Can a PMHNP/CNS teach psychology courses?

al dente · Sep 8, 2009

Hi everyone,
I am applying to a direct entry PMHNP program this year. While I want my primary job to be that of a psych NP, I hope to someday teach college part time. Now I know I would be able to teach psych nursing to students (and I hope to!), but would I ever be able to teach a psychology course (such as abnormal psych, clinical pysch etc) part time or are those exclusively limited to those with PhD's in psychology? Thanks guys!

As both a psychologist and PMHNP, I can tell you that university psychology departments typically only allow psychology faculty or teaching assistants to teach undergraduate courses. Graduate level course work is only taught by psychology faculty (full-time, part-time, or adjunct) or upper level graduate students.

As a PMHNP, you could probably teach a psychology course at a community college or a college preparatory high school if you were so inclined, but this would depend on the specific institution. You'll be in high demand in nursing schools though, and that should provide you with ample opportunities to teach.

maziemoo22 · Sep 8, 2009

Thanks al dente! Just out of curiosity, do you now practice as a Psychologist or PMHNP? If you are a PMHNP do any psychotherapy?

elkpark · Sep 8, 2009

Even most community colleges require that you must have some certain minimum number of graduate level credits in the subject you're teaching, so, unless you went back to school and took additional grad courses in psychology (as opposed to psychiatric nursing), the answer in most cases would be "no". Of course, different schools have different standards, so it wouldn't necessarily be impossible -- just not likely.