Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Graduate APRN Certificate program at New Mexico State University is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare to individuals and families across the lifespan. You can play a role in addressing the critical shortages of mental healthcare providers in the state of New Mexico and across the nation by becoming a dual-certified nurse practitioner trained to provide integrated healthcare..
NMSU’s PMHNP certificate program blends didactic coursework with hands-on clinical experience to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of psychiatric nursing. With a strong focus on evidence-based psychotherapy, holistic care, and health disparities, our curriculum prepares graduates to provide high-quality, patient-centered care across the lifespan in clinic and hospital settings. The clinical component of the PMHNP program consists of over 500 hours of supervised clinical experiences in the student's own community..
The PMHNP certificate program at NMSU integrates knowledge and competencies for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of opioid and other substance use disorder throughout the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to work with clients undergoing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and other evidence-based therapies for recovery.
Graduates are eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam.
Primary care APRNs interested in dual certification as a PMHNP can achieve this goal in 12 months through the NMSU Psychiatric Mental Health post graduate APRN certificate program.
Application Deadlines
Priority Deadline January 15
Final Deadline February 15
Program Overview
Degree Awarded: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Admission Semester: Fall
Program Duration: 1 year
Format: Online with a 1-week on-campus intensive prior to the start of the program, and clinical practica conducted in the student’s hometown.
Credit Hours: 24 credit hours
Why Choose NMSU
Comprehensive Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in neuroscience and psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with mental health conditions. . Dive deep into evidence-based interventions for mental health disorders, including substance use disorder and serious mental illness. The NMSU PMHNP certificate program emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health care, integrating psychotherapy approaches, medication management, and exploring the integration of mental health services into primary care settings. Clinical practicum experiences allow students to apply their knowledge under the guidance of experienced preceptors in community health centers, psychiatric hospitals, primary care clinics, and private practices.
Distance Education
Although many of our students live in southern New Mexico, our distance education format allows APRNs to earn their PMHNP post graduate certificate in their hometown. Didactic courses are delivered in a flexible, mostly asynchronous format, and clinical training can be completed with PMHNPs, psychiatrists, and other mental health providers at your local healthcare centers. For information on eligibility for distance education by state, please refer to the School of Nursing's Distance Education State Authorization Information webpage.
Interprofessional Education
Collaboration is key in mental health care. Engage in interprofessional education experiences, learning alongside professionals from psychology, social work, counseling, and other disciplines. Cultivate teamwork skills essential for providing holistic, patient-centered care within interdisciplinary teams.
Expert Faculty
Learn from experienced PMHNP and other nursing faculty who are dedicated to your success. With diverse clinical backgrounds and expertise in areas such as addiction and substance use disorder, serious mental illness, and child/adolescent mental health, our faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom, ensuring that students receive comprehensive and up-to-date instruction.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our PMHNP program are well-prepared to pursue advanced practice roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Whether you aspire to work in a community mental health center, private clinic, psychiatric hospital, or an integrated care setting, our program will provide you with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families in your community.
Embark on a transformative journey into the field of mental health care with the DNP-PMHNP program at New Mexico State University School of Nursing. Apply today and take the first step toward advancing your career as a skilled and compassionate psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner!
Program Information
Enrollment in the Post Graduate APRN Program
The following are criteria for certificate program enrollment:
- Applicants must follow the degree plan for their specialty area
- Students are required to attend a week long on-campus orientation and clinical intensive experience prior to starting the program.
- Prior to starting clinical rotations, students will be required to submit a criminal background check and toxicology screen (medicinal marijuana is prohibited) and other clinical clearance requirements outlined in the DNP and Post Graduate APRN Certificate Student Handbook. Failure to provide these items will result in a failure to progress or program dismissal. Positive toxicology results and/or criminal background checks that do not meet NMSU School of Nursing clinical clearance requirements can result in program dismissal.
Clinical Practicum Experiences
- While course faculty can assist in the identification of qualified clinical preceptors, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to secure sites and preceptors for their clinical practica.
- Prior to conducting a practicum at a facility, an affiliation agreement between the facility and the NMSU School of Nursing must be in place.
- Please be aware that it can take 2-6 months to establish an affiliation agreement, if one is not already in place.
- Students will receive additional information about clinical courses upon acceptance to the program.
How To Apply
Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? To apply, you must complete the following:
- Apply to the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program and through the NMSU Graduate School and select “Graduate Certificate” in the application system.
- Upload the following documents to the online application:
- Current CV/resume
- Nurse practitioner or other APRN certification
- Unofficial transcripts from nursing programs/degrees
- A letter of intent specifying career goals and a clear statement of how the certificate will advance the applicant’s clinical practice
- Names and contact information for three (3) references from colleagues in clinical practice
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Official transcripts must be sent from all previously attended institutions either electronically (gradinfo@nmsu.edu) or via standard mail to the following address:
ATTN: Official Transcripts
Graduate School
New Mexico State University
Educational Services Building, Suite 301
1780 E University
Las Cruces, NM 88003Please note that you can apply with unofficial transcripts, but you will need official transcripts submitted before the end of the first semester.
- After an initial review of applications, selected applicants will be invited to attend an interview with faculty (on campus or via videoconferencing).
Admission Criteria
- Successful admission to the NMSU Graduate School
- To be eligible for the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program, an applicant must possess an active and current APRN license and certification as a nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist or clinical nurse specialist
- Master's degree in Nursing or DNP degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better
- Completion of Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Pharmacology courses that address populations across the life span. The SON offers 1 credit pediatric assessment and pharmacology courses in the summer semester for students who are missing this content.
- Admission to the Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program is a competitive process based on the components of the application and interview
Distance Education State Authorization Information (click here)
Contact Us
Our graduate advisors are here to assist you with any questions you may have. For more information about the PMHNP program at NMSU, please contact:
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Leah Baeza Academic Advisor Lead Graduate Programs (MSN, DNP) Telephone: 575-646-4007 Email: leahjh@nmsu.edu |
