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.
Nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness. Many of these disorders are identified mid-to late-adolescence, but left untreated, resulting in lifetime symptoms.
The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate is designed for advanced practice prepared nurses (Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified NurseMidwives and/or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists). Students will participate in practicums at outpatient or inpatient behavioral clinics.
Program Type
Graduate Certificate
Program Format
On Campus, Online
Improve the health and well-being in and around Wisconsin by pursuing a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate. Practicum placements at UWM College of Nursing are a collaborative effort. Qualified applicants may apply to the two $12,500 Adel B. Korkor M.D. Scholarships.
PMHNPs will be in high demand, particularly in medically underserved areas such as inner cities and rural areas. The demand for psychiatric nurse practitioners exceeds these projections.
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 | 3 |
Summer
| Course Title | UWM | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Mental Health Theory II | NURS 742 | 3 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health NP Practicum II | NURS 782 | 3 |
Fall
| Course Title | UWM | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Mental Health Theory III | NURS 743 | 3 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health NP Practicum III | NURS 783 | 3 |
*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.
Time Requirement
It is expected that students will complete the certificate in one year.
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.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation, two (2) of which are from persons most knowledgeable about the applicant’s recent academic and work experiences.
- Personal interviews with a faculty member may be requested.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal statement that includes rationale for certificate study and career goals.
- All applicants- even those already enrolled in a UWM graduate program- must apply to the UWM Graduate School through the Panthera admission application.
- Graduate degree and previously admitted graduate non-degree students who decide to pursue a certificate program must submit the Panthera application before completing six credits in the certificate sequence.
- 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.
May 15
(Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis per space availability)