Fresno State PMHNP Programs

School of Nursing Fresno, CA

California State University, Fresno offers a PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Study:

  • One-year online certificate delivered through synchronous and asynchronous formats
  • Includes one mandatory on-campus intensive session
  • Requires 540 clinical hours completed across three practicum courses
  • Offers flexible clinical scheduling, including telehealth placements across California

Program Track Overview

Post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Study – PMHNP

The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s Certificate PMHNP program is $12,600 and takes 1 year (3 semesters from January to December) to complete on a full-time basis.

Curriculum

The Post-Master’s Certificate requires 21 units completed as a cohort over three semesters (Spring, Summer, Fall).

The program includes four theory courses and three practicum courses focusing on psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy modalities, and management of mental health conditions across the lifespan.

Spring Semester (9 units):

NURS 244 – Advanced Psychopharmacology Across the Life Span
Covers current scientific knowledge about psychotropic medications used to treat psychiatric and mental health conditions. Reviews advanced concepts in neuroscience, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics to guide safe and effective prescribing. Stresses clinical decision-making and medication management across all age groups.

NURS 245 – Management of Common Psychiatric Conditions in Primary Care
Focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and management of common mental health disorders encountered in primary care settings. Students analyze strategies for health promotion, maintenance, and prevention of psychiatric problems and examine the PMHNP role in community mental health. Includes 108 precepted clinical hours and a weekly clinical conference, taken with NURS 243 and NURS 244.

NURS 246 – Methods of Psychotherapy
Introduces major psychotherapy approaches for adults, children, and families. Covers principles of group therapy, crisis intervention, cognitive behavioral techniques, and motivational strategies. Prepares students to select and apply appropriate psychotherapeutic methods in clinical practice, in conjunction with NURS 247.

Summer Semester (6 units):

NURS 243 – Management of Psychiatric Disorders and Mental Health Across the Life Span
Introduces theories and models used to understand psychiatric disorders and mental health problems across the lifespan. Focuses on symptoms, causes, and management of common conditions such as eating disorders, anxiety, substance use, and depression. Emphasizes ethical issues and viewing the patient as an individual within their context.

NURS 247 – Management & Care of Patients with Acute & Chronic Psychiatric Conditions
Emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, and integrated psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic management of acute and chronic psychiatric conditions, including psychosis, crises, and complex presentations. Students refine clinical decision-making for diverse patient scenarios across care settings. Includes 206 precepted clinical hours and a weekly clinical conference, taken with NURS 246.

Fall Semester (6 units):

NURS 248 – Psychiatric Disorders & Mental Health Problems in Special Populations
Examines psychiatric disorders and mental health concerns in older adults, children, adolescents, and other diverse groups. Explores how culture shapes symptom expression, help-seeking behaviors, and treatment engagement. Highlights mental health care disparities and related legal and ethical considerations.

NURS 249 – Management & Mental Health Care of Special Populations
Applies advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management skills to psychiatric care for elders, children, adolescents, and diverse populations. Integrates psychopharmacologic, psychosocial, and psychotherapeutic interventions tailored to special population needs. Includes 206 precepted clinical hours and a weekly clinical conference, taken with NURS 248.

More curriculum details are available here.

Clinicals

The certificate includes structured clinical training with clear hour requirements and setting options:

  • Total of 540 clinical hours across three practicum courses (180 hours per semester)
  • At least 500 hours must be direct patient care under on-site supervision by a clinical preceptor or faculty member
  • Clinical sites may include:
    • Outpatient psychiatric clinics
    • Inpatient psychiatric facilities
    • Drug and substance use rehabilitation centers
    • Telehealth settings
    • Correctional facilities
    • Crisis centers
  • Students work with preceptors to set schedules and typically complete 12–16 clinical hours per week
  • Suggested hour breakdown:
    • 90–120 hours in individual or group psychotherapy
    • 90–120 hours with child and adolescent populations
    • 300–360 hours in adult and geriatric care
  • At least 420 hours must be supervised by Board-Certified PMHNPs or Board-Certified Psychiatrists (MD/DO)
  • Up to 120 hours may be supervised by Clinical Psychologists, LMFTs, LCSWs, or LPCCs
  • Telehealth encounters count as direct patient care, with no cap on the number of telehealth hours

Prerequisites & Admissions

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher degree (DNP, PhD, EdD) from accredited institution with minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Official and unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended required
  • Completion of the 3Ps (advanced practice level courses) with minimum grade of “B”:
    • Advanced Pathophysiology (at least 3 credits)
    • Advanced Physical Assessment (at least 3 credits)
    • Advanced Pharmacology (at least 3 credits)
  • Valid Active California Nurse Practitioner license with Furnishing Number OR Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
  • Minimum one year clinical experience as NP or CRNA at time of application (previous mental health experience preferred but not required)
  • Currently practicing (full-time, part-time, or per diem) as NP in: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan, Adult-Gerontology (primary or acute care), Neonatal, Pediatrics (primary or acute care), Women’s Health/Gender-related, or as CRNA
  • Current Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) authorization for Schedule II-V drugs (must remain active throughout program)
  • Valid Active California Registered Nurse (RN) license
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
  • Phone interview by program coordinator/director required
  • One reference letter from recommender (preferred from potential preceptor: PMHNP/DO/MD)
  • Complete physical exam and immunization documentation
  • Gap analysis performed to evaluate prior education and determine course equivalencies
  • Application deadline: October 15 (applications accepted August 1 – October 15)
  • Admission decisions made on first-come, first-served basis
  • Mandatory on-campus intensive session (8 hours) on third Saturday of January

Tuition

The program costs $600 per unit for 21 units totaling $12,600.

Additional costs include lab fees, textbooks, liability insurance, clinical onboarding fees, Typhon, vSim, prep courses, and three practicum course fees ($100 each).

Some clinical sites require additional liability insurance beyond what California State University, Fresno provides. Financial aid and discounts are not available for this program. All fees are subject to change.

More tuition details available here.

Accreditation

The post-graduate APRN certificate program and Post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Study for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at California State University, Fresno are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

California State University, Fresno is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The program meets the California Board of Registered Nursing’s “Standards of Education for Nurse Practitioner Programs” and is BRN approved.

Graduates are eligible to sit for national board certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) for PMHNP-C credential or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for PMHNP-BC credential.

Related PMNHP Programs

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