PMHNP Curriculum Plans | Washburn University

Customized study plans. National certification readiness. Fully online.

At Washburn University, we recognize the unique backgrounds and professional experiences each student brings to the Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program. Whether you're an experienced nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist, or hold a graduate degree in nursing without APRN credentials, we will work with you to develop a customized course plan that aligns with your goals and builds on your prior education.

Our fully online program admits new students each fall and is designed to prepare graduates for eligibility to apply for national board certification as a PMHNP through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Washburn's PMHNP program has been accepted into the ANCC's Certification Eligibility Curriculum Review Program (CERPs), affirming the quality of our curriculum.

Three entry tracks based on your background:

Track 1: Nurse Practitioner (e.g., FNP, ANP/GNP, PNP, CNM, CRNA)
Track 2: Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Track 3: Graduate degree in nursing without APRN credentials

All tracks include a minimum of 525 practicum hours, meeting the national certification eligibility requirement. Some states may require additional hours for licensure. Your academic advisor will help you build a plan that meets both national and state-specific requirements.

The PMHNP online course experience

Flexible, engaging, and designed for working nurses

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate program is delivered fully online, offering flexibility for working professionals.

While most coursework is asynchronous, each course includes a small number of scheduled virtual sessions that are planned in advance. These sessions support interactive learning, clinical skill development, and peer connection. Some may be scheduled by the instructor, while others may be arranged in collaboration with peers for small-group practice or discussion within specified timeframes.

Clinical placements and state licensure requirements

Complete clinicals where you live with guided support

You will complete clinical experiences across the lifespan (child/adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations) in clinical settings that are close and convenient to where you live. All placements must be approved by the Program Director to ensure they meet program and national certification requirements. Licensure requirements vary by state, and our faculty and advisors will work with you to help ensure your clinical plan aligns with the expectations of the state where you intend to seek licensure. We encourage you to review your state board of nursing’s clinical and licensure requirements early in the planning process. If you need assistance interpreting those requirements, our team is here to help.

Program requirements & course sequences

If you are a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

- 20 credit hours+
- 4 semesters
- 525 clinical hours
- Course Sequence*

*This is an example plan. Yours may differ. National board certification requires separate graduate-level courses in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment that are lifespan-focused and aligned with the standards outlined in the APRN Consensus Model and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) core competencies. If you wish to transfer these courses from another university, course syllabi will be required to evaluate equivalency.

If you are an Adult/Gero Nurse Practitioner (ANP/GNP)

- 21 credit hours+
- 4 semesters
- 525 clinical hours
- Course Sequence (with 3P courses)*
- Course sequence (without 3P courses)*

*These are example plans. Yours may differ. National board certification requires separate graduate-level courses in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment that are lifespan-focused and aligned with the APRN Consensus Model and NONPF core competencies. To transfer these courses from another university, course syllabi are required for equivalency review. Gap courses are available if needed to meet requirements.

If you are a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)

20 credit hours
4 semesters
525 clinical hours
Course sequence (with 3P courses)*
Course sequence (without 3P courses)*

*This is an example plan. Yours may differ. National board certification requires separate graduate-level courses in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment that are lifespan-focused and aligned with the APRN Consensus Model and NONPF core competencies. To transfer these courses from another university, course syllabi are required for equivalency review. Gap courses are available if needed to meet requirements.

If you are a Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

23 credit hours
5 semesters
525 clinical hours
Given credit for didactic content in Psych Mental Health Nursing
Course Sequence*

*This is an example plan. Yours may differ. Actual number of required hours will be dependent on review of transcripts. National board certification requires separate graduate-level courses in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment that are lifespan-focused and aligned with the APRN Consensus Model and NONPF core competencies. To transfer these courses from another university, course syllabi are required for equivalency review. Gap courses are available if needed to meet requirements.