Program Quick Facts
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Flexible, online classes make it easier to reach your goals while balancing work and family life.
Pursue a Nursing Career in Mental Health
The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate at NMSU Global Campus is a flexible, affordable way to build on your professional knowledge and move into a mental health specialization. We understand how broad the nursing profession can be, so our curriculum was designed to help you pivot your career.
With 100% online coursework, this program teaches you how to provide high-quality care for a wider range of patients, boosting your value in the nursing field.
Apply NowCareer Pathways
While job prospects may vary by your area of nursing specialization, here is a potential path you may pursue with this graduate certificate:
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan)
“The faculty at NMSU Global Campus is really willing to work with you and with your schedule, too.”
Jessica G., Class of 2024
If you’ve already earned your master’s degree in nursing or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and hold national certification in a clinical specialty area, then our Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate offers you a great way to become certified in another advanced-practice specialty.
This one-year program, which focuses on long-term mental health issues, teaches you how to improve the quality of healthcare and utilize best-practice research methods in the field, and it offers you a curriculum that builds upon the four core PMHNP competencies:
- Advanced Health Assessment (physical and psychosocial)
- Diagnosis (diagnosis of mental disorders, pathophysiology, and neurophysiology)
- Psychotherapy (individual, group, and family)
- Medication Management (pharmacology and psychopharmacology)
In addition to your 100% online coursework, this certificate program requires a minimum of 500 clinical hours, giving you the opportunity to work alongside professional nurses and doctors as you hone your new specialized skills.
Once you have completed the program, you’re prepared to sit for the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam.
Interested applicants should review program information on the School of Nursing’s website and contact the Nursing Graduate Academic Advisor.
Delivery Format: 100% online with on-site clinical hours Program Credits: 18 credits Program Length: 1 year Cost Per Credit Hour: $444.40* base tuition + $49/credit tuition differential*** Active Military Cost Per Credit Hour: $250* + $49/credit tuition differential*** College: Health, Education, and Social Transformation Application Deadlines: January 15, 2024 (priority deadline), March 15, 2024 (final deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year) Fill out the form to talk to an advisor.
The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate consists of 18 credits, including a minimum of 500 clinical hours that cannot be waived or negotiated. Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology are prerequisite courses.
Admission requirements include:
- An active and current APRN license and certification as a nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist
- A master’s degree in nursing or DNP with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- A resume
- Unofficial transcripts
- A letter of intent
- Contact information for three references
| Sample Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| NURS 6410: PMHNP Across the Lifespan I | 3 |
| NURS 6411: PMHNP Across the Lifespan I Practicum | 3 |
| NURS 6420: PMHNP Across the Lifespan II | 3 |
| NURS 6352: Integrated Care for Diverse Populations | 3 |
| NURS 6431: PMHNP Across the Lifespan III Practicum | 3 |
Please note: the program only accepts applicants in Fall.
At NMSU Global Campus, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU and NMSU Global Campus students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: globalFA@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.
*Terms and conditions apply.
**For NMSU Global Campus programs and courses, the per credit hour cost is listed above. Special tuition agreements (Western Undergraduate Exchange, Descubre, etc.) are not applicable to NMSU Global Campus programs. Course fees still apply and are charged separately. Textbooks, uniforms, equipment, etc., are additional program costs. Additional per credit costs might be charged by the program, department or college.
***In addition to standard NMSU tuition cost per credit hour, there is an additional tuition differential of $49 per credit hour for nursing courses.