Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate prepares graduates to assume a psychiatric-mental health care provider role in community, acute care and telemental health settings. Emphasis will be placed on rural health and establishing a PMHNP practice through face-to-face and telemental health delivery. A key focus area will be on mental health promotion, diagnosis and early intervention with children, adolescents and families. 

Coursework in the post-graduate PMHNP certificate program is completed 100% online, with clinical hours completed in the student’s home area with approved preceptors. The Post-Graduate PMHNP certificate for students with current certification in another nurse practitioner specialty is completed in up to 30 semester credit hours.

Program Information

Format

Online

School

School of Nursing

Location

Lubbock

Program Type

Certificate
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Upcoming Application Dates for Spring 2028

  • May 1 Applications Open
  • Aug 1 Applications Close

Required Education: MSN Degree and Valid Unencumbered License

  • Current Section

Program Overview

A Post-Graduate psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certificate is an option for applicants who currently hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The MSN to DNP is available for currently practicing certified NPs who would like to add the PMHNP specialty. A separate application to the DNP program and offer of admission to the DNP program is required to pursue the MSN to DNP while dually enrolled in the PMHNP program.

Upon completion of course requirements, graduates of the Masters and Post-Graduate tracks are eligible to sit for the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam.

TTUHSC is the ideal setting for providing this innovative program that incorporates telemental health through interprofessional collaboration and resources within the following Institutes and Centers:

  • F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural Health
  • F. Marie Hall SimLife Center
  • The TexLa Telehealth Resource Center
  • Center for Geriatric Education
  • Center for Global Health
  • Center for Innovation in Nursing Education
  • Center of Excellence in Evidence-based Practice
  • Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics
  • Center of Excellence for Geriatric Scholarship, Training & Faculty Development
CCNE Seal

 

 

The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, Master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and Post-Graduate APRN certificate program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

  • Up To 41 Credit Hours estimated time to completion
  • 150 estimated class size

Curriculum & Coursework

Contact School of Nursing for more information.

How to Apply

Online Application

Apply to the Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate.

Start Your Application

Application Fee

There is non-refundable application fee of $75.00. All application fees and placement fees/enrollment deposits are non-refundable. Please be sure you are applying for the correct term/program before submitting your application.

Transcripts

Transcripts may emailed to SONTranscripts@ttuhsc.edu or mailed by the college or university to this address:

TTUHSC School of Nursing
Office of Admissions
3601 4th St. STOP 8212
Lubbock, TX 79430-8212

*Disclaimer: Please be aware that if the Office of Admissions does receive an official transcript transmitted via the SPEEDE system (either directly from the sending institution or a third-party transcript provider), we may use it to evaluate and process your application. Therefore, as an applicant, it is important you remain aware that information on transcripts submitted via SPEEDE may not be accurate. It is to your benefit to have the transcript sent to the Office of Admissions either electronically to SONTranscripts@ttuhsc.edu or through the mail.

Admissions Requirements

It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that their application is complete: Application Instructions

All applicants will be reviewed in an individual and holistic manner. No single factor will determine a student's admission. The Program Chair and appropriate committee carefully evaluate all qualified applicants with regard to the applicants' potential for successful completion of the program.

Disclaimer: Due to changing regulations, the TTUHSC SON Graduate Programs cannot guarantee at the time of submission of an application that we can accept students from certain states. If you are an out-of-state student, please contact the Admissions Team at applynursing@ttuhsc.edu to determine if you are eligible to apply to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. 

Transfer Credit

The Graduate Department Chair and/or Program Director will review the applicant's previous academic preparation and/or competency in required courses in order to award transfer credit. Any deficiencies will be met by enrollment in required courses.

Generally, credits earned at an accredited college or university are accepted for transfer credit provided course content is equivalent. A grade below B is not acceptable for transfer credit.

*Reviews for transfer credit will only be conducted after an offer of admission has been extended and accepted.

Academic Admission Criteria

Important note for applicants who attended a college or university in Spring 2020.

An explanation of how TTUHSC School of Nursing considers courses in which a student earns grades of Pass (P), Fail(F), Credit (CR) or No Credit (NC) is outlined below:

  • Official transcripts with courses awarded with P or CR during the SPRING 2020 semester can be used to meet prerequisite course requirements and will not be used in calculating either the cumulative or science GPA for admissions.  
  • TTUHSC SON reserves the right to determine how, and if, courses awarded with P or CR during any semester, outside of spring 2020, will be calculated into a GPA and/or considered for transfer credit.
  • Official transcripts with courses awarded with a Fail (F) or No Credit (NC) during any semester cannot be used to meet prerequisite course requirements
  • Track-Specific Essay
  • Valid unencumbered RN License
  • Master of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited college or university with nursing program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or from the American Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
  •  A minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in all graduate level course work
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Live Support (PALS) certification for FNP, PNP, or ACNP tracks
  • Personal Statement/Essay (maximum of 500 words)
  • Professional letters of reference (3). Family members, friends, ministers, are not considered a professional reference
  • Official transcript for the MSN degree. (NOTE: all transcripts must be from a regionally accredited college or university with nursing program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or from the American Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
  • Official transcripts from all other previously attended institutions of higher education.
  • Applicants with a MSN degree outside the United States are to submit an official course-by-course evaluation from one of the approved agencies. More information on this can be found below.
  • English Proficiency – Applicants from a country where the primary language is not English must provide evidence of achieving a total score of 84 or higher with a speaking score of 26 or higher and a writing score of 27 or higher on the TOEFL iBT. This may only be waived if the student has received a degree from an accredited college/university in one of the listed countries: Australia, Canada (except the Province of Quebec), Commonwealth Caribbean countries (including Anguilla, Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands), Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales), United States.

International students with F1 and F2 status are not eligible to apply to an online program

Non-Academic Considerations

  • Evidence of leadership in nursing (Professional organizations, committees, etc.)
  • Potential for leadership in an advanced role as evidenced by reference letters
  • Professional nursing work experience
  • Diversity of work or life experience (For example: experience with other cultures, study/travel/work abroad, community service, military service, degree in other field, volunteerism or other related extracurricular activities)
  • Curriculum vitae/resume which includes educational background, honors, nursing experience, professional membership(s), and community service
  • Permanent resident of Texas or TTUHSC service area/county or TTUHSC campus location
  • First generation college student
  • Fluent in a language in addition to English

Track-specific Requirements

  • If practicing as an APRN in another specialty, must supply evidence of current certification by a nationally recognized certifying body such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (ANP), and American Midwifery Certification), formerly the ACNM Certification Council
  • Three (3) letters of reference; two letters from nursing supervisors or professional mentors and one letter from a former faculty member or other health care professional attesting to the applicant’s professional and academic abilities and potential for success in a graduate program
  • Participate in a personal interview with faculty if selected for an interview
  • Critical Analysis Essay (maximum of 650 words)

Additional Information to Note

  • It is to your advantage to include as much information as possible in your application including any certifications you may have (i.e. BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN, etc.), information on any professional nursing organizations of you may be a member, current and previous work experience. Additional tips can be found by reviewing Tips for a Successful Application to the Graduate Program.
  • Ensure that all required application documents are received by the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant, not that of TTUHSC, to make sure that your application is complete and submitted. We will not contact you for missing items.
  • If you do not already have your MSN degree and are interested in applying for the MSN program, you will need to follow a different application process which is outlined on the websites for the MSN Tracks.

Cost & Aid

Access information about tuition and fees, along with scholarships and financial aid resources, to help you plan and finance your education at TTUHSC.

Tuition & Fees 

The following information is not intended to be comprehensive and is subject to change. Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by administrative, legislative, or regent action, and changes become effective on the date enacted. The following tuition information should be used only as a guideline for estimating charges.

Estimate Tuition & Fees

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Our goal is to make obtaining a college degree within reach by supporting you with financial aid and scholarships programs. TTUHSC relies on a variety of financial aid sources to increase the university's affordability. This may include scholarships, grants, student loans, and waivers. As a student, please know that you and your family have a dedicated financial aid advisor who can assist you with this process.

Apply for Scholarships  Apply for Financial Aid Apply for SON Scholarships

Military/Veteran

Explore financial resources, benefits and support available to military members and veterans.

Military & Veteran Resources

We've Got Your Back

You're Never Alone at TTUHSC

We know that as a busy nurse, you juggle both professional and personal responsibilities. That’s why our Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate program is built to support you every step of the way, meeting you exactly where you are. Designed specifically for for students who are not registered nurses to receive the latest state-of-the-art nursing education.

  • Responsive support to our online Student Resource Center, offering writing tools, tech support, English language learner resources, and more.
  • Faculty who are engaged and approachable, with an open-door policy. Reach out by call, text, or email, and expect a response within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends.
  • Questions are always welcome! You can ask anytime, and there are optional live meet-and-greet sessions or one-on-one screenshare opportunities to discuss topics directly with faculty.
Virtual faculty

Engaged Faculty

Students have praised faculty members for being supportive and invested in student success. Overall satisfaction was expressed, though the workload and clinical demands were noted as overwhelming at times in comparison to other programs.

Enhance your network

Leverage Our Network

The School of Nursing has an expansive and engaged network of nurse leaders and alumni who are dedicated to building strong professional networks and provide guidance to all Red Raider Nurses.

Virtual Academic Onboarding

High Value Education Delivered to You

We are online, but within a brick and mortar well established university. We have all of the facilities and resources of a large university with the flexibility to do your coursework from any state.

Additional Resources

  • The School of Nursing faculty members are committed to selecting and advancing nurses able to provide leadership for the nation's healthcare systems now and in the future. We seek highly motivated students who are committed to the nursing profession and desire to expand their clinical and leadership skills. The application process is your opportunity to present your personal and professional strengths and showcase why you should be selected for the graduate program. Please read the following tips closely as they will guide you to prepare and submit the best application possible.

    Show Your Involvement

    Involvement in professional organizations is a hallmark of an aspiring nurse leader. Be sure your application clearly shows membership and activities in professional nursing organizations and community involvement. 

    Get Personal

    The personal statement and track-specific questions provide the review committee with important information about you, your background, your professional goals, and your ability to be successful in graduate studies. Clearly and concisely cover the content requested in all sections of the application. The importance of correct sentence structure, grammar, spelling and punctuation cannot be overemphasized. Track-specific essay questions are designed to reflect your understanding of your chosen specialty area. Researching professional specialty organizations’ websites and discussions with professionals in the field will enhance your ability to write a knowledgeable response.

    Demonstrate Growth

    • The review committee looks for ways you have demonstrated growth as a professional nurse and nursing leader, which may include:
      • Being appointed or elected to serve on committees within your organization.
        Achieving certification in your specialty area.
      • Being promoted beyond an entry-level position, or taking other opportunities to advance your leadership skills within your organization or within professional organizations.
      • Participation in research activities. These can be within your undergraduate program or within your organization, such as data collection or QI projects.
      • Poster or podium presentations within your organization and/or at local, state, regional, or national conferences.
      • Publications in organizational newsletters or professional journals.
    • For applicants who are just completing their first nursing degree, advancement in leadership skills may be demonstrated through involvement and leadership in nursing school activities or through activities from other jobs or in volunteer organizations.

    Show Your References

    References provide a strong indication of your leadership potential, problem solving abilities, and clinical practice. Choose wisely and guide them to stress these areas. References from people who are already in your aspiring specialty are highly desirable.

    Nail the Basics

    Read the instructions for the application process very carefully. Be sure you apply to the correct program and track. Be sure all required application materials are received by the deadline date and that the application is entirely complete and submitted by the deadline.

    • Make or use a checklist of all of the materials needed for the application and note the dates you submit the materials in order to ensure you have submitted all required materials.
    • Request your official transcripts and letters of recommendation early to be sure required materials are received before the application deadline.
    • Be sure to complete the application process! Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the submission page and click on the Submit button.

  • If you are turning in an affidavit for vaccination exemption, you must hand deliver or mail the original affidavit to Office of Institutional Health.  State law requires Student Health has the original in possession.  While TTUHSC accepts this affidavit for vaccination exemption, please be aware that clinical practice sites may not accept these affidavits for vaccination exemptions (medical exemptions are accepted) resulting in an inability to complete clinical rotations unless in compliance.  Students should be aware that this could delay or prevent clinical site placement and/or graduation.

    Please review the required immunizations for your program by going to the TTUHSC Office of Institutional Health’s page and clicking on “Student Pre-Matriculation Forms”.  Completed immunization forms and required documentation should be sent to Tina Martinez at tinsteph@ttuhsc.edu.  

    • Graduate Students, Traditional BSN Students (Abilene, Amarillo, Lubbock, and Odessa) and Accelerated BSN Students (Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Lubbock, Odessa, and San Antonio) – Use the School of Nursing – Undergrad, ABSN, Graduate form.

    • Traditional BSN Students (Mansfield) and Accelerated BSN Students (Dallas) – Use the School of Nursing – Mansfield/Dallas Only – Undergrad/ABSN form.

       

    All copies of immunization records, lab reports, and/or health records must be provided prior to the start of the program. Students will not be allowed to register in courses until all records are received and approved by the Office of Institutional Health. The successful completion of the clinical component of your program is essential for graduation. As a result, students will not be able to complete program requirements for graduation without completing the clinical requirement.

International Applicants

Please review the following requirements carefully in order to apply for any of the programs within the School of Nursing. Applicants should also check the websites of the programs to which they are applying to determine if the programs have any additional requirements.

International students with F1 and F2 status are not eligible to apply to an online program.

Note: Please use your name as it appears on your passport on your application and all other communication with TTUHSC School of Nursing.

  • FOR ALL UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS (TRADITIONAL BSN, RN-BSN, AND ACCELERATED BSN)

    Do not send international transcripts to the School of Nursing. Transcripts from schools outside the United States must be evaluated by a Foreign Credential Service. The school requires course-by-course evaluations and will accept evaluated transcripts and diploma information from the following services:

  • We only require a foreign transcript evaluation if the degree needed to enroll in the program is from outside the United States. For example, if you are applying to the MSN or BSN to DNP program and your BSN degree is from outside the United States or if you are applying to the Post-graduate Certificate or Post-Master’s DNP program and your MSN degree is from outside the United States.

    If you do need to submit a foreign transcript evaluation for any of the graduate programs, please note we require an official course-by-course evaluation from one of the following services:

    • TruMerit
      3600 Market St. Suite 400
      Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651
      Phone (215) 222-8464
      *Must be the Credentials Evaluation Service Academic Report

     

    For questions, please contact the School of Nursing Office of Admissions at (806) 743-9294 or email applynursing@ttuhsc.edu.

  • Applicants that are not US Citizens and do not qualify for exceptions (see below) must submit one of the following as proof of English proficiency:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) www.toefl.org - The minimum TOEFL score required is 550 (paper-based version) or 79 (internet-based version). The TOEFL score must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS); Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s institutional code is 6851. TOEFL scores are valid for only two years. 
    • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) www.ielts.org - The minimum IELTS required score is an overall band score of 6.5 on the Academic version; IELTS General Training results are not acceptable. There is no IELTS institution code for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. IELTS scores are valid for only two years. 
    • Duolingo English Test www.duolingo.com (Online examination) - The minimum requirement Duolingo score is 100.  Applicants for undergraduate programs should submit scores to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing Undergraduate Programs.  Applicants for graduate programs should submit scores to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing Graduate Programs.
    • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic; PTE Academic) - The minimum required PTE Academic score is 60.  PTE General and PTE Young Learners results are not acceptable.  There no PTE Academic institution code for TTUHSC.  PTE Academic scores are valid for only two years.
    • Cambridge CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficient in English; CPE) - The minimum required Cambridge CPE grade is C.  There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CPE.  The Cambridge CPE is valid for life.
    • Cambridge CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English; CAE) - The minimum required Cambridge CAE grade is B.  There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CAE.  The Cambridge CAE is valid for life.

    English Proficiency Testing Waivers and Country Specific Exemptions:

    • Applicant attended four (4) consecutive long semesters (fall and spring terms) of credit-bearing/non-development/non- ESL courses at an accredited post-secondary school in the U.S.
    • Applicant attended two (2) consecutive years of high school in the United States.
    • Applicant attended two (2) consecutive years of high school with U.S. accreditation or within an English proficiency exempt country
    • Applicants from the below English proficiency exempt countries (must provide proof with passport):

    Countries exempt from the English language proficiency requirement: 

    • American Samoa
    • Anguilla
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Australia
    • Bahamas
    • Barbados
    • Belize
    • Bermuda
    • Canada (except the Province of Quebec)
    • Cayman Islands
    • Dominica
    • Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
    • Ghana
    • Gibraltar
    • Grenada
    • Guam
    • Guyana
    • Ireland, Republic of
    • Jamaica
    • Kenya
    • Liberia
    • Micronesia Islands, Federated States of
    • Montserrat
    • New Zealand
    • Nigeria
    • Philippines
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Saint Lucia
    • Saint Helena
    • South Africa
    • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
    • Trinidad and Tobago
    • Turks and Caicos Islands
    • United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and
    • Wales)
    • United States
    • Virgin Islands
    • Zimbabwe

    Upon acceptance to the School of Nursing, F-1 international students are required to submit original documents or copies that verify the details and scope of their academic program, as well as their citizenship, financial status, and visa information. To facilitate the issuance of the Form I-20, these documents must be provided to the Immigration Compliance office.

    Hisatoshi Fujino, Immigration Specialist,
    Immigration & Compliance Services | Institutional Compliance
    Email: hisatoshi.fujino@ttuhsc.edu 

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    3601 4th St., STOP 8212
    Lubbock, TX 79430
    United States