Program Track Overview
Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP
The estimated cost for the Post-Graduate Certificate PMHNP program is approximately $6,868 (in-state) or $26,440 (out-of-state) and is designed to be completed in 15 months (4 semesters) on a full-time basis.
Estaimate based on approximately $298.61/credit (in-state) or $1,149.56/credit (out-of-state) across 23 credit hours.
Certificate Curriculum
The 23-credit, 7-course curriculum covers psychiatric and mental health care across the lifespan, including advanced patient assessment, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, trauma-informed care, and ethical decision-making. Courses are structured across four consecutive semesters.
Required Courses (18 credits)
NUR 676 – Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice (3 cr)
This course examines medication management for psychiatric, behavioral, and substance use disorders across the lifespan. Students study pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, major drug classes, dosing strategies, and adverse effects. The course emphasizes evidence-based prescribing and current developments in neurobiology and psychopharmacology.
NUR 677 – Assessment and Diagnosis of Psychiatric and Mental Health Disorders Across the Lifespan (3 cr)
This course builds advanced skills in psychiatric assessment and diagnosis. Students learn diagnostic reasoning, case formulation, and treatment planning while studying brain-behavior relationships and neuroanatomy. The course prepares learners to evaluate both typical and atypical mental health patterns across diverse populations.
NUR 678 – Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice for Individuals and Groups (2 cr)
This course introduces core psychotherapy theories and clinical techniques. Students examine cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic approaches while developing therapeutic communication skills. The course also focuses on treatment planning and evidence-based therapy for individuals and groups.
NUR 679 – Managing Complex Psychiatric Disorders in Adults and Families (4 cr)
This course examines treatment strategies for complex psychiatric conditions affecting adults and families. Students integrate psychotherapy and medication management to address mood disorders, behavioral symptoms, and co-occurring conditions. The course emphasizes culturally responsive care planning for multifaceted clinical cases.
NUR 690 – Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical (4 cr)
This supervised clinical course develops advanced psychiatric practice skills. Students provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for patients across the lifespan while managing complex and co-occurring disorders. The course strengthens clinical reasoning, therapeutic communication, and collaborative care planning.
NUR 691 – Managing Complex Psychiatric Disorders in Special and Vulnerable Populations (2 cr)
This course studies psychiatric care for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, individuals with chronic illness, and those affected by substance use or justice system involvement. Students explore culturally responsive treatment strategies for diverse communities. The course also encourages reflection on personal bias and ethical care.
Capstone Experience (5 credits)
NUR 693 – Integrative Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical (5 cr)
This capstone practicum prepares students for independent psychiatric nurse practitioner practice. Students integrate clinical knowledge while delivering comprehensive mental health care under faculty and preceptor guidance. The experience strengthens diagnostic, treatment, and collaboration skills across diverse patient populations.
See the official curriculum page for more details.
Certificate Clinicals
The program requires 510 new clinical hours completed with preceptors in students’ local communities. Students also receive GAP analysis credit for a minimum of 300 clinical hours from their prior NP program, bringing total recognized clinical experience in line with the 750-hour recommendation from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).
- 30 hours – NUR 678 (Psychotherapy practicum)
- 240 hours – NUR 690 (Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical)
- 240 hours – NUR 693 (Integrative Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical)
- Total new hours: 510
- GAP analysis credit: minimum 300 hours from prior NP program
- Clinical placements are local and community-based — no relocation required
Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Examination.
Certificate Admissions & Prerequisites
- MSN or DNP from a U.S. institution accredited by CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA, with completion of a Nurse Practitioner program
- Active, non-restricted RN license in North Carolina
- Official copy of current national NP certification
- Completion of advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced physical/health assessment
- Three professional references (at least one from a healthcare provider: RN, DO, MD, NP, or PA)
- Official transcripts from all relevant institutions
- Current resume or CV
- Application deadline: July 1, 2026
- International/F-1 students are not eligible for this program
Tuition
Online graduate tuition is approximately $298.61/credit (NC resident) and $1,149.56/credit (non-resident). Standard university fees apply each semester.
Financial aid is not available for post-graduate certificate students unless concurrently enrolled in a qualifying degree program.
More tuition details are available here.
Accreditation
The UNCG School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center for Excellence in Nursing Education.
More PMHNP Programs in North Carolina
- Duke University - Durham
- East Carolina University - Greenville
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University - Greensboro
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill
- University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington