Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner talks with patient

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Care for the Mental Health of Individuals, Families and Communities

Admission FAQs

What is the PMHNP admission criteria?

Online PMHNP program applicants must have received a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Potential students who meet admission criteria with a CGPA for the BSN degree between 2.5 to 2.99 will be provisionally accepted into the MSN-PMHNP program and given a formal NP assessment—at no cost—to determine your starting course within the MSN-PMHNP track. The assessment determines your science proficiency so we can provide the best resources and support to foster your success in the MSN-PMHNP courses, following your acceptance.

A Bachelor’s degree in nursing or higher and a current, unrestricted RN license are required in order to enroll in our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. The RN license must be issued in the United States or from a jurisdiction of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCSBN.

PMHNP students are required to provide a background and fingerprint check.

Does Chamberlain accept transfer credit?

Transfer credits from other PMHNP programs and institutions are considered on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with the transfer credit policy. Transfer credits for the PMHNP specialty track may only fulfill core course requirements in the MSN degree curriculum. Chamberlain will accept a total of six semester hours from other institutions.

Transfer Guide

How long is nurse practitioner school?

Students may complete nurse practitioner school requirements in two-and-a-half years, or eight semesters, of full-time study if they take two courses per semester for three semesters each year. Some students choose to space out the program requirements and take longer to complete their studies.

How long is a PMHNP Program?

Our PMHNP track can be completed in as few as two-and-a-half years of full-time study.

Do I have to find my own preceptor?

Before starting the MSN-PMHNP program, you do not need to identify a preceptor. Once you complete the application process, your admission representative will provide you with information on how to identify a potential practicum site and preceptor. After that you will be matched with a dedicated team to support you in securing your practicum site and preceptor. As an added service to you, our experiential learning team is available to assist in the preceptor and site matching process.

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View Our Accreditations, State Authorizations, and More

Chamberlain University accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.com  an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Chamberlain University confers online degrees from its Main Campus in Addison, IL.

For a complete list, and to learn more, check out our authorizations or view our approvals in your state

 

MSN-PMHNP Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out if I qualify for tuition savings?

Your admissions representative can help identify if you qualify for tuition savings through a partnership with your employer, community college or association. Alternatively, you may qualify for a scholarship or grant.

What is an MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

Psychiatric mental health is an area of focus within nursing. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) work with individuals, families, groups, and communities, assessing their mental health needs. PMHNPs offer primary care services to the psychiatric-mental health population. They assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with psychiatric disorders or the potential for such disorders using their full scope of therapeutic skills, including the prescription of medication and administration of psychotherapy.

Is this a Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP online program?

The MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track features 100% online coursework. The PMHNP curriculum consists of 45 specialty track credit hours. Online PMHNP courses will be completed in addition to 625 onsite lab and clinical hours.

I’ve never taken an online course before and I’m a little nervous. How do I prepare myself for online PMHNP learning?

Chamberlain has several resources that can help you become acclimated to the online PMHNP program classroom. Once you apply you will have access to Chamberlain Care Student Success Strategies, which provides information on time management, scholarly writing, using the library and more. You can also ask your admissions representative for a personal tour of the online environment in which you will be taking classes.

Are campus visits required?

Campus visits are not required. The MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track has 45 credit hours of PMHNP online coursework. The MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty track does require two visits; one for the immersion experience as part of NR-509, and one for intensive as part of NR-667.

What is a PMHNP Program?

Our PMHNP track is designed to prepare you to manage patients’ mental health needs and sit for national certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). The track focuses on the management of acute and chronic mental health conditions, prevention, and wellness in inpatient and/or outpatient psychiatric mental healthcare settings.

What does a PMHNP do?

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) assess the mental health needs of individuals, families, groups and communities, as well as offer primary mental health services. They assess, diagnose and treat individuals and families with psychiatric disorders or the potential for such disorders using their full scope of therapeutic skills, including the prescription of medication and the administration of psychotherapy.

Can a PMHNP work as an FNP?

With the proper supplementary education, yes. A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner can become a family nurse practitioner through a graduate certificate program like the one offered at Chamberlain University. Chamberlain’s Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program provides a pathway to career change or enhancement for nurses who already hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.