School of Nursing adds program to address behavioral health

The Texas A&M University School of Nursing is responding to the growing need for behavioral health services in Texas by adding a post-graduate certificate program in psychiatric mental health.

The post-graduate certificate in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or PMHNP, program prepares nurses to assess, diagnose and treat individuals and families with psychiatric disorders. PMHNPs, who work in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, can prescribe medication and administer psychotherapy.

The PMHNP program is accepting applications for fall 2023 enrollment on a rolling basis until July 1.

“There is a clear and unmet need for mental health services across Texas and the country,” said Susan M. McLennon, PhD, ARNP-BC, CHPN, interim dean of the School of Nursing. “In fact, these critical services are nonexistent in some areas of our state. This online program provides the opportunity for nurse practitioners across Texas to add another specialization to their practice, enhancing their ability to address mental health needs and improving access for patients and communities.”

The 26-credit program was designed for working registered nurses and can be completed in five semesters. Course instruction is delivered online, and students participate in 10 credit hours of clinicals.

Applicants must be a licensed registered nurse in the state of Texas and hold a previous graduate degree—master’s or doctorate—in nursing. Certain graduate degrees may require completion of additional clinical hours.

PMHNP program graduates are eligible to sit for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC™) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Certified PMHNPs are advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs.

For more information on the PMHNP certificate and the school’s other nursing degree and certificate programs, visit nursing.tamu.edu/degrees.