Division of Continuing and Global Education
Certificate of Advanced Study for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP)
Are you a nurse practitioner who is challenged by care for individuals with mental health issues? If so, the School of Nursing has a postgraduate program designed especially for you. This unique program meets the requirements for national certification by the American Nurse Credentialing Center as a Mental Health Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. The program is designed to assist in your professional competence, providing access to specialized mental health knowledge.
Program
The Certificate of Advanced Study for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) is a 19-unit, one-year post-master's program designed to prepare primary care nurse practitioners to provide a full range of psychiatric services to patients throughout the life cycle. This is a formally constructed program which includes 520 hours of faculty supervised clinical experience and meets the requirements for national certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
To enhance access and provide flexibility, the program is offered online via videoconferencing, videostreaming, and asynchronous computer-based applications. Only four on-site visits are required over the course of this one-year program.
NURS 243. Management of Psychiatric Disorders and Mental Health Problems Across the
Life Span
Major theories and models of psychiatric disorders and mental health problems. Symptoms,
underlying causes, and management of common mental disorders seen in primary care
settings such as eating disorders, anxiety, substance abuse, and depression discussed.
Ethical issues. Focus on patient as individual.
Units: 2
NURS 244. Advanced Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span
Current scientific knowledge of psychotropic regimens and application to psychiatric
disorders and mental health problems. Advanced concepts in neuroscience, pharmacokinetics,
pharmacodynamics, and clinical management.
Units: 3
NURS 245. Management of Common Psychiatric Conditions Across the Life Span Practicum
Assessment, diagnosis, and management of common mental health disorders in primary
care. Critical analysis of clinical strategies and interventions in health promotion
and maintenance and prevention of common psychiatric problems in primary care. Role
of PMHNP in community mental health. (108 hour practicum)
Units: 2
NURS 246. Methods of Psychotherapy
Types and principles of family, adult, and child psychotherapeutic interventions.
Group psychotherapeutic processes and methods of facilitation. Models of crisis
intervention, cognitive behavioral and motivational interventions. Focus on families
and groups.
Units: 2
NURS 247. Management and Care of Patients with Acute and Chronic Psychiatric Conditions
Practicum
Assessment, diagnosis, and psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic management of
common mental disorders, including psychotic conditions, uncommon presentations, acute
exacerbations, and crises. (206 hour practicum, of which 45 hours are to be in psychotherapy).
Units: 4
NURS 248. Psychiatric Disorders and Mental Health Problems in Special Populations
Assessment, diagnosis, and management of common psychiatric conditions in elderly,
children, adolescents, and diverse populations. Effect of culture on expression of
illness, help-seeking behaviors, and treatment. Disparities in mental health care,
legal and ethical issues. Focus on community.
Units: 2
NURS 249. Management and Mental Health Care of Special Populations Practicum
Assessment, diagnosis, and psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic management of
common mental disorders, with an emphasis on care of the elder adult, children, adolescents,
and diverse populations. (206 hour practicum, of which 45 hours are to be in psychotherapy).
Units: 4
Admission
Admission criteria:
- Master of Science in Nursing.
- Currently practicing as a primary care nurse practitioner, i.e. Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, or Geriatric Nurse Practitioner.
- Valid California Nurse Practitioner license and furnishing number.
- Current Drug Enforcement Administration authorization for Schedule II medications.
- Two letters of recommendation.
Admission to the program is a three-step process:
Step 1: Apply to the University
Step 2: Apply to the Program
Juan Bedolla
School of Nursing
California State University, Fresno
2345 E. San Ramon Avenue M/S MH25 Fresno, CA 93740-8031
Telephone: (559) 278-5389
This document cannot be emailed!
Step 3: Submit Transcripts
Electronic- transcripts sent electronically or as a PDF attachment MUST come directly from the issuing institution. Transcripts emailed by the applicant will not be accepted for admission review.
Have your institution email transcripts to:
Fresno State Admissions OR Fresno State Division of Graduate Studies at imaging@csufresno.edu*
Hardcopy- transcripts must remain in their original, sealed envelope.
Transcripts should be mailed to:
Graduate Admissions Office
California State University, Fresno
5150 N. Maple Ave M/S JA57
Fresno, CA 93740-8026
*This is a secure email for transcript submission ONLY. Contact the Program Coordinator
with any questions about your application.
Contact
Questions about the program? Don't hesitate; contact us today!