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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate

PMHNP Certificate Admission Requirements

Students who meet the requirements noted below may apply for admission to the PMHNP Certificate program. The requirements for admission to the program include:

  • Submission of the Washburn University graduate degree seeking application (available online).
  • Official (MSN, PhD, or DNP) transcripts sent to the School of Nursing.
  • Evidence of current licensure in the states of residence and practice as a registered nurse and APRN (as applicable).
  • Submission of completed application to include two references from current or past employers, faculty, or professional peers.
  • Current resume.
  • GPA of 3.25 or above in previous graduate work preferred.

The School of Nursing Graduate Admission, Progression, and Retention (GAPR) Committee reviews all applicants. The GAPR committee will make admission decisions.

The School of Nursing seeks applicants who exhibit the interpersonal skills and behaviors that enable them to work compatibly with others. Applicants seeking admission should demonstrate emotional maturity, personal integrity, and ethical responsibility. Applicants should possess the flexibility to deal with unexpected situations and should demonstrate a willingness to utilize constructive feedback to develop behaviors characteristic of a professional. The School of Nursing reserves the right to withhold admission to or withdraw students from the program who do not demonstrate these professional behaviors.

PMHNP Certificate Application Procedures

  1. Submit the Washburn University graduate application at https://applyweb.com/washburn/index.ftl. The online application includes:
    1. Two references from current or past employers, faculty, or professional peers.
    2. Current resume.
  2. Request official transcripts be sent directly to the School of Nursing (MSN, PhD, and/or DNP as applicable).
  3. Submit evidence of current licensure in the states of residence and practice as a registered nurse and APRN (as applicable).
  4. National certifications if available.

Transfer Credit / Prerequisites

Prior coursework from another graduate nursing program may be considered for transfer credit or to satisfy prerequisite on a case-by-case basis after review of transcripts and related course syllabi. Up to 6 credit hours may be transferred from another program. The applicant must have received a grade of “B” or better in the course(s) being considered. Academic credit is not given for life or work experience.

Certificate Requirements

Course Requirements for FNP Applicants

NU 827Psychiatric Differential Diagnosis & Diagnostic Interviewing3
NU 828Advanced Psychopharmacology/Neurobiology3
NU 850Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nursing I3
NU 854Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing II3
NU 857Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practicum6
NU 859 Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Special Focus Practicum 13
Total Hours21

Additional Course Requirements for ANP Applicants2

NU 821Advanced Pathophysiology Family1
NU 822Advanced Pharmacology: Lifespan (Pediatric)1
NU 829Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis Across the Lifespan (Pediatric)1
NU 860Special Topics: Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Child/Adolescent1
Total Hours4

Additional Course Requirements for Psychiatric CNS Applicants2

NU 820Advanced Pathophysiology3
NU 822Advanced Pharmacology: Lifespan3
NU 829Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis Across the Lifespan3
NU 860Special Topics: Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Child/Adolescent1
Total Hours10

Additional Course Requirements for Applicants without APRN Status2

NU 813Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Roles2
NU 820Advanced Pathophysiology3
NU 822Advanced Pharmacology: Lifespan3
NU 829Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis Across the Lifespan3
Total Hours11

Additional Course Requirements for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP) Applicants2

NU 820Advanced Pathophysiology3
NU 822Advanced Pharmacology: Lifespan (Adult/Geriatric)2
NU 829Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis Across the Lifespan (Adult/Geriatric)1
Total Hours6
1

PMH Practicum hours are at a 4:1 ratio

2

If needed as determined by gap analysis

Following review of the applicant’s transcripts, additional course work or clinical practicum hours may be required.