Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The purpose of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH NP) concentration is to prepare professional nurses as safe and competent advance practice providers of psychiatric and mental health services. Upon completion of all required courses, students are eligible to apply and sit for the PMH NP certification exam given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Graduates of this program will earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, or a Post Masters Certificate in this specialty concentration. The Masters Program at East Carolina University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The program is offered in an on-line format and requires attendance on-campus for a two-day intensive experience with the faculty spring and fall semester during clinical practicums. Three clinical practicums, across the lifespan, are required which culminate in a total of 550 clinical supervision hours. These clinical experiences are arranged jointly between student and faculty to match geographic location and professional goals.
Apply to the program though the ECU Graduate Admissions Office. The application portal becomes available August 15th. Completed applications are reviewed by our PMHNP admission committee after the annual application deadline of February 1st for the summer admission cycle. Individual, interviews are scheduled later in February for those selected. Class size is limited and competitive. The program began admissions in the fall of 2017.
Preference is given to applicants currently working in mental health settings and who plan to deliver direct patient care in North Carolina upon completion. Evidence of a clear understanding of the PMH NP role is required as well as demonstration of self-awareness, exceptional interpersonal communication skills, and emotional and professional maturity. Essays should include why you are choosing this career path indicating your desire to work with this population. Two professional references are required, one from an advance practice nurse, focused on their knowledge of your abilities.
Due to the critical shortage of psychiatric providers in North Carolina, out-of-state applications are not considered at this time. Dr. Julie M. Linder is the interim Director of our ECU CON Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
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