Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

    Professional Doctorate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Thomas Jefferson University

    Professional Doctorate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Thomas Jefferson University

    The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Thomas Jefferson University is a Full Time Professional Doctorate program offered on the Center City campus in Philadelphia, United States of America. The program is delivered online in English and can be completed in 6 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on May 1, 2027.

    About Professional Doctorate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

    For students who have completed their BSN, we offer a track that leads to a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Training focuses on integrated health care settings and lifespan approach with an in-depth focus on assessment diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions and physical comorbidities. The PMHNP program can be completed in a minimum of four years (full-time) up to a maximum of six years (part-time).

    Graduates of  the Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program meet the academic eligibility requirements to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements established by the ANCC and successfully pass the ANCC examination are awarded the credential: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse – Board Certified (PMHNP-BC™). 

    Program Highlights

    • Training in Substance use disorders
    • Clinical Opportunities across the lifespan and across multiple settings
    • Focus on practice in the integrated health care setting

    Graduate Core CurriculumCredits
    NU 717 Health and Social Policy
    NU 603 Research for Advanced Practice Nursing I 
    NU 605 Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse  3
    NU 696 Leadership and Critical Decision Making
    NU 704 Philosophy, Foundations, and Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
    NU 713 Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Trends and Opportunities 3
    Total Graduate Core Curriculum Credits18
    Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Core Curriculum 
    NU 560 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics  
    NU 570 Pathophysiology of Human Disease/Pathologic Aspect of Disease 
    NU 673 Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Decision-Making  
    Total Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Core Curriculum Credits9
    Specialty Curriculum
    NU 613 Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision-Making for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner I6
    NU 614 Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision-Making for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner II
    NU 615 Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision-Making for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner III
    Total Specialty Curriculum Credits18
    Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Core Curriculum 
    NU 702 Practice Inquiry: Designs, Methods and Analyses3
    NU 714 Healthcare Systems Safety, Quality and Improvement Science3
    NU 715 Leading Strategic Change in an Era of Healthcare Transformation 3
    NU 716 Perspectives in Community Engagement and Population Health3
    NU 718 Introduction to DNP Studies1
    Doctoral Elective3
    Total Doctor of Nursing Practice Credits16
    Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practicum Sequence
    NU 719 DNP Scholarly Project4
    NU 720 DNP Scholarly Project3
    Total Doctor of Nursing Practice Practicum Credits7
    Total Program Credits68
    *Students from accelerated baccalaureate programs will have their academic transcripts evaluated upon matriculation by the Chair of Graduate Programs for potential transfer credit.

    Graduate Core CurriculumCredits
    NU 602 Health Policy, Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Practice
    NU 603 Research for Advanced Practice Nursing I 
    NU 704 Philosophy, Foundations, and Methods for Evidence-Based Practice  3
    NU 605 Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse
    NU 696 Leadership and Critical Decision Making
    NU 705 Advanced Topics in Health Informatics 3
    Total Graduate Core Curriculum Credits18
    Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Core Curriculum 
    NU 560 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics  
    NU 570 Pathophysiology of Human Disease/Pathologic Aspect of Disease 
    NU 673 Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Decision-Making  
    Total Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Core Curriculum Credits9
    Specialty Curriculum
    NU 613 Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision-Making for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner I3
    NU 614 Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision-Making for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner II
    NU 615 Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Decision-Making for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner III
    Total Specialty Curriculum Credits9
    Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Core Curriculum 
    NU 701 Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice3
    NU 702 Practice Inquiry: Designs, Methods and Analyses3
    NU 703 Theoretical Foundations for Organizational Change in Healthcare Systems3
    NU 706 Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety3
    NU 707 Leadership and Inter-Professional Collaboration3
    NU 708 Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation’s Health3
    NU 709 Current Issues in Health and Social Policy: Planning, Participating and Policy Making3
    Total Doctor of Nursing Practice Credits21
    Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practicum Sequence
    NU 710 Practicum I3
    NU 711 Practicum II3
    NU 712 Practicum III3
    Total Doctor of Nursing Practice Practicum Credits9
    Total Program Credits66
    *Students from accelerated baccalaureate programs will have their academic transcripts evaluated upon matriculation by the Chair of Graduate Programs for potential transfer credit.
    • Training in Substance use disorders
    • Clinical Opportunities across the lifespan and across multiple settings
    • Focus on practice in the integrated health care setting

    Disciplines

    College of Nursing

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Professional Doctorate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Thomas Jefferson University

    Entry Requirements

    International applicants may be required to submit results from an English Language Proficiency Exam. Additional information about the English Language Proficiency requirement can be found on the Admissions Information page for your program of interest.

    Students who have taken coursework outside of the United States should submit a course-by-course academic credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member credentialing organization. Applicants who do not have a NACES evaluation are required to submit official transcripts, along with an official English translation, to Jefferson for review. Thomas Jefferson University reserves the right to outsource student academic credentials to our NACES member partner for evaluation.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 53
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 80

    Fee Information

    Application Fee 50

    How to Apply

    After submitting the application, you will receive instructions on how to submit the supporting application materials listed below through your online MyJefferson account. If you prefer, you may also mail your materials to:

    Thomas Jefferson University
    Application Document Processing
    4201 Henry Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA 19144

    You will receive a MyJefferson identification number via email once you submit your application for admission. Be sure to include your name and MyJefferson ID on all documents that you mail to Jefferson.

    Supporting Materials

    The Admissions Committee emphasizes a holistic review process that examines the entirety of an applicant's academic aptitude, motivation, problem-solving skills, leadership potential and life experiences. Admission decisions are individualized to the specific attributes of the applicant.
    • Transcripts: Submit official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions you have attended and/or from which you earned credit. Official transcripts must be sent electronically by the institution to [email protected] or mailed to the address above. Before applying to Jefferson, please review the prerequisites required for admission for this academic program.
    • Personal Statement: Submit a statement of purpose outlining your interest in the program, how the course of study relates to your desired career path, and your academic and job-related experiences that are relevant to the program.
    • Letters of Recommendation: Submit three letters of reference that provide insight into your academic and/or professional competence. References from college or university faculty members or professional sources are accepted. You may request recommendations through your MyJefferson account.
    • Résumé: A current professional résumé is required.
    Professional Doctorate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Thomas Jefferson University
    Thomas Jefferson University
    Thomas Jefferson University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Philadelphia

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