Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate


Program Overview

In response to our nation’s mental health treatment crisis, we're offering a new post-master’s certificate designed to prepare nurse practitioners to provide advanced mental health treatment to individuals with mental health disorders. PMHNPs are in high demand and uniquely qualified to fill the workforce gaps in the mental health system and have an important perspective on both the physical and mental health needs of people seeking quality care.

Dr. Moran provides an overview of the mental health crisis and our certificate during a short interview on the WGVU Morning Show. 
LISTEN HERE

Why Grand Valley?

  • The hybrid format is ideal for working adults through online coursework and high-impact in-seat classes at the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences (CHS) in downtown Grand Rapids.
  • Highly qualified faculty are invested in student success and relevant coursework.
  • Grand Valley is highly respected by employers across the region.

     

Coursework

Courses focus on growth and development across a person’s lifespan, psychopharmacology, theories of mental health and personality, treatment modalities (individual, group, and family), and practicum experiences. 22 credits can be earned, depending on previous coursework completed.

Admission Criteria

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA at the graduate level
  • Graduate of accredited Advance Practice Registered Nurse program and licensed as a registered nurse (RN) in the State of Michigan
  • Completed online application with an educational/professional goal statement.
  • Curriculum vitae or resume and interview with our nursing faculty
  • Successful completion of background check and drug screen, as well as compliance with health records, immunizations, and our graduate program requirements

Application Timeline

Applications accepted throughout the year for fall cohort start. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to Grand Valley State University. Please visit gvsu.edu/gradapply/.


Progression Plan

The following pre-requisite courses must be completed before beginning the program:
NUR 620 - Clinical Pharmacology - 3 credits
NUR 610 - Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning - 4 credits
NUR 621 - Clinical Pathophysiology - 4 credits

FIRST SEMESTER
NUR 628 - Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice - 3 credits
NUR 631 - Human Development Across the Lifespan - 3 credits

SECOND SEMESTER
NUR 676 - Theoretical Perspectives-Mental Health - 3 credits

THIRD SEMESTER
NUR 677 - Mental Health Practicum: Diagnosis and Treatment of Individuals - 4 credits

FOURTH SEMESTER
NUR 678 - Mental Health Practicum: Group and Family Therapy - 4 credits

FIFTH SEMESTER
NUR 679 - Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum - 5 credits

Total Credits: 22 

Total Clinical Hours: 750
NUR 677 (225 hours), NUR 678 (225 hours), NUR 679 (300 hours) 


The Kirkhof College of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate programs prepare registered nurses to take the national certification exam in their area of specialty (clinical nurse leader, primary care adult/gerontology nurse practitioner, primary care pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or nurse executive). Graduates seeking to practice in a state other than Michigan must meet the requirements of that state. For more information regarding state licensure/certification requirements, please visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website at https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm.



Page last modified August 2, 2023