What is the academic process from Psychiatric RN to PMHNP ?

Specialties NP

Published

Looking to understand the academic process of going from Psychiatric RN to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

Any information would be appreciated,

Sincerley,

Spiri

Ok, let me break down the steps for you (others may elaborate):

1. Attend a PMHNP program

Ok, let me break down the steps for you (others may elaborate):

1. Attend a PMHNP program

lol ...

And, just to elaborate, PMHNP programs are all at least Master's programs (many schools are moving to doctoral programs these days). So, you would need to complete a graduate degree (with a PMHNP specialization) and pass the national certification exam.

I found a PMHNP program. USA College of Nursing.

Is anyone familiar with the PMHNP program offered at USA College of Nursing in Alabama ?

Any information / feedback would be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Spiri

I think siri has had positive experiences with their students. She should be along shortly.

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Thanks, zenman

Yes, USA is a good program, but I've only had experience with their other specialty tracks, not the PMHNP students.

To the OP, as stated above, if you are interested in this specialty track of NP, just contact that program, request information, and go from there. As pointed out by elkpark, the DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice) may be required for NPs as of 2015, so be sure you consider this as well. Here's a thread on this subject: Doctoral degree to become an NP??

I think you will be satisfied with USA. As I stated, it is a good school.

Good luck.

If it goes into effect for 2015 does this mean in order to graduate with just a masters you must be enrolled in a program by 2015. Or will it go into effect even for people who's expected graduation date falls after the Doctorate would be required? I hope that made sense. Thanks!

I am half way through the FMHPNP program at USA. Program is extremely demanding (as are most graduate programs). Fair warning, getting through the core classes (advanced assessment, research, patho and pharm) will stretch you to the limits like you have never experienced before.

Specializes in Psych, Chem Dependency, Occ. Health.
I am half way through the FMHPNP program at USA. Program is extremely demanding (as are most graduate programs). Fair warning, getting through the core classes (advanced assessment, research, patho and pharm) will stretch you to the limits like you have never experienced before.

Congrats on being halfway through the program! I'm doing advanced patho and theory/research right now in an FNP program and I agree. It is tough, you really have to buckle down.

I'm considering applying to the PMHNP program(BSN-DNP) at USA. I heard the competition for the masters programs is just insane right now. I started my app for spring but then got accepted to a fall FNP program so I never finished it. I'm hoping that if I do apply and get in that they will let me transfer in patho/pharm/assessment. PMHNP is what I really want, a majority of my nursing experience is in psych/addictions and I have no plans to leave the mental health area. I thought I'd do the FNP and then go right back for PMHNP but I just feel like if I'm going to give this kind of time to something for 3-4 years, it should be what I really want to do. Good luck on finishing up, you are almost there!

Sue

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