Psychiatric-Mental Health

Graduates are prepared to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) certification exam upon completion. This exam tests knowledge and skills related to psychiatric advanced practice across the lifespan.

Psychiatric Mental Health NPs work in a variety of settings, including acute care environments, outpatient clinics, schools, prisons, health homes and behavioral health homes, long-term care facilities and private practice offices. These advanced practice nurses complete assessments and provide treatment, including therapy and medication prescription and management.

Students complete a minimum of 560 clinical practicum hours for the ANCC Certification. The first clinical practicum may be with any preceptor who is licensed in his or her respective state to provide psychotherapy. The second and third clinical practicum may be with a CNS, NP or MD preceptor. Clinical placements are determined by students’ areas of interest, career goals and preceptor availability.

Remaining hours are focused on a DNP project. This quality-improvement project will be grounded in a clinical problem. Students will work closely with a DNP advisor to formulate a capstone project.

Applicants must have a minimum of one year of independent nursing experience in an adult care setting with excellent assessment skills at the generalist level, before undertaking advanced practice. For those who do not meet this requirement, the part-time option is offered to allow nurses to continue working to gain experience.

The program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the program in nine semesters. Part-time students will receive individualized schema.

If you have specific questions about the program, contact the Office of Student Recruitment at 513-558-8400 or nursingbearcats@uc.edu.