APMHNP annoyed that they add FPMHNP..what now?

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

So I graduated Jan 2009 with the APMHNP. First question - I was under the impression I could only see 17+, but I see all over the place that APMHNP can see 13+. Is this a state based or a federal thing?

Second - as far as I can tell, the FPMHNP doesn't take any longer and has the same amount of clinical hours, watered down across the whole life span, that I had to do to see just adults. Too bad they didn't offer that when I started.

Unfortunately, being able to see kids would make me infinitely more marketable. Is anyone else in this position and what did you do? Will the ANCC just let me sit for the FPMHNP? Do I actually have to go take MORE classes and spend more money to do so, with another 500 clinical hours? I realize life is unfair but this is ridiculous. Obviously, people doing 500 over the whole life span aren't spending 500 on just one age range, so maybe I can do, say 100 hours in child and then sit.

Any ideas, I'd appreciate it.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Good luck. I'm an adult health CNS who needs to be able to see kids....so I'm completing a peds CNS.

Don't think a certifying board is going to let you sit for an exam unless you complete the program.

And yes, I had to do another 525 hours clinicals for the peds CNS.

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

I'd talk to your program director, or contact one in your area. If you are affilitated with a graduate SON, you'd be surprised what they can do for you. A few classes (3-6hrs and one rotation 120hrs) or EVEN LESS might get your a signature on that precious ANCC form. I'd try several different avenues.

This is why many post masters ask for a "portfolio for analysis." It isn't a degree, instead a certificate and many times does not require all the course work, avoiding redundancy (what a concept huh?).

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Specializes in Psychiatry.
I'd talk to your program director, or contact one in your area. If you are affilitated with a graduate SON, you'd be surprised what they can do for you. A few classes (3-6hrs and one rotation 120hrs) or EVEN LESS might get your a signature on that precious ANCC form. I'd try several different avenues.

This is why many post masters ask for a "portfolio for analysis." It isn't a degree, instead a certificate and many times does not require all the course work, avoiding redundancy (what a concept huh?).

Hmm, I have not heard of that. I will ask - I only graduated last year.

Have either of you heard of APMHNP seeing 13+?

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Specializes in Psychiatry.
Good luck. I'm an adult health CNS who needs to be able to see kids....so I'm completing a peds CNS.

Don't think a certifying board is going to let you sit for an exam unless you complete the program.

And yes, I had to do another 525 hours clinicals for the peds CNS.

That would make sense, except for the fact that they just made up this new credential and it requires the same 500 hours as mine, and that's watered down over the whole lifespan. I'm calling the ANCC now actually.

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

In TN, I can see 12+ as an ANP. Although, I'd never start a 12-17.99 on any Rx. Punt to PEDS first, let them send to Psych or PsyD/you/LCSW, etc. Waaaaaaaaaaaay beyond little ole me. :)

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Just got off with the ANCC. They state that the APMHNP exam covers 13 to end of lifespan, so that according to them, I am certified to see anyone 13+. However, it depends on the BON statute for the state in which you want to practice. In Missouri, the BON told me that as long as I have that certification and I feel comfortable, I may see anyone 13+. Iowa said the same thing.

Evidently, then, a post-masters is useless for those in this situation unless you wish to see 1 to 12 year olds.

Hope this helps someone.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.
Good luck. I'm an adult health CNS who needs to be able to see kids....so I'm completing a peds CNS.

Don't think a certifying board is going to let you sit for an exam unless you complete the program.

And yes, I had to do another 525 hours clinicals for the peds CNS.

Psychiatry criteria is different than non-behavioral health, so my above statement re: 13+ is applicable only to APMHNP.

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Psychiatry criteria is different than non-behavioral health, so my above statement re: 13+ is applicable only to APMHNP.

It also depends on your state and hospital. In GA ACNPs can see patients 13+. However, our hospital only lets ACNPs see patients 18+.

David Carpenter, PA-C

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Specializes in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry.
Hmm, I have not heard of that. I will ask - I only graduated last year.

Have either of you heard of APMHNP seeing 13+?

The Adult PMHNP is credentialed to see individuals 13 yo and up

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