Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate
Mental health care remains a national unmet need and a need within Wisconsin. The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is prepared to work with patients across the lifespan.
PMHNPs are in high demand, particularly in medically underserved areas such as inner cities and rural areas. The demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners exceeds these projections.
The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate is designed for advanced practice prepared nurses (Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Nurse Midwives and/or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists). Students will participate in practicums at outpatient or inpatient behavioral clinics.
Program Type
Graduate Certificate
Program Format
Hybrid
The 12-month, 21-credit Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate is designed to provide advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with preparation as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Employment or prior experience in psychiatric care is highly preferred.
Graduates are eligible for PMHNP certification through ANCC and pursue licensure nationwide. This specialty certificate builds upon existing education and broadens the scope of practice of currently licensed advanced practice prepared nurses.
Program Facts:
- Format: Hybrid
- Credits: 21
- Length: 3 semesters (12 months)
- Clinical Hours: 550 minimum + 80 simulation hours
- Dedicated clinical placement support
- Start Term: Spring only
- Estimated Tuition: 7 credits per semester $5,760.13 for three semesters.
Outcomes and Competencies
The PMHNP Post Graduate Certificate Program will prepare students consistent with the 2021 AACN Essentials and core nurse practitioner competencies (NONPF, 2022; AACN, 2021).
Gainful Employment
This certificate program is subject to federal gainful employment regulations.
Due to new federal financial aid regulations, beginning with the summer 2017 term, students who had not previously been awarded federal financial aid at UWM and are enrolled in a standalone certificate program will no longer be eligible for federal Title IV aid. Students in a standalone certificate program who are seeking financial assistance may be eligible for private loans. Private loans are not guaranteed as they are subject to lender approval including a credit check.
FastChoice is a tool that will help you learn what to look for when shopping for a private loan. At the end of the short tutorial, it will provide a comparison shopping tool allowing you to sort, filter, and compare up to five lenders at one time.
Upon applying for the loan of your choice and being approved, the UWM Financial Aid Office will be notified by the lender to provide enrollment information. At such time the loan will be added to your financial aid award.
For previously enrolled students who have been awarded federal financial aid, see the Gainful Employment Certificate Disclosure Information: Gainful Employment Certificate Disclosure Information.
Spring
| Course Title | UWM | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Mental Health Theory I | NURS 741 | 3 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health NP Practicum I | NURS 781 | 4 |
Summer
| Course Title | UWM | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Mental Health Theory II | NURS 742 | 3 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health NP Practicum II | NURS 782 | 4 |
Fall
| Course Title | UWM | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Mental Health Theory III | NURS 743 | 3 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health NP Practicum III | NURS 783 | 4 |
*The six courses for the certificate may also be taken as part of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program for those not currently prepared as advanced practice nurses. Completion of the certificate makes graduates eligible for certification and licensure as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
The admission requirements of the Psychiatric Mental Health graduate certificate are consistent with those requirements specified by the UWM’s Graduate School. The admission requirements for the advanced practice certificate programs are in transition. Contact School of Nursing Student Affairs Academic Advisor prior to submitting an application. In addition, students must also meet the following requirements for the School of Nursing (more details in the application):
- A master’s or doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited program providing preparation as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist.
- Certification in their current advanced practice registered nurse specialty as applicable.
- Completion with a grade of B or better of a graduate-level course in physiology/pathophysiology, pharmacology, and comprehensive health assessment. Evidence of prescriptive authority in the state of Wisconsin will be accepted in place of graduate pharmacology.
- Current registration as a registered nurse in the state of Wisconsin.
The admission requirements of the Post Graduate Certificates are consistent with those requirements specified by the Graduate School of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition, nurses must meet the following requirements for nursing:
- Apply through the UWM Graduate School by June 1st for spring start
- Hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program with APRN preparation (CNS, NP, CRNA, or midwife)
- Maintain current APRN certification and current RN license in WI
- Certification in current advanced practice registered nurse speciality
- Completed advanced graduate coursework with a B or better in the following:
- Across the Lifespan Pathophysiology
- Across the Lifespan Pharmacology
- Across the Lifespan Health Assessment
- Evidence of prescriptive authority in the state of Wisconsin will be accepted in place of graduate pharmacology
- Submit the following:
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
- Updated resume/CV
- Personal statement that includes rationale for certificate study and professional goals
- Complete an interview. A faculty member may reach out to you to schedule a virtual interview.
- Have at least one year of clinical experience relevant to the chosen speciality
- One year of practice as an advanced practice nurse at the time of starting certificate program coursework. Employment or prior experience in speciality is highly preferred.
Time Limit
The certificate program time limit is one year from the time of enrollment.
Early Action Application: June 1st (spring start)
After June 1: pending space availability
(Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis per space availability)
Upcoming Information Sessions
Join an upcoming virtual information session to discuss certificate details and application questions.
- Mar30March 30, 2027, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
- May13May 13, 2027, 4:00pm - 5:00pm