Online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate

The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate is designed for those who have earned a Master’s degree in nursing and seek nurse practitioner certification, or for certified nurse practitioners who would like to specify their patient population focus.

A biopsychosocial model is used to examine issues relevant to adult mental health and illness, and prepare you to provide a wide range of mental health services across the lifespan. It includes the study and application of diagnostic and treatment modalities, theories and approaches to practice. You'll learn collaborative skills to work with other healthcare professionals to provide mental healthcare services in all settings. Upon graduation, you'll be able to deliver direct (assessment, intervention) and indirect advanced practice services (consultation, case management and supervision) to individuals who are at risk for and/or require mental health services.

Program Features

  • Ranked #6 in 2020's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs: Psychiatric Mental Health NP by U.S. News & World Report
  • Ranked #16 in 2020's Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report
  • An experienced and board certified faculty from Drexel's acclaimed College of Nursing and Health Professions
  • Synchronous online lectures offer a highly interactive learning format that challenges and engages
  • Upon completion of the program, you will become eligible for Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification through ANCC
  • The post-graduate APRN certificate at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

On-Campus Requirements

This is a high-quality program that demands a major time commitment. Because you're being trained to diagnose and treat patients, this program was designed to combine the convenience of online learning with the necessary rigor to become a highly competent, confident and advanced nurse practitioner upon graduation. Thus, while most courses are offered online, some facets of the program do require on-campus visits and a clinical practicum rotation. The on-campus visits include:

  • NURS 592 PMHNP I - Summer Simulation (3 days)
  • NURS 595 PMHNP IV - Spring Simulation (3 days)

During the mandatory On-Campus Intensive, you'll participate in simulated clinical learning experiences conducted in the College of Nursing and Health Professions' state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary patient simulation lab. These visits allow professors to offer direct support, guidance, and mentoring while providing you with the opportunity to interact with faculty members and collaborate with peers. Pennsylvania RN licensure will be required prior to the start of your clinical components. While this is not a requirement for admission, we recommend starting the process immediately after admission.

Clinicals

The nurse practitioner programs in the Department of Advanced Practice Nursing at Drexel University provide you the flexibility of finding and coordinating your own clinical site and preceptor. The department also offers resources to assist you in this process. Accessibility to clinical sites and preceptors varies from state to state, and you may be required to travel to access clinical sites/preceptors and achieve the necessary clinical hours.

Online Open Houses

Learn more about this and other nursing programs during our upcoming online open house webinar series.

Questions? We're here to help!


*Online Nurse Practitioner programs are offered only on a part-time basis.
*State restrictions may apply to some programs.
*The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate program at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year 2022-2023 is $1069 per credit. (A 10% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1187 per credit)

  • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
  • Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
    • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
    • These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
    • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
    • All students must contact within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
    • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
    • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

Additional Equipment/Lab Fees

Scholarship Opportunities

At Drexel, we understand that developing a plan to finance your education is a critical step in your decision-making process. That's why we encourage students who require financial aid to fill out the FAFSA as early in the application process as possible. Learn more about Drexel's financial aid policies. In addition, nursing students are encouraged to visit the AACN to review the many scholarship opportunities that exist through the organization.

By starting or resuming an application to Drexel University, I accept that I may be contacted by phone, e-mail, direct mail, and text message.

Is the psych NP market oversaturated?

The job market for psych NPs is decidedly not saturated. If you're a specialized NP looking for a job in a small town, it may not take more than a few other similar local providers to make the job market feel full.

How hard is the PMHNP exam?

So just how hard is the PMHNP ANCC exam? In order to pass, you'll need to earn a scaled score of 350 points or more. Since possible scores range from zero to 500, you'll definitely have to be smart about your pacing.

How do you write credentials for Psych NP?

For everyday use, keep your signature plain and simple. Use only the NP-C or NP-BC designation depending on your certifying body. Or, to make your signature a bit more robust, include your highest degree followed by your certification designation. It's OK to omit your licensure.

Is a psychiatric nurse practitioner as good as a psychiatrist?

The job duties for a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist are also very similar. They both work closely with patients to develop treatment strategies designed to treat mental health issues. Common job duties for both include: Obtain medical histories from patients.