focus your experience in many different types of care, including pediatric, geriatric/adult, women’s health, public health and much more.

Where do they work? PMHNPs may work in many different healthcare environments, including hospitals, private practices, mental health centers, primary care offices or governmental institutions.

A post master’s certificate (PMC), also referred to as a “post-graduate” certificate, is designed for nurses who hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and seek additional certification in a separate field.

Herzing University offers several post master’s certificates for MSN-prepared nurses looking to transition in or out of clinical-based practice:

  • AGACNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (program length: 20 months)
  • AGPCNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (program length: 20 months)
  • FNP - Family Nurse Practitioner certificate (program length: 16-20 months)
  • NE - Nursing Education certificate (program length: 8 months)
  • NLA - Nursing Leadership & Administration (program length: 8 months)
  • PMHNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate (program length: 20 months)

A post master’s certificate from Herzing University provides the education, training, and practical experience you need to take the next big step in your nursing career.

There is a difference between being licensed and certified. Becoming a certified PMHNP shows employers you are capable of patient care in a psychiatric setting. Licensure determines if you are legally allowed to practice in your state of residence. Employers may require board certification before hiring a PMHNP even if practicing without certification is legally permissible.

Each state has their own requirements for licensure. You will need to find the requirements from your state’s board of nursing.

We strongly recommend getting certified after graduating with your degree. You’ll be in the best position to find a great job and follow your career path in nursing.

Here’s a selection of the most common types of nurse practitioners:

Note: Herzing does not offer a track in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).

Each specialty has its own unique requirements in terms of job experience and certification.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $124,680 per year ($59.94 per hour).*

NPs specializing in psychiatry/mental health may increase their earning potential by becoming board certified, gaining valuable experience and continuing their education.

Learn more about how much NPs can make, including a state-by-state breakdown and estimates across several unique healthcare facilities.

A post-master’s certificate is the best way to bridge from FNP to PMHNP as one of the shortest options for a master’s level education.

Our Post Master's PMHNP certificate program can be completed in 20 months, providing current FNPs a fast path to taking the next step in their NP career.

There is a significant difference between being a medical/surgical nurse and a psychiatric nurse. General nursing in a medical or surgical role is based primarily on physical illness, while psychiatric nursing is based on mental illness. As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, your role will be much more verbal than hands-on.

Daily tasks include new patient evaluations and follow-up appointments, reviewing patient charts and lab results, monitoring and documenting medication, adjusting patient care strategies, responding promptly to patient questions and concerns, and working with additional healthcare staff to deliver the best possible psychiatric care.

Locations

Program Finder

Post Master's Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Degree Programs

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Choose your NP pathway

Choose your NP pathway

Considering all of your options for nurse practitioner specialties?

Herzing University offers multiple nurse practitioner programs for current nurses holding an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in nursing.

Our goal is to help you walk your career path no matter where you are, or where you want to go.

Explore Herzing NP programs

Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The master’s degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Herzing University Madison are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin. ​

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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Herzing Tuition Wizard

When do you want to start classes?

The program has an automatic transfer of credits, and allows you to transfer up to additional credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credit hours.

  Transfer Credit Hours
Post Master's Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online Campus
Tuition
Cost per Credit$735.00
Base Tuition$24,255.00
Savings from Transfer Credits (12 x $735.00 )(-$8,820.00)
Estimated Tuition Cost*$15,435.00
Fees
One-time Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Program Fee$750.00
Per-semester Learner Resource Fee$530.00
Estimated Total Fee*$6,400.00
Total Semesters 1
RequiredNeeded
55
Total Credits
RequiredNeeded
3321
Estimated Cost 2
Base CostYour Cost
$30,655.00$21,835.00
Estimated Savings*
$8,820.00

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Who Can Apply

Any student in a degree-seeking program that makes on-time, out of pocket payments toward tuition and fee expenses.

Requirements

The amount of the payments made that exceed the amount of excess loan funding received will be used to calculate total award. Eligible students must make on-time payments, according to a predetermined payment plan. Restrictions may vary.

  • Matching percentage is based on student’s EFC at the time of application.
  • Student’s with a Pell eligible EFC will receive a 100% match
  • Students will non-Pell eligible EFC will receive 50% match
  • Students who do no complete the FAFSA will automatically qualify for the 50% match.

Questions?

Reach out to a member of the Financial Aid team at the Online campus:

1 

Actual semesters to complete are dependent upon university approved transfer credits and program mapping.

2 

Estimated program length, estimated number of semesters, and estimated program shown above are standard by program for each student based on: a student taking a full-time course load each semester, the student not having any transfer credits (from previous Herzing experiences or from other post-secondary institutions), and successful completion of each course.

Current tuition rates for all programs are effective through the Summer 2024 semester.