Academic Catalog 2026-2027 Edition

Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Certificate)

Marieb College of Health & Human ServicesSchool of Nursing

Website: https://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/nursing/psychiatricmentalhealthnursepractitionercertificate

(239) 590-7505

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate is designed for certified advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and want to add another APRN role. 

The PMHNP certificate equips advanced practice nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with mental health disorders across the lifespan. 

Students will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced psychopharmacology, psychotherapeutic interventions, and evidence-based practices in mental health care. The program emphasizes clinical practice, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in diverse settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and community mental health organizations. Graduates will be prepared to take the PMHNP certification exam and equipped to provide holistic, patient-centered care to individuals and families facing mental health challenges. 

The PMHNP certificate equips advanced practice nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with mental health disorders across the lifespan Students will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced psychopharmacology, psychotherapeutic interventions, and evidence-based practices in mental health care. The program emphasizes clinical practice, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in diverse settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, and community mental health organizations. Graduates will be prepared to take the PMHNP certification exam and equipped to provide holistic, patient-centered care to individuals and families facing mental health challenges.

Program Accreditation

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate will seek accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and be accredited in Spring 2028. 

Program Admission Requirements

  1. Complete an application including all required supporting documents  and submit the fee through NursingCAS
  2. Master's degree or Doctoral degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale documented by official transcripts. 
  3. Submission of official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended from a nationally accredited (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education [CCNE] or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing [ACEN]) nursing program. 
  4. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with University regulation. 
  5. Current and unrestricted registration as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with eligibility for Florida APRN Licensure. 
  6. Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae.  
  7. Completion of the following courses or equivalent: 
    1. Approved Advanced Health Assessment  
    2. Approved Advanced Pathophysiology 
    3. Approved Pharmacotherapeutics  
  8. The program director will complete a gap analysis including a review of transcripts and syllabi to ensure all pre-requisites have been completed. 

Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements 

  • Students must complete the credits specified by the certificate program and follow a Program of Study approved by the Program Director or designee. 
  • Students must meet specific progression, clinical and graduation requirements. See the General Academic Policies and FGCU Graduation Requirements. 
  • A grade of B or higher must be earned in all required courses. 
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. 
  • Completion of clinical practice requirements.