Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

It's a Critical Calling with a Critical Need

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares graduates for advanced specialty practice with a dual emphasis on intervention through psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. PMHNPs intervene with vulnerable populations and promote mental health across the lifespan.

Woman speaking with her psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner

Created for the Working Professional

It's Time to PowerForward

Icon of person working at laptop

100% Online Coursework

Complete coursework on your schedule—anytime, anywhere.

Calendar icon

Only 2 In-Person Weekend Skills Labs*

Simulate real-world scenarios in our intensive, skill-building labs at our state-of-the-art facility in Oak Brook.

Hospital icon

Clinical Placement Assistance

Leverage your existing network or work with us to find the proper clinical placement—our valued partners are vital to the Oak Point community.

Wise owl icon

Faculty Mentors

Individualized academic and career guidance.

*Skills intensives are required for MSN students only, not for post-graduate certificate students.

Mental health is a critical calling, and the world needs providers now more than ever. Earning your PMHNP requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become a nurse practitioner (CNP) and certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Oak Point University is your answer to get the qualifications, skills, and confidence that you need for success.

Why PowerForward with Oak Point

Your path has been more challenging than ever during the past few years. You’ve been through more than most people can imagine. But you’ve got a lot more to give. We’re here to help make that happen.

Dr. Christopher Galloway
Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs

Hear Dr. Galloway discuss why he got into nursing, how he gives back by educating students, and the benefits of attending Oak Point.

Our Program

Two Pathways for ACAGNP Specialization

Master of Science in Nursing Option

The MSN option is designed for the student who has:

  • a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and
  • an active RN license.

The curriculum comprised of:

  • 46.5 credit hours, including
  • 510 clinical hours.

Post-Master Certificate Option

The Post-Master Certificate option is designed for the student who has:

  • a Master of Science in Nursing and
  • an active CNP license.

The curriculum comprised of:

  • 24.5 credit hours, including
  • 510 clinical hours.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program of study, graduates will:

  1. Demonstrate safe, effective practice of psychiatric mental health through management of both health and illness states.
  2. Model Interprofessional education through communication, teamwork, values and ethics, and roles and responsibilities
  3. Collaborate with the patient and other healthcare team members for the purpose of ensuring high-quality, holistic psychiatric mental healthcare services.
  4. Demonstrate the role of a nurse practitioner as an educator and coach to individuals, communities, and family members using a wide range of skills.
  5. Ensure commitment to the implementation, preservation, and evolution of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role.
  6. Incorporate critical thinking, collaboration, and interdisciplinary relationships into client care to achieve optimal outcomes.
  7. Serve as an advocate for the client as he or she interfaces with the healthcare.
  8. Provide culturally sensitive care in a holistic manner that is responsive to the client’s cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Curriculum

View the core, clinical core, and specialty courses that will prepare to be a critical care partner for those who need it most and set you up for success in taking your certification exam.

11 Credits  //  MSN Students Only

Core Courses

NRG 5000  //  Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice  //  3 Credit Hours

NRG 5002  //  Health Care Delivery  //  3 Credit Hours

NRG 5005  //  Evidence-Based Practice for the Advanced Nursing Role  //  3 Credit Hours

NRG 5910  //  Leadership Roles in Healthcare Organizations  //  2 Credit Hours

11 Credits  //  MSN Students Only

Clinical Core Courses

NRG 5101  //  Advanced Health and Physical Assessment  //  3 Credit Hours

NRG 5102  //  Advanced Pathophysiology  //  3 Credit Hours

NRG 5103  //  Advanced Pharmacology  //  3 Credit Hours

NRG 5105  //  Advanced Health and Physical Assessment Lab with APN Skills  //  2 Credit Hours

26 Credits  //  MSN + Certificate Students

Specialty Courses

NRG5313  //  Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology  //  4 Credit Hours

NRG5314  //  PMHNP Psychopathological Disorders & Psychotherapy  //  3 Credit Hours

NRG5315  //  PMHNP Psychotherapy for Individuals, Groups, & Families Residency  //  2 Credit Hours

NRG5316  //  PMHNP Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan I  //  3 Credit Hours

NRG5316R  //  PMHNP Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan I Residency  //  2 Credit Hours

NRG5317  //  PMHNP Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan II  //  3 Credit Hours

NRG5317R  //  PMHNP Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan II Residency  //  2 Credit Hours

NRG5318  //  PMHNP Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan III  //  3 Credit Hours

NRG5318R  //  PMHNP Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan III Residency  //  2.5 Credit Hours

Ideal Candidates Are:

Created for Today's Healthcare Heroes

The ability to function as an educator, leader, consultant, advocate, and change agent is essential to the development of clinical expertise in this role.

Self-Motivated and Flexible

Seeking learning options that offer the convenience of online classes with hands-on, skill-building labs that simulate real-world scenarios.

Savvy Professionals

Looking to differentiate themselves with specialized skills.

Continuous Learners

Taking advantage of professional growth opportunities.

Passionate Healthcare Advocates

Who want to lead, not manage.

Graduate Skill- and Certification-Ready

Clinical Practice Experience

Graduate students will complete a series of clinical practice sessions designed to provide the opportunity for the application of theoretical knowledge while working with a designated, qualified preceptor. The clinical practice experience occurs in a variety of clinical sites.

Certification Exams

Upon completing the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN and post-graduate certificate programs, individuals will be eligible to sit for the psychiatric-mental certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

By the Numbers

Take Care of Yourself. Take Care of Others.

$137K

Full-Time Total Income

2020 Median for PMHNPs 1

6.5%

Specialize in PMH

Distribution of Primary Certification Area 2

46

Years of Age

Average Age of NPs 3

Source

1 American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 2019. Are You Considering a Career as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? Five Facts You Should Know About PMHNP. Retrieved at https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you-considering-a-career-as-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner.
2 American Association of Nurse Practitioners. 2019. NP Fact Sheet. Retrieved at https://www.aanp.org/about/all-about-nps/np-fact-sheet.
3 Ibid.

Do More for Yourself. Do More for Others. It's Time to PowerForward.