Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate
Beginning Fall 2025!
With your master's degree in nursing already in hand, elevate your career with ºÚÁÏÉçÇø' psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner post-master's certificate (PM-PMHNPC).
Loyola’s flexible online PM-PMHNPC program is ideal for working professionals and can be completed from any location. We’ll work with you to create a customized plan of study designed around your completed coursework and professional goals. Students in Loyola’s MSN-PMHNP program complete hybrid coursework including online asynchronous and synchronous teaching methods combined with annual on-campus intensives and clinical practicums totaling at least 860 supervised clinical hours in direct patient care.Ìý
Program benefits
- Expanded Career Opportunities — Qualify for specialized roles in psychiatric facilities, private practice, community mental health centers, and telepsychiatry with significantly higher earning potential than general nursing positions.
- Address Critical Healthcare Needs — Help tackle the growing mental health crisis by providing essential psychiatric services in underserved communities where psychiatrists are often in short supply.
- Prescriptive Authority — Gain the ability to diagnose mental health conditions, develop treatment plans, and prescribe psychiatric medications, allowing you to provide comprehensive care to patients.
- Efficient Specialization Path — Build on your existing master's education with a focused curriculum specifically designed for experienced nurses, typically completable in 28 months or less rather than pursuing an entirely new degree.
Meet the Growing Demand for Nurse Practitioners
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse-midwives is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. With mental health conditions affecting nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults and a critical shortage of psychiatric providers nationwide, demand for specialized mental healthcare is rapidly increasing. The PMHNP post-master's certificate will help prepare you for rewarding roles in providing crucial psychiatric care and mental health services for patients throughout the lifespan.
PM-MHCNPC Program Requirements
The PM-MHCNPC curriculum plan can be completed with as few as 18 credit hours depending on the applicant’s previous academic experience. Loyola’s MHCNP program director will complete an individual gap analysis with each applicant to develop an individualized plan of study.
View the for the PM-MHCNPC program.
For specific questions, reach out to nursing@loyno.edu to speak with our team.
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Overview
Hybrid
Post-Master's Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The School of Nursing offers a 37-49 credit, hybrid Post-Master’s Certificate:ÌýPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerÌýfor nurses with a master’s degree who wish to obtain certification to provide psychiatric-mental health care to families throughout the lifespan. Course delivery includes in-person and online asynchronous teaching methods.
Applicants will have an individual gap analysis completed to develop an individualized plan of study. The actual total credit hours assigned to the plan of study will be dependent upon previously completed coursework. The minimum number of credits to be completed at Loyola is 37. Students must complete all didactic and clinical requirements for the population focus, including a minimum of 800 supervised hours in direct patient care. Practicum experiences are completed with preceptors in practice settings located in the geographic areas in which the student resides.Ìý
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.Ìý