Program Quick Facts
100% Online
Study online while you continue to work in the nursing field.
Deepen Your Faith
Build a strong spiritual foundation through Christ-centered education.
Professional Preparation
Qualify to apply for a California nurse practitioner license.
Treat the Mind, Body and Spirit of Your Patients
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Post-Master’s Certificate program prepares master’s-level nurses for advanced practice in providing mental health care for children, adolescents, adults and older adults experiencing psychiatric and mental health disorders. Through our synchronous and independent online format, you will master clinical practice guidelines, study alongside experts in mental health care and learn to promote a variety of treatment strategies to diverse populations.
The 18-month online post-master’s certificate is available for residents of California. Upon completion of this program, you will be qualified to apply for a nurse practitioner license from the California Board of Registered Nursing and take the national certificate exam for the psychiatric/mental health specialty from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Vanguard University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Career Outcomes
According to the California Health Care Foundation, as many as 50% of Californians with mental illness are not receiving psychiatric care. Make an impact here in California — and prepare to help vulnerable patients — by adding a post-master’s certificate to your training.
At Vanguard, our post-master’s certificate holders are uniquely qualified to meet the demands for advanced practice nurses who specialize in psychiatric mental health nursing. You can pursue careers in:
- Convalescent homes
- Federally qualified health centers
- Forensic facilities
- Outpatient clinics
- Pediatric clinics
- Private emergency departments
- State hospitals
- Telehealth
- Travel nursing
Through our Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Post-Master’s Certificate program, you will gain the necessary training and skills to help others grow and live happy and healthier lives. Our faculty — credentialed experts in the field — are invested in your professional, personal and spiritual growth. They will fully know you and mentor you throughout your coursework and professional development.
Our post-master’s certificate in psychiatric nursing is intentionally designed to work around your busy schedule. Our synchronous online program provides flexibility, autonomy and community with a combination of virtual and video conferencing with peers as well as structured online discussions that can be completed whenever works for you.
Upon the completion of the certification program, you will be prepared to:
- Demonstrate advanced performance in clinical practice and critical thinking as an advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner through a faith-based perspective
- Implement and evaluate safe and effective interventions that provide person-centered care in the early identification and prevention of psychiatric illnesses and improved mental health using psychopharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies and modalities based on a holistic approach
- Integrate and critically appraise research evidence to develop clinical practice guidelines, promote diverse treatment strategies, and improve mental health outcomes for diverse populations
- Synthesize evidence-based practice, ethical principles, spiritual care and biopsychosocial theories to optimize health outcomes and manage mental health disorders across the lifespan
- Plan, implement and evaluate health care policies and delivery systems that provide innovative quality care to target the resolution of social issues and concerns related to the mental health of individuals and populations
- Exemplify practitioner professionalism through self-care and wellness interventions in areas of personal spirituality, physical and psychological health, work-life balance, life-long learning, and the promotion of healthy work environments
- Demonstrate leadership, interprofessional partnerships and collaboration, and culturally competent care to reduce health disparities by advocating recovery principles in individuals and groups that positively impact care delivery and outcomes
- Incorporate and employ innovative technologies within various mental health care delivery systems in meeting unique and complex population needs
The 28-unit post-master’s psychiatric mental health certification program provides a holistic care-focused experience, allowing you to learn how to treat the body, mind and spirit of your patients. Take one course at a time and earn a mental health certificate in just 18 months. You’ll gain a faith-based perspective in the delivery of mental health care and hands-on learning opportunities through 750 clinical hours. Throughout the program, you will be paired with a mentor who will work with you and prepare you for success in both clinical practice and a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
| Sample Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| PNSG-610 Theories of Human Behavior | 2 Credits |
| PNSG-630 Role of PMHNP in Psychological Assessment | 2 Credits |
| PNSG-631 and 631P Interventions and Mental Health Promotion Across the Lifespan and Practicum | 6 Credits |
| PNSG-641 and 641P Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Adults and Older Adults and Practicum | 6 Credits |
| PNSG-661 and 661P Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Select Populations and Practicum | 6 Credits |
At Vanguard University, you will experience personalized instruction paired with a strong spiritual foundation that fosters knowledge, cultivates character and deepens faith. Our Christian professor-mentors will prepare you to make meaningful contributions in your profession and community, equipping you to lead a Spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership and service.
Accreditation
