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Nursing

Advance your calling and meet the need for Mental Health Practitioners by becoming a Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Help address the social and health care needs of vulnerable populations.

At Vanguard University, our psychiatric mental health nursing certificate program prepares master's level nurses for advanced practice in providing mental health care for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing psychiatric and mental health disorders. Through our synchronous and independent online format, you will become competent in clinical practice guidelines, study alongside experts in mental health care and learn to promote a variety of treatment strategies to diverse populations.

When you complete the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) certificate program, you'll be prepared to improve the mental health outcomes - and lives - of individuals throughout California.

A psychiatric mental health certificate program built by you.

Designed for MSN graduates who are seeking a career as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Vanguard's online post-master's certificate in Psych/Mental Health is available for residents of the state of California and is pending accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Our nursing mental health certificate program graduates will be qualified to apply for a nurse practitioner license from the California Board of Registered Nursing and take the national certificate exam for the psychiatric/mental health specialty from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing Highlights

At Vanguard, we believe that a holistic approach is often needed for an individual's healing and well-being. Through our psychiatric mental health nursing certification program, we help aspiring professionals gain the necessary training and skills to help others grow and live happy and healthier lives.

What makes our psychiatric mental health certificate program unique is the fact that you will:

Thrive in a diverse, faith-based community.
Whether you're considering our psychiatric nursing program or any other graduate degree at Vanguard, you will experience an inclusive community comprised of learners of diverse ages, ethnicities, and professional backgrounds and expertise. Focusing on diversity and social justice, we actively challenge inequality and ensure that your voice is both acknowledged and respected during your coursework and in your practicum experiences.

Learn from - and be mentored by - health care experts.
At Vanguard, the faculty who teach our psychiatric mental health certificate program courses are credentialed experts in the field with a wealth of knowledge and experience. They are invested in your professional, personal and spiritual growth. They'll be there to mentor you and work with you throughout your coursework and professional development.

Move forward in a way that works for you.
Our post-master's certificate in psychiatric nursing is intentionally designed to work around your busy schedule. Our synchronous online program provides flexibility, autonomy, and community with a combination of virtual and video conferencing with peers - as well as structured online discussions that can be completed whenever works for you.

Take on advanced learning that is also affordable.
Unlike other psychiatric mental health certificate programs, at Vanguard we charge a per-credit-hour rate and currently provide a 10% professional advancement discount for all new post-master's students. In addition, if a colleague of your joins the program, you'll get an additional 10% discount on tuition.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Certificate Course Highlights

Take your calling for helping others to new heights. At Vanguard, our 28-unit post-master's psychiatric mental health certification program provides a holistic care-focused experience - allowing you to learn how to treat the body, mind and spirit of your patients.

Take one course at a time and gain advances training, knowledge and mental health certificate you need in just 18 months. You'll gain a faith-based perspective in the delivery of mental health care as you take coursework in:

  • Theories of Human Functioning and Behavior
  • The Role of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Assessment
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Interventions and Health Promotions Across the Lifespan
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Adult and Older Adult Mental Health
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Child and Adolescent Mental Health
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Vulnerable and Select Populations

You'll also gain hands-on learning opportunities through 750 clinical hours. At Vanguard, you will be paired with a mentor who will work with you and prepare you for success in both clinical practice and careers as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

What Can You Do With a Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing?

According to the California Health Care Foundation, as many as 50% of Californians with mental illness are not receiving psychiatric care. Make an impact here in California - and prepare to help vulnerable patients - by adding a post-master's certificate to your training.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Certificate Careers

At Vanguard, our post-master's certificate holders are uniquely qualified to meet the demands for advanced practice nurses who specialize in psychiatric mental health nursing. You can expect to pursue careers in:

  • Convalescent homes
  • Federally qualified health centers
  • Forensic facilities
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Pediatric clinics
  • Private emergency departments
  • State hospitals
  • Telehealth
  • Travel Nursing

While there are several career options available, the average psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner salary in California is $135,000 - with an average hourly wage of $65. Know that you'll be entering a career that is both professionally and financially rewarding.

We invite you to take the next step