Program Options
Clinical Contact Hours
Cohort Starts Annually
Semesters
RMU Nursing Mission
The mission of the College of Nursing is to provide a student-centered education that prepares graduates for socially responsible, outcomes-oriented, evidence-based autonomous, and collaborative practice.
RMU Nursing Vision
The vision of the College of Nursing is to prepare graduate-level nurses to advance the quality, delivery, and efficacy of healthcare.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Expand into Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice
Our program develops clinicians who manage the care of patients and participate in system change. This is done by identifying best practices in the psychiatric and mental healthcare of the individual across the lifespan. Graduates will increase their contribution to healthcare through the knowledge and skills developed in this program.
Prepare for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner National Certification Exam & Licensure
Become a practicing Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. After graduating from our certificate program you are eligible to take the ANCC national certification exam to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Then you will be able to apply for licensure in advanced practice nursing as a PMHNP.
Designed for Practicing NPs and RNs
Our PMHNP Certificate program is specifically designed for practicing NPs or RNs with a master’s degree in nursing. Keep caring for your patients without having to relocate while you earn your next certification. Our online program is designed for you, the busy NP or RN, who is ready to make an even greater impact on patients in your clinic or practice setting. For those with a master’s degree who are interested in dual certification, our FNP/PMHNP Certificate was designed for you.
Nurses with a BSN can pursue this certification through our MSN-PMHNP program which empowers them to become a PMHNP while gaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Or pursue dual certification with our MSN-FNP/PMHNP program.
540+ Clinical Contact Hours
Gain the hands-on experience you need. You will complete at least 540+ clinical contact hours to earn your PMHNP. Fulfill the clinical components of the program in your local community. Feel confident to practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
3 Start Dates Each Year
Start your PMHNP program when it works best for your schedule. Begin in winter (January), summer (May), or fall semester (August).
PMHNP OPTIONS
MSN-PMHNP
MSN-PMHNP
Nurses with a BSN can prepare for a career as a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner while earning their MSN. In less than two years (5 semesters), you’ll earn both credentials, and be able to begin your career as a nurse practitioner.
MSN-FNP/PMHNP
MSN-FNP/PMHNP
Registered nurses with a BSN can take their education even further through our MSN track that prepares students to work as an FNP and a PMHNP. In 6 semesters, or 2 years (1080 clinical contact hours), you’ll earn your MSN and gain the ultimate clinical flexibility through a study of both the mind and the body.
PMHNPC
PMHNP Certificate (Post-Master’s)
Nurses with an MSN can pursue standalone certification as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse practitioners. In only 4 semesters, including at least 540 clinical contact hours, you will be prepared to provide critical mental healthcare to patients in need.
FNPC/PMHNPC
Dual FNP/PMHNP Certificate (Post-Master’s)
Treat every aspect of patient wellness through this dual certification option. Over the course of 5 semesters (1080 clinical contact hours), you’ll learn to care for the mind and the body and equip your career with uncommon flexibility.
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Our curriculum is designed to help you prepare to be the best Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Be a part of the solution to the mental health crisis; offer the care your patients need.
Psychiatric Assessment and Diagnosis
Learn to accurately assess psychiatric symptoms, from the history of present illness to a detailed mental status exam. Clarify the diagnosis and develop a detailed, evidence-based treatment plan. Focus on advanced psychiatric assessment, like mental status exams, psychiatric review of symptoms, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy
Explore the theoretical foundations of psychotherapy and strategies to implement evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
Psychopharmacology
Take courses in pharmacology and psychopharmacology. Learn how to prescribe and monitor psychopharmaceutical and therapeutic agents. Integrate evidence-based prescribing into your practice.
Lifespan Psychiatric Mental Health
Apply knowledge of advanced health assessment, psychopathophysiology, psychopharmacotherapeutics, and psychotherapeutic modalities in clinical settings. Focus on children, adolescents, adults, older adults, and families. Learn differential diagnoses and treatment plans that include genetic, age, gender, and cultural influences, as well as laboratory findings and diagnostic studies. Effectively implement strategies and interventions.
Nurse Practitioner Core
Complete the NP core during the PMHNP program. Learn through separate courses in advanced practice roles, advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology.
Semester Starts
Winter 2024
Priority Application Deadline
Final Application Deadline
Semester Start
Summer 2024
Priority Application Deadline
Final Application Deadline
Semester Start
Fall 2024
Priority Application Deadline
Final Application Deadline
Semester Start
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
MSN Requirements
- BSN degree from an accredited institution (or foreign equivalent
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- At least one year of clinical experience preferred (required for PMHNP)
- A current unencumbered RN license in your state of residence
Post Master’s Certificate Requirements
- Master’s (or higher) degree in nursing from an accredited institution (or foreign equivalent)
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- At least one year of clinical experience required
- Current unencumbered RN license in your state of residence
Prior to starting your program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions College of Nursing, you are required to provide evidence of your immunization status.
Current vaccination requirements include:
- Hepatitis B
- MMR
- Varicella
- TDap
- COVID-19
- Annual influenza
- Annual TB testing
FACULTY
Kelly Conway
DNP, CNS
Dean of College of Nursing
Allyce K. Jones
DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE, NCMP, PMH-C
PMHNP Program Director
Janet Noles
PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
DNP & FNP Program Director
UNIVERSITY ACCREDITATION
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (8060 165th Avenue NE Ste 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the US Department of Education.
PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
The master’s degree program in nursing at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
On behalf of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the CCNE Board of Commissioners acted at its meeting on April 25-28, 2023, to grant accreditation to the master’s degree program in nursing at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions for 5 years, extending to June 30, 2028. The accreditation action is effective as of September 14, 2022, which is the first day of the program’s recent CCNE on-site evaluation. The accreditation was awarded with no compliance concerns.
Tuition & Financial Aid
There are many ways you can pay for your education and receive aid. See how our Financial Aid Office can help you fund your education.
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance (COA) is the cornerstone of establishing a student's financial need, as it sets a limit on the total aid that a student may receive. Learn more...