Program Track Overview
Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate
The estimated cost for the Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate program is $13,659 in graduate tuition for the one-year program and would take 1 year to complete on a full-time basis.
Curriculum
NURS 741 — Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Theory I
Covers brain physiology, core psychopathology, and major psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. Students link assessment findings to evidence-based treatment options.
NURS 742 — Psychiatric-Mental Health Theory II
Builds skills in history taking, mental status examination, and diagnostic reasoning. Students plan initial treatments while considering family factors and social determinants.
NURS 743 — Psychiatric-Mental Health Theory III
Strengthens the NP role with advanced assessment, differential diagnosis, and care planning. Students refine decision making and integrate current guidelines into practice.
NURS 781 — Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Practicum I
Introduces supervised assessment and early management of common disorders. Students practice core NP competencies with direct patient encounters.
NURS 782 — Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Practicum II
Expands supervised evaluation and treatment across varied settings. Students deepen diagnostic accuracy and adjust therapies based on patient response.
NURS 783 — Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Practicum III
Focuses on complex cases and coordinated family care. Students demonstrate progressive independence in diagnosis, medication management, and psychotherapy planning.
More curriculum details are available here.
Clinicals
Students complete three sequential practicums in outpatient or inpatient behavioral settings. Practicums occur in Wisconsin or Illinois with qualified preceptors. An active, unencumbered Illinois RN license is required for Illinois placements.
Prerequisites & Admissions
- Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing with NP, CNS, CNM, or CRNA preparation
- Current Wisconsin RN license; Illinois RN license if completing Illinois practicums
- Graduate courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment with grades of B or better
- APN certification as applicable
- One year of APN practice by program start; psychiatric experience preferred
- Three recommendations, résumé or CV, personal statement; possible faculty interview
- Apply through the UWM Graduate School before completing six certificate credits
Tuition
Graduate tuition (annual): $13,659. Program length is one year, so the certificate’s tuition is $13,659, excluding any additional university fees or living costs.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
UWM’s nursing programs hold national nursing accreditation and prepare graduates for PMHNP certification and state licensure. Candidates should confirm any state-specific licensing steps before enrollment.
Other Nursing Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (select students may apply PMHNP certificate courses within the DNP plan of study)
More PMHNP Programs in Wisconsin
View All PMHNP Programs in Wisconsin
- Alverno College - Milwaukee
- Bellin College - Green Bay
- Concordia University - Mequon
- Edgewood University - Madison
- Milwaukee School of Engineering - Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin - Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire - Eau Claire