Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Certificate)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Certificate)

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Certificate)

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The post Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing is designed as a specialty within graduate nursing education to include programming that will assist a student to acquire advanced knowledge and clinical skills to provide best practice and comprehensive care to clients across the lifespan. The course work and practicum will focus on a range of mental health care needs of individuals and families whether in outpatient, inpatient or private practice settings. The foundation for advanced practice is focused on content included in core courses in physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics and health assessments.
 
*This program is offered 100% ONLINE

Prospective students are advised to inquire and confirm with his/her respective state board of nursing regarding the approval of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Psychiatric Mental Health Post Master’s Certificate for licensure to practice within the state prior to applying to the program.  Currently, the University of Texas System does not enter into affiliation agreements with entities in the following states:  Massachusetts, California, Louisiana, Colorado, and Florida.

AC Online BEST Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction 2018-19Ranked #78 for best Online Nursing Program by US News & World Reports.





CCNE AccreditedThe Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, Master’s Degree in Nursing, and the Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Programs at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-6791.

 

Admission Requirements

Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply. The university application fee of $50 ($100 for International Applicants) can be paid online by credit card or electronic check (in the online application). All application fees are nonrefundable.

Step #2: Request your official transcripts to be sent electronically to gradapps@utrgv.edu or mailed to:

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999

 
*Please Note: If you are a graduate of UTPA, UTB, or UTRGV you do not need to request an official transcript to be sent to the Graduate College.

Review and submit all Program Requirements:

  • Master of Science in Nursing, or a
  • Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Practitioner
  • Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
  • Official Transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV)
  • Successful completion of graduate-level courses in physical assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, and pathophysiology.
  • Active unencumbered unexpired licensed as a Registered Nurse in your state of residence.
  • Cleared Criminal Background Check
  • Evidence of current immunizations required by the Texas Department of Health for students in health-related programs. Immunization Compliance Form

 

Students whose native  language is not English  or  who studied at a University outside the U.S.:

  • TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years. For additional information, visit the English Proficiency Exam section of our website.
  • Certified English translation of educational records.

Students in fully online programs are not eligible for I-20 or student visas.

Program Contact

Program Coordinator: Velma Hughes

Phone: 956-882-5072

Office: EHABE 2.192

E-Mail: velma.hughes01@utrgv.edu

 

Administrative Assistant for the Program: Helen Castillo

Phone: 956-296-4545

E-Mail: helen.castillo01@utrgv.edu

Deadlines

Application Deadline:

This program only has a Summer I start date.

*Note: The application for Summer I 2021 will open on September 15, 2020 and will close on November 1, 2020. 

Submit your application and all supporting documents (transcripts, etc…) by the November 1, 2020 deadline for consideration. Incomplete applications by the deadline will not be forwarded to the program for review.

Tuition Estimate

Residency Per 3-Credit Hour Course Semester (9-Credit Hours) Total Estimated Cost
Texas Resident $1,481.39 $3,894.17 $8,888.34
Non-Resident/International $2,708.39 $7,575.17 $16,250.34


*We estimate that tuition and fees will closely approximate the rates shown above; however, rates are subject to change. Please note that the rates above are estimated for on-campus students and those enrolled in 16-week online programs. The rate is different for Accelerated Online Programs (AOP). Visit the tuition and fees page for detailed information.

Course Requirements

 
Required PMHNP Practice Courses 18
NURS 6260: Theoretical Diagnostics for Mental and Substance Use Disorders 2
NURS 6261: Clinical Diagnostics for Mental and Substance Use Disorders 2
NURS 6475: PMHNP 1: Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan Theory 4
NURS 6476: PMHNP 2: Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan Practice 4
NURS 6620: PMHNP 3: Clinical Therapeutics/Preceptorship 6
 
 
Total graduate hours for degree: 18
 

Course Descriptions:

NURS 6260: Theoretical Diagnostics for Mental and Substance Use Disorders:               [2‐0]

This course focuses on the theoretical foundations of psychiatric and mental health care across the lifespan and the role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in providing primary care in multiple settings. The theories will be examined for usefulness to various age and diverse populations groups.

NURS 6261: Clinical Diagnostics for Mental and Substance Use Disorders                [0‐2]

This course focuses on application of theoretical foundations of psychiatric and mental health care across the lifespan and the role of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner as provider of care. Comprehensive evaluation of patient symptoms, development of diagnostic skills using standard diagnostic frameworks and instruments to develop patient centered plans of care for various age and diverse populations groups will be demonstrated.

NURS 6475: PMHNP 1: Diagnosis and Management across the Lifespan Theory               [2‐2]

This course provides the theoretical basis for the competencies of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in health promotion, diagnosis and management in the psychiatric healthcare setting for infants, children, adolescents and their families. Problem based and self-directed learning strategies are used to review acute and chronic psychiatric disorders in this group of patients and families. Emphasis is placed on differentiating signs and symptoms to formulate possible diagnoses and determining the effect of the illness on this diverse population. In addition, the nurse practitioner's role as a collaborative member of the inter-professional team will be evaluated.

NURS 6476: PMHNP 2: Diagnosis and Management across the Lifespan Practice                [2‐2]

This course provides the practice basis for the competencies of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in health promotion, diagnosis and management in the psychiatric healthcare setting for young and older adults and their families. Problem-based and self-directed learning strategies are used to review acute and chronic psychiatric disoders in this group of patients and families. Emphasis is placed on differentiating signs and symptoms to formulate possible diagnoses and determining the effect of the illness on this diverse population. In addition, the nurse practitioner's role as a collaborative member of the inter-professional team will be evaluated.


NURS 6620: PMHNP 3: Clinical Therapeutics/Preceptorship                [0‐6]

This course provides the clinical application of course content to develop the competencies of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in health promotion, diagnosis and management in the psychiatric healthcare setting for infants, children, adolescents, young and older adults and their families. Problem-based and self-directed learning strategies in the clinical setting are used. Emphasis is placed on the implementation of the nurse practitioner's role as a direct care provider. In addition, the nurse practitioner's role as a collaborative member of the inter-professional team will be evaluated.

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