Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at the Orvis School of Nursing (OSN) prepares advanced practice nurses to provide compassionate, holistic mental health care across the lifespan. PMHNPs are equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions, integrating pharmacologic and therapeutic interventions to promote wellness and recovery for individuals, families, and communities.

This program offers both MSN and DNP degree options as well as a post-master’s certificate, allowing students to choose their preferred path for advanced practice mental health nursing. The curriculum combines specialized coursework and comprehensive clinical experience, with students completing 780 clinical hours (500-780 clinical hours for post-master’s) in supervised settings, coordinated by OSN, so students can fully engage in their clinical learning without managing placement logistics. DNP students complete additional residency hours for a total of 1000 hours.

Scope of practice and career opportunities

Graduates of the PMHNP program are prepared to deliver advanced psychiatric care, managing conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. They are qualified for roles in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, telehealth services, and community mental health agencies, where they play a critical role in advancing mental wellness.

Upon completion of the PMHNP track, graduates will be able to do the following:

• Integrate advanced clinical knowledge in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for patients across the lifespan.
• Employ evidence-based therapeutic and pharmacologic interventions to manage a broad range of psychiatric conditions.
• Develop therapeutic relationships with patients to support resilience, recovery, and quality of life.
• Promote mental health education and advocacy within healthcare systems and communities.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care for those experiencing mental health challenges.

Curriculum and clinical experience

The PMHNP curriculum combines rigorous academic learning with 780 clinical hours (500-780 for post-master’s certificate) in OSN-secured placements, offering practical, hands-on experience in diverse mental health environments. Sample courses include the following:

• Advanced Mental Health Assessment and Diagnostics
• Psychopharmacology and Therapeutic Interventions
• Management of Acute and Chronic Psychiatric Conditions
• Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques
• Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care

Clinical experiences include psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, telehealth, addiction treatment centers, and community mental health programs.

Certification and accreditation

Graduates of the PMHNP program are eligible to sit for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam (American Nurses Credentialing Center). Orvis graduates regularly exceed the national first-attempt pass rate, with most cohorts achieving a 100% pass rate. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), reflecting OSN’s dedication to high standards in mental health nursing education.