A Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse that seeks to improve mental health care and the overall health status of communities. With a focus on lifetime care for individuals, PMHNPs are committed to promoting mental health through assessment, diagnosis and treatment of behavioral problems, mental disorders and comorbid conditions.
Frontier Nursing University offers a graduate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty track that can be pursued full- or part-time while completing a Master of Science in Nursing or a Post-Graduate Certificate. After earning an MSN or certificate, you have the option to transition to the Companion Doctor of Nursing Practice program via a direct admission process.
With our distance education model, your home community serves as your classroom. Our flexible Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program allows you to complete courses online and complete a clinical practicum in your community. View one popular path for RNs who hold a bachelor’s degree here.
Admissions & TuitionClinical ExperienceCurriculumCourse Catalog
PMHNP PROGRAM OPTIONS
Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) for Certified Nurse-Midwives and Nurse Practitioners
In the Post-Graduate Certificate program, students who successfully complete the PMHNP will receive a post-graduate certificate and be eligible for the national certification exam as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Completion of the PMHNP Post-Graduate Certificate requires 32 credits and is an 18-month plan of study. After completion of the PGC, students have the option to transition to the Companion DNP program via a direct admission process to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Learn more about the DNP program here. Completing the DNP degree is highly recommended.
MSN for RNs with a Bachelor’s Degree
We are taking applications now for the PMHNP specialty track for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Students who successfully complete the program can apply for the national certification exam. Students are encouraged to continue their studies and earn a doctoral degree with the FNU DNP.
"Frontier has an indelible legacy of nurse practitioner education. As a PMHNP student at Frontier, you will develop lifelong relationships with faculty and staff that will support you throughout your professional journey. Our focus is on training competent and innovative practitioners that have a passion for serving their communities. Frontier is like no other, our mission is lived by both faculty and students. If you looking to build a legacy of service in your community, then Frontier is the place for you!”
- Jess Calohan, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Department Chair of Psychiatric-Mental Health
FNU News
FNU Virtual Event to Focus on Anxiety in Children, Telehealth and Implicit Bias in Healthcare
This year, National Nurse Practitioner Week will take place November 8-14, and Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is celebrating by hosting its fifth annual virtual event dedicated to nurse … [Read More...]
FNU Celebrates 50 Years of The Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) play a vital role in today’s American healthcare system, but that wasn’t always the case. Just over 50 years ago, no educators in the United States offered an FNP … [Read More...]
The Value of Obtaining your DNP at Frontier Nursing University
Twelve years ago, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) dedicated itself to providing yet another outstanding educational program, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The DNP is the highest degree available … [Read More...]
