The Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares students to deliver comprehensive, continuous care focused on preventing and treating mental health issues and psychiatric disorders. Students are trained to conduct individual and group therapy, as well as prescribe and manage medications in partnership with patients, promoting mental health and well-being. The curriculum covers care across the lifespan and varying levels of severity, emphasizing holistic, trauma-informed approaches grounded in resilience and healing. Ethical practice is built upon self-awareness and strong therapeutic relationships, forming the foundation of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner care.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see https://grs.uncg.edu/programs/.

In addition to the minimum admission materials required by the Graduate School, applicants must have:

1. An M.S.N. or D.N.P. degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA with completion of a Nurse Practitioner program.
2. Current non-restricted license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in North Carolina.
3. Official copy of national NP certification.
4. Completion of advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, & advance physical/health assessment.
5. Three professional recommendations that attest to applicant’s academic ability, readiness for certificate program, professional competency, and character with at least one reference from a healthcare provider (RN, DO, MD, NP, PA).
6. Official transcripts from each institution where applicant earned (or will earn) a degree, studied for one semester or more, earned 12 or more credit hours, or took classes related to graduate study.
7. Current/Updated Resume/CV.

Certificate Program Requirements

Required: 23 credit hours

The Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a 23-credit hour (7 courses) program designed to be completed over four semesters. It includes both didactic course work and 510 clinical hours focused on PMHNP practice. Students will receive credit via GAP analysis for at least 300 clinical hours from their previous NP program that they completed, ensuring their total clinical experience aligns with the 750-hour recommendation by the NONPF for NP practice.

A flexible delivery format, including online courses, will accommodate working NPs, allowing them to transition quickly into the PMHNP role. It will include both didactic course work and clinical practicum experiences to ensure that students acquire the skills necessary to provide high-quality mental health care.

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Required Courses (18 credits)
NUR 676	Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice	3
NUR 677	Assessment and Diagnosis of Psychiatric and Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan	3
NUR 678	Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice for Individuals and Groups	2
NUR 679	Managing Complex Psychiatric Disorders in Adults and Families	4
NUR 690	Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical	4
NUR 691	Managing Complex Psychiatric Disorders in Special and Vulnerable Populations	2
Capstone Experience (5 credits)
NUR 693	Integrative Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical	5
Total Credit Hours		23