FNP to PMHNP

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Hi,

Just curious if any FNPs made the transition to PMHNP or WHNP? Did you obtain a certificate after obtaining your initial FNP? I know the requirements are different for every school, but approx how many credits/clinical hours do you typically have to complete to specialize beyond the FNP?

Thanks for any insight!

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Specializes in DHSc, PA-C.

I wouldn't think an FNP would have to do anything to work as a WHNP. You should have obtained the proper training for this through your FNP program.

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Specializes in Hospitalist.

I am getting a certification in PMHNP. I am currently an FNP. The certification program is 18 months and 550 clinical hours.

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I wouldn't think an FNP would have to do anything to work as a WHNP. You should have obtained the proper training for this through your FNP program.

Much like pediatric NPs, whnps are much more focused and have their own board requirements. FNP can technically care for both, but for something more specialized you might want the focused area training.

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I am currently finishing up a post-master's certificate for Psych NP and am currently a FNP. You still have to obtain at least 500 clinical hours to sit for the Psych NP board. The only courses I added were Neuro Patho/Phys, Psych Foundations course, Psych I+II, and now a psych practicum course (basically the externship). Of course the courses may have different names at a different institution. We have covered Peds/Geriatric considerations in every course so there is no separate course for those in my program. This may differ from others as the Psych NP certification is still one that covers the entire lifespan.

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