Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Developing skills necessary to foster positive health outcomes
If you’re hoping to enter a booming career field, look no further than becoming a nurse practitioner. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this job is expected to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, there are an anticipated 31,900 jobs open annually, providing plenty of opportunities for graduates in this industry.
Ready to further your education and become a family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner? Molloy University’s advanced certificate program can equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to help families experiencing mental health disorders or challenges.
Why Earn a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Degree?
This degree is for the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who wants to add a psychiatry mental health focus to their certifications, obtaining a post-master certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Advanced Certificate Program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses in the primary, secondary, and tertiary care of individuals of all ages experiencing psychiatric-mental health disorders and their families.
Earning a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) degree from Molloy University offers a unique opportunity to advance your nursing career while making a significant impact on community mental health. Molloy’s program is designed with a holistic approach that integrates cutting-edge clinical training, evidence-based practice, and compassionate patient care. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from experienced faculty, and diverse clinical placement opportunities that prepare them to treat individuals and families across the lifespan.
PMHNP students work closely with a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist in multiple settings, gaining both classroom education and hands-on training. Through this program, graduates are eligible for New York State certification, which grants prescriptive privileges. It also makes them eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
What Will You Learn?
As mental health issues continue to grow, trained professionals are more necessary than ever before. In this advanced certificate program, students will acquire the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to thrive in any healthcare setting. The curriculum assists students in developing skills necessary to foster positive health outcomes through the practice of promotion, prevention, and self-care.
Through this program, students will be able to:
- Identify signs of mental illness or conditions
- Assess physical and mental health conditions
- Diagnose psychiatric disorders
- Prescribe and perform therapeutic and corrective interventions
- Conduct crisis intervention
The curriculum also covers key areas such as psychopharmacology, advanced psychiatric assessment, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions, equipping learners to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders. The program emphasizes holistic care, cultural competence, and the importance of interprofessional collaboration, ensuring students are prepared to address complex mental health needs and promote wellness in various clinical settings.
In addition to clinical expertise, Molloy University's FPMHNP program places a strong emphasis on developing leadership and advocacy skills. Students will learn how to navigate and influence healthcare policy, advocate for patients’ rights, and contribute to the improvement of mental health services in and around their communities.
The program also provides opportunities to engage in research and evidence-based projects, enhancing students’ ability to apply the latest scientific findings to clinical practice. Through these experiences, learners will be better prepared to deliver high-quality psychiatric care and serve as leaders and change agents in mental health, driving improvements in practice standards and healthcare outcomes.
Did you know Molloy has a DNP pathway for APRN post certificate programs? Pathways to DNP
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Required Courses
PMHNP Program Courses - 15 Credits
- NUR 5510 PMHNP: Practicum in Primary Care I (165 clinical hours) – 2 credits
- NUR 5520 PMHNP: Practicum in Primary Care II (165 clinical hours) – 2 credits
- NUR 5530 PMHNP: Practicum in Primary Care III (165 clinical hours) – 2 credits
- NUR 5920 PMHNP: Theoretical Foundations (60 clinical hours) – 3 credits
- NUR 5931 PMHNP: Diagnostics and Therapeutics I – 2 credits
- NUR 5941 PMHNP: Diagnostics and Therapeutics II – 2 credits
- NUR 5951 PMHNP: Diagnostics and Therapeutics III – 2 credits
Gap Analysis of prior program will determine need for additional courses.
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Catalog Course Descriptions
For more information and course descriptions visit our Graduate Course Catalog.
Psychiatric Mental Health NP - Adv. Cert.