Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certificate of Advanced Study

Major Advising Sheet (opens a new window) |

Dr. Janice Sanders, Program Coordinator
McLane Hall 284
559.278.2429

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program is a one-year post-master’s program designed to prepare primary care nurse practitioners to provide the full range of psychiatric services to patients throughout the life cycle. This is a formally constructed program that meets the requirements for national certification by the American Nurse Credentialing Center as an Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health or Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

The program of study consists of 18 post-master’s units. To enhance access and provide flexibility, the program will be largely distance delivered via synchronous and asynchronous modalities.

Coursework

NURS 243 - Psychiatric Disorders & Mental Health Problems in Primary Care Units: 2
NURS 244 - Advanced Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span Units: 3
NURS 245 - Management of Common Psychiatric Conditions in Primary Care Units: 2
NURS 246 - Methods of Psychotherapy Units: 2
NURS 247 - Management & Care of Patients with Acute & Chronic Psychiatric Conditions Units: 4
NURS 248 - Psychiatric Disorders & Mental Health Problems in Special Populations Units: 2
NURS 249 - Management & Mental Health Care of Special Populations Units: 4

Total (18 units)

All courses are taken through Continuing and Global Education via special sessions. Courses are offered once a year and students proceed through the program as a cohort. There is no part-time option available at this time.

Admissions Criteria

Master’s 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.
Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a recent employer.

Admissions Procedures

Applicants first complete the online University application at calstate.edu/apply.
The program has additional requirements for admission. Complete instructions for application to the program are available within the http://calstate.edu/apply process.
All program admissions materials should be sent to:
School of Nursing
California State University, Fresno
2345 E. San Ramon Ave. M/S MH25
Fresno, CA 93740
Attn.: Janice Saunders, Program Coordinator

Certificate of Advanced Study Requirements

completion of the set program of study (18 units) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher within a 5-year period.