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.
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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
Pandemic Emphasizes Need for Mental Health Practitioners and Preceptors: Q&A with Dr. Jess Calohan
Editor’s Note: Dr. Jess Calohan, DNP, is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of FNU’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. A recent retiree from the United States Army after … [Read More...]
Alumni Spotlight: Rachel Sherman Works with Her Community to Heal Racial Injustice
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) alumni Rachel Sherman spent last year working as a nurse practitioner in her community, earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and advocating for racial … [Read More...]
Alumni Spotlight: Megan Simenc Carries on FNU Legacy at Boise VA Medical Center
As we all learned in high school, whether it’s good or bad, reputation matters. Within the Boise VA Medical Center, it’s safe to say Frontier Nursing University has a good reputation. In recent years, … [Read More...]
