Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s Master of Science Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program is designed for those who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and are looking to specialize in caring for those in the psychiatric-mental health population across the lifespan. This program is designed for both novice and experienced registered nurses who are looking to advance their nursing career. The PMHNP prepares the advanced registered nurse to care for individuals, groups, and families in both counseling and psychopharmaceutical management.
Career Information and Technical Skills
The role of the PMHNP is to assess, diagnose and treat the mental health needs of patients. Many PMHNPs provide therapy and prescribe medications for patients who have mental health disorders or substance abuse problems. PMHNPs may also provide physical and psychosocial assessments, emergency psychiatric care and treatment effectiveness evaluations. This program will prepare the PMNP to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, primary care, schools, telemedicine, public health, substance abuse clinics, outpatient psychiatry, correction facilities, and private practice. The program is offered in an online format with direct clinical experiences and three immersive experiences. Students will complete a total of 43 credit hours and 500 direct clinical hours.
Criteria for Admission
To be considered for admission to any of the Graduate Program tracks at Mount Carmel, the following is required:
- Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program; accreditation by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (formerly NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Master's and Doctoral Degrees also considered for the NP program
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the baccalaureate nursing program
- Undergraduate statistics and research courses with a letter grade of "C" or better in both. A grade of "C-" will not be accepted
- One year of recent clinical experience recommended
- Candidate video / Interview
Application Materials
- Completed Application
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- A comprehensive well-written goal statement is an essential component of a successful graduate application. The goal statement essay is used as a source of information and as a sample of your writing ability. You should focus on your professional goals and how you envision these goals can be achieved through graduate study. Your goal statement should be approximately two, double-spaced pages (approximately 400 words).
- The goal statement should include:
- Professional and academic background, skills, and accomplishments
- Describe your academic and career goals
- How did you decide to seek graduate education in this specialty area?
- Qualities you possess that would make you a good practitioner in the specialty for which you are applying
- Current, unrestricted Ohio RN license or eligibility for Ohio Registered Nurse (RN) licensure
- Two recommendation letters (from individuals such as: work supervisors, professional colleagues, and former faculty members who hold a minimum of a Master’s level degree). Download Graduate Recommendation Form
- Official TOEFL scores for students for whom English is not the native language; minimum required TOEFL score of 550 (paper based}, 213 (computer based) or 79-80 (Internet based); TOEFL scores are valid two years from the test date. To learn more about the TOEFL, visit www.ets.org/toefl.
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities
Application Deadlines
- Fall Cohort All Tracks: August 1
- Spring Cohort All Tracks: November 30
Program Completion
- Completion in 18 months over five semesters, 46 credit hours/ 500 clinical hours
- Students must complete 500 direct clinical hours. These hours are composed of a minimum of 25 adult psychiatric encounters, a minimum of 25 pediatric psychiatric encounters (<18 years old), a minimum of 25 geriatric psychiatric encounters, and a minimum of 25 direct clinical hours related to therapy in their clinical rotations. There is no minimum on telehealth hours.
Curriculum
View Sample Curriculum of Study here.
Online Program Eligibility
- Mount Carmel College of Nursing is committed to complying with all states’ regulations for its distance learning programs. Each Distance Learning program has varying eligibility regulations. To see if this program is offered in your state, please check your eligibility or contact your local Board of Nursing before applying.
Necessary Technical and Digital Literacy Skills
The types of computer and digital literacy skills that learners will be expected to utilize throughout the program of study include:
- Using the learning management system
- Using email with attachments
- Creating and submitting files in commonly used word processing program formats
- Downloading and installing software
- Using spreadsheet programs
- Using presentation and graphics programs
- Using apps in digital devices
- Using web conferencing tools and software
- Using online libraries and databases to locate and gather appropriate information
- Using computer networks to locate and store files or data
- Using online search tools for specific academic purposes, including the ability to use search criteria, keywords, and filters
- Properly citing information sources
- Preparing a presentation of research findings
Technology Requirements
For More Information Contact
Our admissions office can be reached at 614-234-4CON or at admissions@mccn.edu.