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-graduate 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 21 post-graduate 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.

Requirements for the PMHNP Program:

Applicants must be admitted to California State University, Fresno, Division of Graduate Studies. At the time of application submission, all of the following requirements must be met:

1. Completion of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher degree (DNP, PhD, or EdD) from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must submit unofficial transcripts with the application and official transcripts from all colleges attended by the required deadline. Admission decisions may be made based on unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required for final admission.
2. Transcripts must reflect completion of the “3Ps” at the advanced practice level:
   • Advanced Pathophysiology 
   • Advanced Physical Assessment 
   • Advanced Pharmacology 
3. A valid, active California Nurse Practitioner license and furnishing number. Both must remain active throughout the program.
4. A minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience as a Nurse Practitioner is preferred in one of the following areas:
   • Family/Individual Across the Lifespan
   • Adult-Gerontology (Primary Care or Acute Care)
   • Neonatal
   • Pediatrics (Primary Care or Acute Care)
   • Women’s Health/Gender-related
   • NOTE: Prior mental health experience as a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner is also preferred but not required.
5. A current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration for Schedule II-V medications. The DEA registration must remain active throughout the program.
6. A valid, active California Registered Nurse (RN) license.
7. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Once you’ve applied to the program, the following are required for admission consideration:

a. A phone interview with the program coordinator/director
b. One letter of recommendation (preferably from a potential preceptor such as a PMHNP, DO, or MD) to be submitted upon invitation for an interview.
c. A completed physical exam and immunization record (to be submitted after official acceptance into the program)