RN License
Hold a current, active RN license in a state or territory of the United States or hold the professional, legally recognized equivalent in another country.
Master’s, Post-graduate certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Hold a master's, post-graduate certificate, or DNP from a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the National League for Nursing (NLN) Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA). A minimum of 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours must be included in the PMHNP program.
Three separate, comprehensive graduate-level courses in:
- Advanced physiology/pathophysiology, including general principles that apply across the life span
- Advanced health assessment, which includes assessment of all human systems, advanced assessment techniques, concepts, and approaches
- Advanced pharmacology, which includes pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics of all broad categories of agents
Content In:
- Health promotion and/or maintenance
- Differential diagnosis and disease management, including the use and prescription of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions
And
- Clinical training in at least two psychotherapeutic treatment modalities
If you need more details specifically related to the CCNE or ACEN or CNEA accreditation status of your current program or another school’s program, we encourage you to review the CCNE and/or ACEN websites, directly: //www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE or //www.acenursing.org/ or //cnea.nln.org/
*Candidates may be authorized to sit for the examination after all coursework and faculty-supervised clinical practice hours for the degree are complete, prior to degree conferral and graduation, provided that all other eligibility requirements are met. Please note, the Validation of Education form and official/unofficial transcripts showing that coursework (and faculty-supervised clinical practice hours) is completed are required before authorization to test will be issued. ANCC will retain the candidate’s exam result and will issue certification on the date the final, degree-conferred and official transcript are received, all other eligibility requirements are met, and a passing result is on file.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Discontinuation of Conditional Authorization to Test (C/ATT). Please click here for more information.
(ANCC will accept unofficial transcripts, which ANCC defines as either a photocopy of a transcript, a comprehensive record of your academic progress or a print out of all work completed, to date, including coursework, grades and degree(s) earned or in progress – which will allow ANCC to process and review your application. ANCC reserves the right to reject any unofficial transcript that appears to be altered.)
FIND NP PROGRAMS
As a graduate of one of the PMHNP programs in Florida, you’ll have the opportunity to provide therapy and prescribe medications to the full extent of your training because the Sunshine State allows advanced practice RNs unrestricted scope of practice. You’ll earn $117,500 on average, and there will be a high demand for your services: Employment opportunities for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are expected to increase by 37 percent in the next decade. Sound good? Keep your eyes on this page for more information about the 7 best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Florida for 2022.
RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMSFOLLOWING ARE THE 7 BEST PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN FLORIDA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2022
1. University of Miami, Coral Gables
Programs Offered: Post-Master's Certificate
Are you a registered nurse who now wants to advance your knowledge, practices, and skills as a psychiatric nurse practitioner? Well, then, getting enrolled in one of the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Florida such as the one offered by the University of Miami will equip you with the advanced level of expertise required to treat patients with mental health problems. Through an integrated learning approach, the college prepares you to provide comprehensive and integrated care to those who need mental health assistance as well as those who are at risk.
If you have already completed your Masters in Nursing degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and now want to gain further expertise in advanced psychiatric mental health nursing across the lifespan, then this hybrid post-master's certificate program can be a befitting choice. This certificate program is three-semester long and comprises 18 credits centered on mental health theory and psychopharmacology. Additionally, the program takes you through supervised clinical placements in individual, family, and group treatment modalities. From all the PMHNP programs in Florida, this program stands out as here, you will receive unparalleled hands-on clinical training at the university's simulation hospital which is considered a global center for simulation-based education, research, and innovation.
After completing this post-master's certificate program, you are eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), American Nurses Association
2. Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master's Certificate
As mental health issues are fast catching up to be an epidemic in the developed world, a career in mental health nursing can prove to be not only promising but also fulfilling. As a registered nurse, if you are keen on career advancement, considering a psychiatric nurse practitioner’s position can be given a thought. Well, if you are looking to enroll in one of best online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Florida then, you may want zero upon Florida Atlantic University’s NP programs. Highly ranked by the US News & World Report, here, along with the flexibility of taking classes through the web, you will gain excellent NP education. Through its MSN and post-master’s certificate, the college has relentlessly strived to improve the shortage of competent psychiatric nurse practitioners in Florida.
MSN Program Details: This program's primary focus is to accurately assess, diagnose and treat children, adults, and families with mental health needs. To successfully graduate from this program, you will need to complete a combination of graduate-level courses and hands-on clinical experiences. Due to its wide range of clinical experiences throughout the state, which includes multiple settings such as acute care settings, private practice offices, substance treatment centers, community-based health centers, and other mental health care settings, makes this MSN one of the popular online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Florida for those seeking varied clinical experiences. This extensive hands-on training prepares you with solid clinical and leadership skills to excel in various types of work environments.
Post-Masters Certificate Program Details: Are you a registered nurse with an MSN degree? Do you wish to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Florida in lesser time? If so, you can consider this post master's certificate program. The coursework expands your MSN knowledge and prepares you to provide specialized psychiatric nursing care to individuals across the lifespan. Although the exact program requirements depend on your previously completed coursework, you must earn up to 22 credits to graduate.
3. Florida International University, Miami
Programs Offered: BSN to DNP and Post-Master's Certificate
With the increasing incidence of mental health issues in Florida, the demand for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners has also increased over time. In fact, there is a huge demand for these advanced health practitioners across the world. Keeping in mind, the pressing need for professional mental healthcare, Florida International University, Miami, offers a BSN to DNP and a post-master’s certificate in psychiatric nurse practitioner specialization. Not only are these programs counted among the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Florida but its alumni are proudly dissipated across the globe, significantly making a difference in the field of psychiatry.
BSN to DNP Program Details: This BSN to DNP degree program trains you with advanced clinical knowledge to treat mental health patients. In addition to robust didactic training, this program takes you through diverse clinical experiences at partner sites, including some of the area’s prominent healthcare facilities. This practical learning at various community mental health centers, psychiatric clinics, crisis intervention centers, and correctional health & private offices offers you plenty of opportunities to apply your newly acquired knowledge into actual practice.
Like any other psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Florida, getting admission to FIU's BSN-to-DNP PMHNP program is highly competitive. To apply for this program, you should have obtained a minimum of 3.0 GPA in your BSN degree and have a valid RN license. Upon graduation, you will achieve the expertise of working as a PMHNP in various mental healthcare settings.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: This 35 credit post-master's certificate program is developed for those nurses who have completed their MSN and are interested in becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Divided into six semesters, this certificate program prepares you to achieve your full potential and enhance your theoretical, ethical, and clinical abilities to practice as a competent psychiatric nurse practitioner in Florida or anywhere globally.
4. Florida State University, Tallahassee
Programs Offered: DNP and Post-Master's /Post-DNP Certificate
Florida State University, Tallahassee's two top PMHNP programs provide you with the highest level of clinical expertise and professional competence. Counted among the best psychiatric nurse practitioner schools in Florida, its programs are designed to address the complex mental health needs of today. Through its DNP or post-doctoral certificate, you can get the training as an advanced psychiatric nurse practitioner and cater to the psychiatric needs of a diverse population.
DNP Program Details: With a total of 42 credit hours and 540 clinical hours, this DNP program is for those nurses who have already completed their MSN and are certified as a PMHNP. The coursework is delivered through a combination of online and on-campus study with an option of full-time and part-time classes. Alternatively, as a DNP student, you can either take mental health practicum courses or electives depending upon your clinical hours' requirement. The program's rigorousness provides you with the theoretical as well as clinical competence to become a successful psychiatric nurse practitioner in Florida. Remember, that this DNP program must be completed within five calendar years from the time you enroll in it.
Post-Master's/Post-DNP Certificate Program Details: To be eligible for this online program, you must be certified as a nurse practitioner either in family health or adult-gerontology care. Regardless of your NP specialty, to enroll you must have already completed graduate-level advanced courses in health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. The curriculum of this program comprises 23 credits and 540 hours of practical training. If you enter this certificate program as an adult NP, additional three-credit coursework is required to fulfill the graduation requirements for the program. These additional courses train you in the care of individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Upon completion, this PMHNP program in Florida will allow you to apply for the Psychiatric Mental Health Certification.
5. Jacksonville University, Jacksonville
Programs Offered: MSN, Post-MSN DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate
As a registered nurse, are you aspiring to practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Florida in diversified healthcare settings? If so, what better than completing your PMHNP education through Jacksonville University's MSN or post-master's certificate program. PMHNP graduates here are known for their evidence-based knowledge and decision-making skills which are vital characteristics to become a successful psychiatric NP. With the school's strong clinical partnerships with leading providers and facilities, you are guaranteed clinical placements at diverse sites. More often, these experiences result in employment opportunities for well-trained PMHNP graduates.
MSN Program Details: Jacksonville University offers the MSN-PMHNP program that begins in the fall semester of each year. Based on your convenience, the university offers on-campus full-time as well as a part-time program option. This MSN-PMHNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and can be completed in as few as 18 months.
Post-Master's Certificate (PMC) Program Details: This post master’s psychiatric nurse practitioner program in Florida is designed to prepare you to become an advanced psychiatric nurse practitioner with critical thinking and leadership skills, besides a strong foundation in theoretical and practical knowledge. Here, you will need to attend classes every Tuesday over five semesters. If you are already a nurse practitioner, then this length will be shortened to four semesters. By completing this certificate coursework, you will be able to diagnose, treat and manage acute and chronic mental health conditions of individuals belonging to different age groups.
6. University of Florida, Gainesville
Programs Offered: BSN to DNP and Post-Master's Certificate
Are you passionate about offering advanced psychiatric nursing care to individuals and families across the lifespan? If yes, the University of Florida, Gainesville's psychiatric nursing practice courses can be an option you may want to consider. This NP school provides you with unique theoretical and clinical experiences under the guidance of an expert faculty as well as access to state-of-art technological resources.
BSN to DNP Program Details: The BSN to DNP program here is intended for candidates with a BSN degree and a valid RN license. If you desire to obtain advanced psychiatric knowledge to practice as a mental health professional, then this BSN to DNP program can be the right choice for you. Requiring 76 credits and 1006 clinical hours, the part-time program option is designed to suit working professionals. Besides, for those seeking to graduate within the stipulated time frame of about three years, there is also a full-time option available.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: This post-master's certificate program is open for candidates with an MSN degree and an active APRN license in the state of Florida. The program comprises 26 credits and 640 clinical hours. This PMHNP program in Florida not only prepares you for the clinical and theoretical components of psychiatry; rather, it also develops leadership and advocacy skills in you so that you can act as an advocate for individuals, families, and communities with mental health needs.
7. University of North Florida, Jacksonville
Programs Offered: Post-MSN DNP and Certificate
If you are looking for online psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Florida to undergo evidence-based PMHNP education, then your search may end with the University of North Florida Jacksonville's PMHNP programs. Here, not only will you finish all the coursework online, but also the clinical placements can be completed in your geographical location. This leaves you with greater flexibility to fulfill other responsibilities of life. Furthermore, the school has consistently received acclaim for its post-graduate education and even has the US News & World Report ranking it among the best psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Florida.
Post-MSN DNP Program Details: If you have already completed your MSN and now you are keen on pursuing a DNP, then you may want to know about this post-MSN DNP program. To qualify for this program, you must have a valid APRN license. The program consists of 61 credits and 750 clinical hours and is divided into six semesters. As a graduate of this program, you will be able to play pivotal roles in mental health leadership, including that of a mental health program director, mental health policy specialist, mental health research specialist, and a nursing instructor.
Certificate Program Details: Are you an MSN graduate who is keen on serving mental health patients? If you want to get certified as a PMHNP in lesser time, then this post master's certificate PMHNP program in Florida can be an option for you to consider. This post-master’s program expands your MSN knowledge and prepares you to deliver specialized mental health care across a diverse population. Upon completion of 30 credits and 750 clinical hours, you will be eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam.
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