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Florida National University PMHNP Program

Nursing Department Hialeah, FL

Florida National University offers a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate. The program requires 21 credit hours and can be completed through a hybrid format that combines online learning with hands-on clinical experience.

With hybrid format delivery, 21 credit hours, and 600 practicum hours, this program prepares psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to provide primary mental health care across the lifespan.

Admission Requirements & Prerequisites

  • Prerequisite Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Licensure: Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Completion of the following five courses (official transcripts required):
    • Advanced Pathophysiology
    • Advanced Health Assessment
    • Advanced Pharmacology
    • Population Health/Epidemiology
    • Health Promotion/Role Development
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  • Fulfillment of all standard graduate nursing admission requirements

Certificate Curriculum

The 21-credit curriculum includes courses covering essential PMHNP competencies.

  • NGR 5141 Advanced Pathophysiology
    This course delves into the complex disease processes affecting major body systems—head and neck, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, hematologic, and skin—and explores how these systems interact. Students learn to interpret clinical data related to pathologic states and apply the nursing process at an expert level to manage and treat disease.
  • NGR 5035 Advanced Health Assessment
    Focusing on advanced practice skills, this course trains students to conduct thorough, lifespan-spanning health assessments that integrate genetic, cultural, psychological, and physical data. Through lectures and online simulations, learners refine their ability to synthesize comprehensive patient histories and physical findings into a holistic diagnostic framework.
  • NGR 6172 Advanced Pharmacology
    Offering an in-depth examination of drug actions, interactions, and toxicology, this course covers medications across all organ systems with an emphasis on their mechanisms and adverse effects. Students explore prescribing decisions, legal regulations for advanced practice nurses, and the nursing implications of each drug class.
  • NGR 5674 Population Health, Epidemiology & Statistical Principles
    This course equips advanced practice nurses with epidemiologic and statistical tools to assess, screen, and diagnose acute and chronic conditions at the population level. Learners apply data analysis to identify risk factors and design evidence-based interventions that improve health outcomes across diverse communities.
  • NGR 6636 Health Promotion and Role Development in Advanced Nursing Practice
    Students study theories and research that underpin wellness, disease prevention, and functional maintenance over the lifespan, learning to develop programs that foster healthy behaviors in individuals and communities. The course also clarifies advanced nursing roles in promoting public health and guiding policy.
  • NGR 6538 Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing
    Building on foundational pharmacology, this course focuses on the use of psychotropic medications and complementary therapies for mental health across all ages. Students develop competency in selecting, dosing, and monitoring psychiatric drugs while considering safety, efficacy, and holistic care.
  • NGR 6503 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan: Individual & Family Therapy—Psychopathology & the DSM-V
    Introducing the core competencies of the PMHNP role, this course centers on advanced assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning for complex psychiatric conditions using current research and DSM-V criteria. Learners expand their clinical decision-making skills to manage adult patients with diverse mental health challenges.
  • NGR 6503L Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan Practicum I: Individual and Family Therapy
    In this practicum, students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world primary care settings under preceptor supervision, conducting diagnoses and managing acute psychiatric conditions in individuals and families. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and professional communication.
  • NGR 6504 Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Decision Making
    This course hones students’ abilities to evaluate complex psychiatric scenarios, integrate evidence-based frameworks, and lead decision-making processes in varied mental health environments. Learners explore theoretical models to guide best practices and assume leadership roles in clinical settings.
  • NGR 6505L Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan: Integration Practicum II
    Continuing hands-on training, this practicum emphasizes advanced diagnostic and health-promotion skills in psychiatric care, preparing students for autonomous practice. Clinical hours focus on illness prevention, management strategies, and professional role transition as PMHNPs.
  • NGR 6508 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan: Group Therapy
    This course combines didactic learning with clinical exercises in group therapy techniques, teaching advanced practitioners to facilitate psychoeducational, counseling, and support groups for psychiatric populations. Students refine communication and coaching skills across common and chronic mental health issues.
  • NGR 6508L Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Across the Lifespan Practicum III: Group Therapy
    In the final practicum, students lead therapeutic group sessions under supervision, applying best-practice interventions and patient-education strategies. Emphasis is on refining group facilitation, counseling techniques, and collaborative care delivery in community settings.

Each didactic course is paired with corresponding practicum experiences to ensure comprehensive skill development. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and holistic care delivery across diverse populations.

More curriculum details are available here:

Clinical Experience and Requirements

  • Total Practicum Hours: 540 hours, divided equally among three courses:
    • Individual and Family Therapy Practicum I: 180 hours
    • Integration Practicum II: 180 hours
    • Group Therapy Practicum III: 180 hours
  • Placement Settings: Psychiatric environments where students can:
    • Provide psychotherapy
    • Conduct psychiatric evaluations
    • Formulate differential diagnoses
    • Interpret diagnostic tests
    • Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications
  • Location Options:
    • Miami-Dade and Broward Counties (FL)
    • Out-of-state placements (with institutional compliance approval)

Tuition

Total estimated cost is $21,820.

Cost Breakdown Summary

  • Required Certifications/Safety: $298 (background checks, CPR, OSHA, insurance, uniforms)
  • Core Academic Costs: $18,567 (tuition, registration, technology, activities, athletic, lab, graduation fees)
    • Tuition: 21 credit hours × $850/credit = $17,850
  • PMHNP Program Fees: $2,955 (clinical fee + book fee)

More tuition data available here:

Certification and Program Outcomes

Graduates are required to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification examination through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) upon program completion.

The program is part of FNU’s comprehensive Graduate Nursing Department, which maintains alignment with essential competencies of post-licensure nurse education and undergoes continuous quality reviews and assessment. Students must achieve a “B” or above in all courses, with grades of “C” or below considered failing.

Institution Mission and Additional Programs

Florida National University serves a diverse, predominantly Hispanic population and maintains small class sizes to foster quality education and individual attention.

The Graduate Nursing Department also offers other post-graduate certificates including:

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Leadership and Management.

The university’s mission emphasizes preparing students for employment in their chosen careers while providing educational facilities and resources that support intensive study sessions.

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