PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits is the Certificate Program and what is the cost?

Cost per credit, currently, is $825 per credit. The per-credit fee is the same for in-state (Massachusetts) and out-of-state students. 

Sample cost of program: APRN $24,750 (for all 30 credits)

Can I apply to the program if I am not a nurse practitioner?

Interested applicants who are RNs and hold a Master’s degree, but are not Nurse Practitioners, must complete:

An additional 3 courses (if the courses were not included in the MS degree program):

  • Leadership of Public Health Systems
  • Family Systems & Interventions
  • Pharmacotherapy Management

AND

  • The "3 P’s" (Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment) if not yet completed

AND

  • Final Residency

A transcript review will be done to determine the specific courses required for non-APRNs.   

How long does it take to complete the program?

For Nurse Practitioners, this program can be completed in 5 semesters, starting in the Summer and finishing the following Fall (ex: start in Summer 2023, and finish after completing Fall 2024 semester). Students can opt to start in the Spring and take one of the required courses.

For Non-APRN’s, with the addition of 3-6 courses it will take approximately 3 years to complete all of the requirements.

Is this program fully online and do I ever have to come to campus?

The Certificate Program is completely online with NO campus visits required. Students are required to attend virtual meet and greets offered each semester in the Psychiatric Mental Health Specialty. These meet and greet dates are often held during the first week of the course start.

Will you help me locate clinical practicum sites?

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing does not provide clinical placements for you. However, we do have support in place should you need assistance. It is highly recommended that you have clinical placements identified/arranged before applying to the program.

May out-of-state (non-Massachusetts) residents be accepted in this program?

The University of Massachusetts Amherst operates distance education classes and programs for out-of-state students under the terms and provisions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Due to certain states' restrictions on clinical placements for students enrolled in out-of-state institutions, we are currently unable to accept students seeking a clinical certification​​​ who reside in: Alabama, Minnesota, New York, Oregon or Washington. Learn more.

What are the clinical requirements of the Certificate Program? 

APRN applicants will complete 560 clinical hours, and Non-APRN’s and or APRNs with less than one year of APRN practice will complete 728.

Each semester there are two goals pertaining to hours: 

  1. Meet total practicum hours 
  2. Meet specialty hours requirement
     
  • Child and Adolescent Practicum 168 Clinical Hours Fall Semester (at least 40 hours should be with persons 21 and younger out of 168 hours). This is a practicum year one course offered in the fall. 
  • Adults/ Older Adults 168 Hours Spring Semester (at least 40 hours should be with persons over age 56 out of 168 hours). This is a practicum year two course offered in the Spring Semester. 
  • Psychotherapy Practicum 112 Summer Semester (at least 20 hours should be in a psychotherapy modality- Individual, Group, and or Family Therapy). This is a practicum year one course offered in the Summer Semester. 
  • Complex Health Practicum 112 Clinical Hours Fall Semester (Any Psychiatric Mental Health Setting). This is a practicum year two course, offered in the Fall Semester. 
  • Final Residency Practicum 112 Clinical Hours Spring Semester (any Psychiatric Mental Health Setting). This is a practicum year two course offered in the Spring Semester for students who did not have previous APRN (and/or <1  year APRN) experience before starting the PMH program. Mostly DNP students and or students without APRN experience take this final course. Most certificate students wrap up in December of their second year with Complex Health. 

When is the admission deadline and when is the start date?

The Certificate program priority application deadline is October 15 for a Spring or Summer start. Students may take one course in the Spring to get started, OR start in the Summer and take all 3 required courses. Clinical sequence begins in the Fall. The Certificate Program will continue to review applications after October 15th if there are still spaces available.

Is there financial aid for the Certificate Program?

Since the Certificate Program is not a degree-seeking program, students may need to seek out tuition assistance.  Some students have received educational loans through their financial institutions, and some students have had their places of employment assist with finances. Another option is to enroll in our Psych/DNP Program, if you are already planning to further your education as a Doctor of Nursing Practice student, for which there is Financial Aid.

Is this program accredited?

The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Who can I precept with?

Preceptorship may take place with a licensed Psychiatrist and or a licensed Psychiatric NP/CNS, except for the psychotherapy rotation (summer II). PMH students may work with a psychotherapist during which time they may precept with be a Licensed and Independent (Psychologist (PsyD), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Social Worker (LICSW only- LCSW (Licensed Social Workers) not acceptable) Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC), Psychiatrist, and or advanced practice psychiatric nurse (PMHNP/PMHCNS).

Can I do Telehealth hours?

Yes, students may participate in clinical experiences, including telehealth, in states in which they hold an active RN license. They must be licensed in the state(s) where their preceptor's telehealth clients are receiving care. 

Is there a limit on the number of hours I can precept doing telehealth hours?

No, there is no maximum or minimum number of hours for telehealth practicum. 

Can I work full time during the practicum semesters of the program?

We strongly recommend that students work part-time during the practicum semesters.