Post-Graduate Certificate
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Do you already have a master’s in nursing and want to learn a new practice area, focusing on caring for patients of all ages who are concerned about their mental health? Our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate could be a match. You’ll learn to take a holistic approach to assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions.
Overview
Format
Hybrid online
Mostly online with some in-person requirements on the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.
Avg. time to complete
1.5 years
4 semesters
Exam prep
PMHNP
When you finish the program, you can sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Across the Lifespan exam to become board-certified.
Clinical placements set up for you
If you’re in Denver or Aurora, we arrange clinical placements for you. We work with some of the top clinics and hospitals in the metro area to provide high-quality, hands-on experiences.
Expert faculty dedicated to your success
Many of our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for their excellence in nursing, education, and research. Our educators are passionate about helping students advance their knowledge and careers.
100%
Board certification exam pass rate for this specialty
1st
Nurse practitioner program was developed at CU Nursing
Career
When you complete the Post-Graduate Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, you can take the board certification test through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. After passing the exam, you'll be ready to get your license, unlocking a new career path and scope of practice. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can get licensed to work in all 50 states, including Colorado.
What you can do
- Prescribe medication
- Provide psychotherapy
- Serve as an independent provider
- Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions
Who you can care for
Patients of all ages, from children to adults.
Where you can work
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Schools and universities
- + more
Admissions
Deadline(s)
| Start term | Application opens | Priority deadlinetooltip | Extended deadlinetooltip |
| Fall 2025 | August 15, 2024 | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 |
Get started
1
Check the requirements
Understand the admissions requirements like how many letters of recommendation you need and what courses should be on your transcript.
2
Start your application
Work on your application and submit it through NursingCAS.
Curriculum
Hands-on training
This program includes 630 clinical hours. We set up your clinical placements if you’re in the Denver Metro.
In-depth coursework
You'll study mental health in 15 classroom-based credit hours. Your classes will cover topics including diagnosing and managing adults, behavioral care, and neurobiology.
Costs
| Residency status | Estimated total tuition** |
| Colorado residents | $22,765 |
| Eligible western state residents** | $22,765 |
| Nonresidents | $36,917 |
| Additional expenses | Time frame | Estimated costs |
| Matriculation fee | One-time | $140 |
| Other fees | By term | Fall $392, Spring $232, Summer $180 |
| Books and supplies | Total for program | $2,000 |
| CU health insurance (may be waived with proof of comparable personal health insurance) | By term | Fall $1,575, Spring $1,575, Summer $1,050 |
I’ve had this great string of mentors that CU has connected me with over the course of the program… and on top of that, I feel like I’ve been exposed to so much of the evidence and guidelines, and best practices in our field.
Stuart Eynon, PMHNP
CU Nursing Alum
MS Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program
Become the nurse practitioner looked to first 
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