Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certificate of Advanced Study

The Department of ​School of Nursing  

Dr. Harkirat Bal, Program Director
McLane Hall 285
559.278.8432

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 (ANCC) as an Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health or Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) across the lifespan.

The program of study consists of 19 post-master’s units. To enhance access and provide flexibility, the program will be largely distance delivered via synchronous and asynchronous modalities. 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

Applicants must be admitted to California State University, Fresno, Division of Graduate Studies. Applicant must meet all of the following eight (8) requirements at the time the application is submitted:

1. Completion of either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a higher degree [ DNP, Ph.D., or EdD.] from an accredited college with Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Submitting an unofficial copy and an official transcript for each college attended is required. Applicants will be conditionally admitted into the program by reviewing unofficial transcripts. However, official transcripts for each college attended must be submitted prior to the deadline
2. Transcript must indicate the 3Ps (advanced practice level course) with a minimum grade of “B” in every course
   • Advanced Pathophysiology (at least 3 credits)
   • Advanced Physical Assessment (at least 3 credits)
   • Advanced Pharmacology (at least 3 credits)
3. Valid Active California Nurse Practitioner license and Furnishing Number. The license must remain active throughout the program
4. A minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience as an NP is required at the time of application is submitted. Previous mental health experience as an RN or NP is preferred (but not required)
5. Currently practicing (either full time, part time, or per diem) in any of the following five categories as a Nurse Practitioner:
   • Family/Individual Across the life span
   • Adult-gerontology, primary care or acute care
   • Neonatal
   • Pediatrics, primary care or acute care
   • Women’s Health/Gender-related
6. Upload a copy of current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) authorization for Schedule II-V drugs. The DEA must remain active throughout the program
7. Valid Active California Registered Nurse (RN) licensure
8. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Once accepted into the program, the following requirements must be met before enrolling in coursework:

1. One reference check using Likert scale sent directly by the recommender (preferred from potential preceptor (MD/DO/PMHNP-BC).
2. A complete physical exam and immunization (submit copy once officially accepted into the program)
3. A phone interview by the program coordinator/director

Admissions Procedures

1. The deadline for admissions is March 1.
2. Applicants first complete the online University application at calstate.edu/apply.
3. 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
Attn.: Dr. Harkirat Bal, Program Director
2345 E. San Ramon Ave. M/S MH25
Fresno, CA 93740

All materials must be received by April 1.

Certificate of Advanced Study Requirements: completion of the set program of study (19 units) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher within a 5-year period.