21 Best Shortest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs (Less Than 16-Months) – 2024

Written By: Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH

Are you a nurse practitioner seeking to add mental health interventions to your repertoire of clinical expertise? The education and training you’ll need can take 24 months or less to attain with the right Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate program.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health issues like anxiety and substance abuse were on the rise throughout the U.S. Mental health issues affect the population foci—families, adults and the elderly, pediatric patients, and women—that define nurse practitioner scope of practice. It makes sense, then, that an increasing number of NPs want to add psychiatric-mental health nurse practice to their existing skill sets and that they want to do this as quickly as possible. If you’ve been wondering, “What are the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs?” our list of the 21 best shortest online PMHNP certificate programs for 2024 is a great place to start.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE GOAL OF A SHORT POST-MASTER’S ONLINE PMHNP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?

The goal of the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs is to prepare you to take and pass the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) PMHNP certification exam as quickly as possible to attain Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure in the state where you practice.

HOW MANY CREDITS ARE THERE IN THE SHORTEST ONLINE PMHNP CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS?

The shortest PMHNP certificate online programs design their curricula to meet the curriculum recommendations made by the National Task Force Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs. That means that there isn’t an enormous variation in the number of credits these programs require for PMHNP certificate completion. Most programs require between 17 and 30 semester credits for PMHNP certificate completion.

For example, Johns Hopkins University’s PMHNP certificate only entails 17 credits, while New Mexico State University’s PMHNP certificate is 18 credits. D'Youville University’s PMHNP certificate, on the other hand, involves 30 credits, but D’Youville University also offers prospective students gap analysis services, which has the potential to lower the total number of credits students are responsible for taking.

HOW LONG ARE THE SHORTEST ONLINE PMHNP CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS?

The most common short PMHNP certificate program length is three semesters or 12 months. PMHNP certificate programs are designed to be short and focused because most nurses who pursue them are already NPs in other specialties. These nurses are interested in pursuing a certificate because they don’t want to spend the two, three, or more years it would take to earn a second NP degree.

Such variation as exists in the length of these programs is primarily due to the number of clinical hours nurses must complete for graduation. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Programs mandates that all PMHNP programs must include 500 hours of precepted clinical training, but some programs may include more hours because schools want to introduce future practitioners to different client population groups.

For example, you can complete Liberty University’s short PMHNP certificate in 12 months because it only requires 504 hours of clinical rotation. But the University of Arizona’s fast PMHNP certificate program takes four semesters (15 months) to complete because it involves 720 hours of clinical rotation.

HOW MUCH DO THE SHORTEST ONLINE PMHNP CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS COST?

The shortest PMHNP certificate programs online are costly, but they are still considerably less costly than a commensurate two-year Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner nursing program might be. Ohio University’s PMHNP certificate program is one of the least expensive: Ohio residents will spend $627 per credit (for a total of $12,540), while out-of-state residents will spend $646 per credit (for a total of $12,920.) Anderson University charges tuition of $700 per credit ($15,400), while top-ranked Johns Hopkins University charges $1,826 per credit ($31,441.)

WHAT ARE THE BEST SHORTEST ONLINE PMHNP CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION?

(The following 21 best shortest post-master’s online PMHNP certificate Programs for 2024 are ideal for MSN nurses who wish to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in sixteen months or lesser.)

1. Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD

Program Length:

3 Semesters

Program Details:

Of all the best fastest online PMHNP certificate programs, the program at Johns Hopkins University is probably the best. U.S. News & World Report ranks the online nursing degree programs at Johns Hopkins University as tops in the nation. Full-time students can complete the university’s 17-credit Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate in a single year (three semesters.) This fast PMHNP certificate program is designed to enhance your skills in physical and psychosocial assessment and clinical decision-making, allowing you to treat mental health needs in various settings ranging from inpatient hospitals to outpatient primary care clinics. Classes include “Neurobiology of Mental Disorders,” “Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders,” and “Integrated Care.”

You’ll do 500 hours of clinical rotation during this short PMHNP certificate program. Clinical rotations can be done at a healthcare facility in your own community. You’ll access didactic coursework online via a primarily asynchronous learning platform using discussion boards, wikis, live conferencing, virtual media, video presentations, reflective activities, and weekly clinical logs.

How Short is Johns Hopkins University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

Full-time students can complete this PMHNC certificate in three semesters by taking four classes (seven credits) in the fall semester, one class and one practicum in the spring semester (five credits), and one class and one practicum in the summer semester. You must plan on doing around 30 hours of studying a week with this schedule. Part-time enrollment options are also available.

Admission Requirements:

Johns Hopkins University’s PMHNP certificate is only available to RNs with active, unencumbered licenses who’ve earned Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees from accredited nursing programs. Your cumulative academic grade point average must be 3.0 or higher. You must submit three professional references, a resume or a curriculum vitae, ad a statement of your professional goals. You must also have at least one year of NP experience with at least 500 hours of clinical experience working in a mental health-related setting.

2. Ohio University - Athens, OH

Program Length:

3 Semesters

Program Details:

Are you an APRN interested in attaining new skills as a PMHNP quickly that will enable you to steer your career in a new direction? You can complete Ohio University’s 20-credit PMHNP certificate in just one year. This program relies more upon precepted experience in the field than it does upon didactic instruction. It begins with a clinical placement, so you must have your preceptor and site lined up before your first semester starts. You may choose your own site and preceptor, but a contract must be in place with Ohio University’s Clinical Placement Office before you can begin, and this can take as long as three months to set up.

Certificate training culminates with a capstone project that involves the development of a professional portfolio. You’ll also take a final program exam that’s based on the ANCC national certification examination for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.

How Short is Ohio University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

This fast online PMHNP certificate program admits new students once a year in the summer semester. Only one completion track is available. You will do a 100-hour clinical rotation your first semester (seven credits), a 200-hour clinical rotation your second semester (six credits), and a 200-hour clinical rotation plus a capstone course your third semester (seven credits.) You’ll graduate in just under one year.

Admission Requirements:

Admission into most of the best shortest PMHNP certificate online programs is highly competitive, and Ohio University’s PMHNP program is no exception. For consideration, you’ll need an MSN from an accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must possess a valid, unrestricted RN license.

You’ll also have to submit a professional goals statement, a resume or CV, and three professional references, at least one of which is from an APRN. Additionally, you must have completed graduate-level courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment within the past five years.

3. UC Davis Health - Sacramento, CA

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

You can complete UC Davis’s post-master’s PMHNP certificate in less than a single year. The program is a multi-campus collaboration between three University of California nursing schools: UC Davis, UCSF, and UCLA. This short online PMHNP certificate program is a hybrid program that combines distance learning with three campus intensives and a minimum of 500 hours of clinical rotations. Your classes will include “Foundations in Psychopharmacology and Alternate Therapies,” “Psychotherapeutic Interventions Across the Lifespan,” and “Treatment Planning for Complex Mental Disorders.” As UC campuses use the quarter system, semester credits aren’t relevant to this program.

Your remote-access classes will rely primarily upon asynchronous technology, but you’ll participate in a weekly synchronous class hosted on Zoom. Clinical rotations take place at various mental healthcare facilities throughout California and begin during your first quarter. All placements are assigned by faculty in collaboration with the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing’s Office of Clinical Placements.

How Short is UC Davis Health's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

This quick online PMHNP certificate program admits students once a year at the beginning of the winter quarter. Quarters are typically 10 weeks long. You will take three classes and complete a clinical rotation during the winter, spring, and fall quarters and take one class and complete a clinical rotation during the summer quarter. You will graduate in just under one year at the end of the fall quarter.

Admission Requirements:

This program is open only to nurses with valid, unencumbered APRN licenses in California. You’ll need to submit a resume or CV, a statement of professional goals, and three professional references. You must also have taken comprehensive graduate-level courses in physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, differential diagnosis and disease management, and health promotion and disease prevention.

4. University of Virginia - Charlottesville, VA

Program Length:

12-15 Months

Program Details:

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate track at the University of Virginia is one of the most exclusive among the shortest PMHNP certificate online programs: It only accepts six students annually. The program consists of 19 credits: three three-credit seminars and two five-credit clinical practicums. The classes you take will be “Biological Basis of Mental Health and Mental Illness,” “Mental Health Theories & Therapies,” and “PMH Disorders & Diagnoses.” Distance-learning students will participate in seminars using synchronous internet technology.

Clinical rotations are generally set up in the Commonwealth of Virginia by the School of Nursing placement office using inpatient and community care settings throughout the state. Students who’ve completed an MSN in an area other than psychiatry-mental health must do 500 clinical hours, but students whose MSN focused on psychiatry-mental health will only have to do 250 clinical hours.

How Short is University of Virginia's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

If you’ve graduated from an MSN with a psychiatry-mental health emphasis, it’s possible to complete this short online PMHNP certificate program in 15 months by taking one seminar per semester in the fall, spring, and summer, and a 250-hour clinical rotation during your second fall semester. However, most students will take 20 months to finish this program.

Admission Requirements:

By the time classes begin, you must have an active, unencumbered APRN license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. You must be a graduate of an accredited MSN program and have at least one year of full-time experience as an RN.

You’ll need to submit three professional references, one of which must be from an APRN. You must also submit a resume or CV. If you’re not certified as an NP, you’ll need to show proof that you’ve completed graduate-level courses in advanced pharmacology, health assessment, and pathophysiology.

5. University of Missouri-Columbia - Columbia, MO

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

You can graduate from the University Of Missouri’s PMHNP certificate program in three semesters (one year) if you enroll as a full-time student. Keep in mind, though, that this 18.5 credit program is another of the best shortest online PMHNP certificate programs that emphasize practicum experience over lecture classes. And practicums can be arduous.

This PMHNP track includes four seminars: “Diagnostics and Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Nurses,” “Brief Individual and Family Psychotherapy,” “Group Therapy and Social Skills Training,” and “Pediatric Mental Health Assessment and Treatment.” All four seminars have significant clinical requirements. Additionally, you’ll have to take two clinical practicums. You'll have to complete 630 clinical hours to graduate from this short PMHNP certificate program.

No campus visits are required in this Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Apart from your clinical hours, all course content is delivered online. You can expect to study three hours a week per credit hour.

How Short is University of Missouri-Columbia's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

The University of Missouri’s PMHNP certificate program has one start date in the fall semester. Full-time students should be able to complete the curriculum in three semesters (one year) by taking two courses during the fall and spring semesters and a 240-hour clinical rotation during the summer. The University of Missouri's program is one of the quickest PMHNP certificate programs online that also offer part-time enrollment options.

Admission Requirements:

For consideration, applicants must have a BSN and an MSN from a nationally accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on their most recent 60 credits. They must also have APRN certification. You’ll need to submit two professional references and a CV.

6. University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

Program Length:

15 Months

Program Details:

Are you a nurse practitioner looking for a fast way to enter the rapidly expanding mental healthcare sector? The University of Arizona offers a 25-credit PMHNP program that you can complete in four semesters (15 months.) This curriculum includes 11 classes and 720 clinical hours—far more than the number of clinical hours required by most of the other fastest PMHNP certificate programs online. Classes include “Introduction to Behavioral Health Therapy Across the Lifespan,” “Advanced Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing I, II & III,” and “Advanced Practice Nursing Issues in the Care of Older Adults.”

The program calls for three clinical immersions on campus as well as a resident summer intensive. Clinical rotations begin during the second spring semester. The College of Nursing’s placement office will make every effort to arrange a clinical placement for you in your own geographical area. Apart from immersions and clinical rotations, the program is delivered online.

How Short is University of Arizona's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

The University of Arizona’s College of Nursing doesn’t offer the PMHNP certificate every year. When the PMHNP certificate is available, classes begin in the fall semester. If you take three classes (4 credits) your first (fall) semester, four classes (nine credits) plus a practicum (four credits) your second (spring) semester, one class (three credits) and one practicum (four credits) your third (summer) semester, and one class (three credits) and one practicum (five credits) your fourth (fall) semester, you’ll graduate in one year and three months. The University of Arizona also offers part-time tracks for students who want to complete the PMHNP certificate more slowly.

Admission Requirements:

This program is open to students who’ve earned an MSN or APRN degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. You’ll need an active, unrestricted RN license and current APRN certification. Additionally, you’ll need to submit two professional references.

7. University of Miami - Coral Gables, FL

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

If you’re an advanced practice RN who wants a quick way to hone expertise in advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing, check out the University of Miami’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate. You can complete this fast PMHNP certificate program in just one year. The 18-credit curriculum might be most accurately described as a hybrid program since you’ll have to spend significant time at the University of Miami in Coral Gables. The University of Miami’s simulation hospital has a reputation as one of the best simulation medical education centers in the U.S.

You’ll be studying mental health theory and psychopharmacology across three therapeutic treatment modalities: individual, family, and group. This program was specifically designed for NPs specializing in adult gerontology, pediatrics, and family practice. All clinical rotations must take place in Florida.

How Short is the University of Miami's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

This fast online PMHNP certificate program admits students once a year in the spring semester. Full-time students will be able to attain their PMHNP certificate in three semesters (12 months.)

Admission Requirements:

This program is only open to nurses with Florida licensure. You’ll need to have a BSN from an accredited nursing program and have graduated from the NP track of an accredited MSN program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. You’ll need to submit a resume or a CV, a statement of professional goals, and two letters of professional recommendation.

8. Georgia State University - Atlanta, GA

Program Length:

3 Semesters

Program Details:

Georgia State University’s three-semester PMHNC certificate program is designed to help nurse practitioners with MSN-level training in adult gerontology, pediatrics, and family practice gain greater proficiency in mental health-related care. The curriculum comprises 26 credits: two didactic courses (five credits) and four clinical rotations (21 credits.) Your classes will include “Theories of Advanced Psychiatric Nursing,” “Advanced Psychopharmacology,” and “Integrative Management of Complicated Psychiatric Cases.” You’ll be required to attend a weeklong session on the Georgia State University campus in Atlanta, Georgia, at the start of the program, and you’ll return to campus periodically throughout the three semesters for in-person skill testing.

This short online PMHNP certificate program requires completing 500 clinical hours in a Georgia-based mental healthcare facility. The university will allow you to take the lead in your choice of preceptors and clinical sites, but your choices must be approved by the administration and faculty of the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Profession. All courses are taught by the same full-time faculty members who teach nursing classes on Georgia State University’s campus.

How Short is Georgia State University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

Georgia State University admits students into this PMHNP certificate program in the fall and spring. Full-time students should be able to complete the program in three semesters (one year.) Part-time enrollment is also an option for students who need to take a longer time.

Admission Requirements:

This quick online PMHNP certificate program is open to MSN graduates who have a current, unencumbered RN license in Georgia. You’ll need one or two years of clinical experience as an RN in an area related to mental health. Additionally, you’ll need to submit a resume, two letters of professional recommendation, a statement of goals, and a writing sample.

9. Anderson University - Anderson, SC

Program Length:

15 Months

Program Details:

With Anderson University’s PMHNP certification program, you can complete the training you’ll need to sit for the AANC’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner exam in just a year and three months.

Anderson University is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, and the curriculum for this short PMHNP certificate program reflects a Christ-centered perspective. The 22-credit curriculum includes a course called “Faith and Learning Overview” as well as classes such as “Advanced Assessment Processes in Mental Healthcare across the Life Span,” “Interprofessional Collaboration in Health Promotion,” and “Management of the Complex Mental Health Client across the Life Span” that are based on recommendations from the National Task Force Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs.

This certificate program entails 500 hours of clinical experience, which you’ll commence in your second semester. You’ll get to choose your own preceptor and clinical site. You’ll also participate in a skills intensive on campus in the middle of each semester. Except for that intensive, your coursework will be taught entirely online. Your final seminar will be a comprehensive review of the materials you can expect to be tested on during your PMHNP certification exam.

How Short is Anderson University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

This short online PMHNP certificate program begins in the spring semester. By taking two classes (four credits) the first (spring) semester, two classes (six credits) and a clinical practicum (one credit) the second (summer) semester, two classes (six credits) and a clinical practicum (two credits) the third (fall) semester, and one class (one credit) and a clinical practicum (two credits) the fourth (spring) semester, full-time students can graduate in 15 months. Anderson University's program is one of the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs offering part-time completion tracks.

Admission Requirements:

For consideration, you’ll need an MSN or a DNP from a nationally accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and a current, unrestricted RN license. You must also submit a resume, a personal statement, and two professional letters of reference.

10. Regis College - Weston MA

Program Length:

12-20 Months

Program Details:

The PMHNP certificate program at Regis College has two entry points. Entry point one is for students who have completed an MSN but aren’t nurse practitioners. Entry point two is for students who are already nurse practitioners and want to expand their NP practice to include a psychiatric-mental health specialization.

Entry point two is a 22-credit PMHNP core specialization curriculum that includes 600 clinical hours and classes like “Theory and Practice of Contemporary Psychotherapies,” “Advanced Psychopharmacology,” and “Primary Care of the Psychiatric Mental Health Client I & II.” Entry point one is a 40-credit curriculum; in addition to the clinical rotations and coursework associated with the PMHNP specialization, students will complete another 64 clinical hours and take courses like “Concepts in Nurse Leadership,” “Roles and Issues in APN,” and “Health Promotion - Disease Prevention” that are relevant to the advanced practice registered nurse role.

You’ll collaborate with Regis College’s clinical placement team on your choice of preceptor and clinical site. Aside from your clinical experiences, all your classwork will be taught online using asynchronous technology.

How Short is Regis College's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

Both entry points into Regis College’s PMHNP certificate program begin in the spring semester. Full-time students can complete the 40-credit curriculum in 20 months and the 22-credit curriculum in just one year.

Admission Requirements:

To be considered for entry point one, you’ll need an MSN from an accredited nursing program and a current, unencumbered RN license. To be considered for entry point two, you’ll need proof of NP certification as well as an MSN and an RN license. Regis College will work with you to transfer the maximum number of credits from relevant prior coursework.

11. National University - San Diego, CA

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Like many of the best shortest PMHNP certificate programs online programs, National University’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate track is a truncated version of its longer Psychiatric-Mental Health NP track. National University uses the quarter system, and this certificate program consists of 51 quarter credits (roughly equivalent to 34-semester credits.) You’ll take seven classes, including “Introduction to Psychotherapy,” “Psychopharmacology in Mental Health Care,” and “Mental Health Care: Children/Adolescents.” You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to continue in the program.

You must also complete 540 clinical hours. You’ll have some input into your choice of preceptor and clinical site, but National University’s clinical placement team must approve your choices. Apart from clinical rotations, all your coursework will be presented online mainly using asynchronous technologies.

How Short is National University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

National University makes every class in its fast online PMHNP certificate program available at all points in the year. Each class is taught over four weeks. Practicums in specific clinical areas are scheduled for the same four-week period that you’ll be taking a course that deals with that area. It is possible to graduate from this program in 28 weeks (approximately seven months), although most students graduate in about one year.

Admission Requirements:

For acceptance into this program, you’ll need an MSN or a DNP from an accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. You must have an active, unrestricted RN license in the state where you live and at least one year of clinical nursing experience. You’ll also have to submit three professional references.

12. New Mexico State University - Las Cruces, NM

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Want to ramp up your NP skills in the mental health field in just one year? New Mexico State University’s 18-credit post-master's graduate certificate in psychiatric/mental health is a flexible way to expand your knowledge base. This quick online PMHNP certificate program comprises seven classes and 576 clinical hours. Your courses will include “Health Needs of Special Populations” and “PMHNP Across the Lifespan I & II.” The university strongly recommends that students also take the three-credit class “Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice,” but that class remains an optional elective.

You will be responsible for securing preceptors and sites for your clinical rotations. Once you’ve selected your preceptor and site, however, an affiliation agreement must be in place between that facility and NMSU, which can take up to six months to establish. Apart from your clinical rotations, all your coursework will be accessible online using a blend of synchronous and asynchronous technology.

How Short is New Mexico State University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

New Mexico State University accepts new students into this short PMHNP certificate program once a year in the fall. Full-time students who take two didactic classes the first (fall) semester, two didactic classes and a practicum your second (spring) semester, and one didactic class and a practicum your third (summer) semester will graduate in 12 months.

Admission Requirements:

This is one of the fastest PMHNP certificate programs online that’s only open to nurses with an active, unencumbered APRN license. You must have graduated from an accredited MSN or DNP program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. You’ll need to submit a CV or a resume, a letter describing how the certificate will advance your clinical practice, and three professional references.

13. DeSales University - Center Valley, PA

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

DeSales University’s PMHNP certificate program is different from most of the best shortest PMHNP certificate online programs in that it has no set curriculum: The university comes up with an individual study plan for each student. After you’re accepted, the PMHNP director will do a Gap Analysis to identify classes and clinical experiences you may be able to waive, and your curriculum will be based on that. If you can transfer over the maximum number of prior credits and clinical hours, you may be able to graduate in a single year.

You’ll take between 23 and 41 credits for a total of between five and eleven courses. You’re required to do a minimum of 500 clinical hours in conjunction with this fast PMHNP certificate program, but hours factored in from your Gap Analysis may lower this total. Courses you may be required to take include “Foundations of Assessment and Diagnosis in Psychiatry,” “Psychotherapy with Individuals and Groups,” and “Role Development with Special Populations in Psychiatry.” DeSales University coordinates clinical placements for students who reside within the Lehigh Valley. Students living outside the Lehigh Valley are responsible for finding their own clinical placements.

How Short is DeSales University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

The short online PMHNP certificate program at DeSales has start dates in the spring and fall semesters. As noted, the time it takes to complete this PMHNP certificate track is highly variable. Transferring over the maximum number of credits makes it possible to complete this certificate program in 12 months. Most full-time students, however, complete it in two years. Part-time students typically take three calendar years to complete the program.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need an active, unrestricted RN license in Pennsylvania and New Jersey or eligibility for licensure. You’ll also need to be a graduate of an accredited BSN program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Finally, you’ll need at least a year of professional RN experience within the past two years.

14. University of California, Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

The University of California offers a PMHNP certificate in conjunction with two sister UC campuses, UC Davis and UC San Francisco. The University of California uses the quarter system, so this PMHNP track is another one of the best shortest online PMHNP certificate programs where the number of credits isn’t relevant. Since a quarter is 10 weeks long, however, you have the potential to take a greater number of classes in a shorter period of time. Required classes include “Clinical Reasoning and Psychopathology,” “Foundations in Psychopharmacology and Alternate Therapies,” and “Clinical Formulation for Treatment Planning.”

Most of your coursework will be delivered online using asynchronous technology, but you’ll participate in one weekly seminar that utilizes synchronous Zoom technology. You’ll also attend three skills intensives on UC campuses and complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours. Clinical placements will be arranged by UCLA’s School of Nursing’s placement team at various healthcare facilities throughout California.

How Short is University of California, Los Angeles's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

This fast online PMHNP certificate program starts during the winter quarter. You'll take three didactic classes throughout the winter, spring, and fall quarters and complete one clinical rotation. In the summer quarter, you’ll take one didactic class and complete one clinical rotation. You’ll be ready to graduate at the end of the fall quarter.

Admission Requirements:

This program is only available to California advanced practice RNs. (Note that UCSF has a two-year PMHNP certificate program that is open to post-master’s applicants who are not advanced practice RNs.) Course prerequisites must be completed before you apply; these include graduate-level courses in physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, differential diagnosis, and disease management. You’ll need to submit a resume or CV, three professional references, and a statement of professional goals.

15. Hawai‘i Pacific University - Honolulu, HI

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Want to complete your PMHNP studies in just 12 months? Hawai’i Pacific University’s quick online PMHNP certificate program may be just what you’re looking for. You’ll complete 630 clinical hours and take classes such as “Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan” and “Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing I, II, & III.” The placement staff at Hawai’i Pacific University’s School of Nursing will assist you in finding a preceptor and site that will optimize your clinical rotation experiences.

Apart from clinical rotations, the entire 27-credit curriculum will be delivered online. Hawai’i Pacific University’s certificate training is one of the few shortest online PMHNP certificate programs that’s designed to be accessed via smartphones and other mobile devices so that you can literally access it from anywhere.

How Short is Hawai‘i Pacific University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

This short online PMHNP certificate program offers three start dates a year: fall, spring, and summer. You can transfer up to 12 credits of work you’ve done previously in other nursing programs. If you can transfer over the maximum number of credits, you can graduate from this program in just one year.

Admission Requirements:

This online PMHNP certificate enrolled its first class in the fall of 2022. It is the first online PMHNP certificate program to be offered by a Hawaiian School of Nursing. You’ll need an MSN and some clinical nursing experience for acceptance into this program.

16. D'Youville University - Buffalo, NY

Program Length:

1 to 2 years

Program Details:

The core curriculum for D'Youville University’s PMHNP certificate consists of 13 classes and 540 clinical hours across three practicum rotations for 30 credits. But D'Youville University is another one of the shortest PMHNP certificate online programs that uses gap analysis: If you’re an NP who’s already taken advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology coursework, you may be able to transfer up to nine credits, which would allow you to earn your PMHNP certificate in a single year.

D'Youville University’s core curriculum includes classes like “Foundations of Psychiatric-Mental Health for APRNs I & II” and “Co-Management for Medical Disorders for APNs.” You’ll need to maintain a GPA of 3.0 in your coursework or you’ll be put on academic probation. All clinical rotations are scheduled either in New York State or Ontario, Canada. You’ll be responsible for identifying your own preceptors and clinical sites. At least 100 of your clinical hours must be performed under the supervision of an NP preceptor. Except for clinical rotations, all your classwork will be delivered via a distance learning platform.

How Short is D'Youville University 's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

D'Youville University doesn’t use summer semesters. All your classes will be scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays. Full-time students may register for 9 to 12 credits per semester, which will allow them to graduate in 12 months if they can transfer over the maximum number of prior credits. Part-time students who take fewer than nine credits per semester graduate in 2.5 to three years.

Admission Requirements:

This short online PMHNP certificate program is designed for RNs with an MSN degree from an accredited nursing program and at least one year of clinical experience in a mental health setting. You must have an active, unencumbered RN license in either New York State or Ontario. Submitting two professional references and a written statement addressing your nursing philosophy will strengthen your application.

17. Liberty University - Lynchburg, VA

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

In just one year, you could be prepared to sit for your Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner exam if you enroll in Liberty University’s short PMHNP certificate program. This 17-credit program consists of three core classes and two clinical practicums (504 clinical hours.) Your coursework will include “Neurobiology and Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders,” “Clinical Psychopharmacology,” and “Psychotherapeutic Theories, Frameworks, and Modalities.” You must pass a comprehensive exam that is modeled after the ANCC PMHNP certification exam before you’ll be allowed to graduate.

Liberty University’s School of Nursing must approve all clinical placements. You must perform half your clinical hours under the direct supervision of a professional who can prescribe medications (either a psychiatrist or a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.) Except for clinical placements, your coursework will be taught online using a synchronous learning platform. You must plan on dedicating at least 30 hours a week to studying and completing assignments.

How Short is Liberty University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

You must complete all three of your didactic classes before you can begin practicums. Classes are taught over eight-week terms. Clinical rotations take place over an entire semester: Semesters are 16 weeks long in the fall and spring and 14 weeks in summer. Full-time students can complete this curriculum in just 12 months.

Admission Requirements:

This program was designed for nurse practitioners who hold either an MSN or a DNP degree, and you’ll need an active, unencumbered APRN license to be admitted into it. You’ll also need to submit a writing sample and one professional reference. Liberty University is a Christian university and reserves the right to discriminate on the basis of religion to the extent that applicable law condones.

18. York College of Pennsylvania - York, PA

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Want to finish your PMHNP certificate quickly? York College is another one of the best shortest PMHNP certificate programs online that you may be able to finish in as little as one year. This 24-credit PMHNP track consists of six courses and 616 clinical hours. Your classes will include “Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan,” “Advanced Diagnosis and Psychopathology Across the Lifespan,” and “Advanced Psychotherapeutic Treatment Modalities Across the Lifespan.” Classes combine didactic elements with clinical rotations and must be taken in a structured sequence.

You must complete 56 hours of clinical experience under the supervision of a nurse practitioner before enrolling in this short online PMHNP certificate program to ensure you know how to perform physical assessment and history taking adequately. York’s School of Nursing and Health Professions will do a gap analysis to determine which credits you can transfer over from previous schoolwork. Clinical sites include healthcare systems and facilities in all parts of Pennsylvania.

How Short is York College of Pennsylvania's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

York College’s PMHNP certificate program has three start dates a year. Depending upon the number of credits they’re able to transfer, full-time students may be able to complete the certificate in 12 months. Most full-time students complete the certificate in 20 months by taking one class per semester over five semesters. Part-time students have up to five years to finish this program.

Admission Requirements:

This program is open to Pennsylvania RNs who’ve completed a baccalaureate and master's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Admission is competitive, and the number of qualified applicants typically exceeds the number of available program spots.

19. Winona State University - Winona, MN

Program Length:

3 Semesters

Program Details:

Three semesters may be all you’ll need to finish Winona State University’s short PMHNP certificate program. Winona State’s program is unique among the best shortest PMHNP certificate online programs in that you can earn credit for up to 50 percent of your required courses by submitting a portfolio documenting prior educational or professional experiences that satisfy the learning objectives for a particular course.

The PMHNP certificate program comprises 24 credits and 600 clinical hours. You’ll take classes like “Psychopharmacology,” “Psychopathologic Disorders Across the Lifespan: Neurobiology, Psychiatric Assessment and Essential Features, and Evidence-based Treatments,” and “Psychiatric-mental Health NP Role I & II.” All clinical placements are arranged by Winona State University and focus on providing mental health services in rural settings.

You’ll be required to attend a campus orientation in Winona, Minnesota, when you start the certificate program. You’ll also spend three days on campus participating in skills intensives at a later date. Apart from these experiences and your clinical rotations, your classes will be offered online using a blend of synchronous and asynchronous technology.

How Short is Winona State University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

Winona State University’s PMHNP certificate program begins in the fall. Full-time students can complete this in three semesters and two summer terms by taking one class in the first semester (spring), one class in the first summer, two classes in the second and third semesters (fall and spring), and two classes in the second summer.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need to apply separately to Winona State University’s School of Graduate Studies and Department of Graduate Nursing. You must possess an active, unencumbered Minnesota RN license and evidence of APRN certification. Additionally, you’ll need to submit a goal statement, a resume, and two professional references.

20. Rivier University - Nashua, NH

Program Length:

3 - 6 Semester

Program Details:

How long will it take to complete a PMHNP certificate at Rivier University? Three semesters, if you can transfer over the maximum number of credits from previous courses. Rivier University is another one of the best shortest PMHNP certificate programs online that offers a gap analysis from which it crafts an individualized study plan for each of its students.

At a minimum, you’ll take 19 credits (six classes) and complete 600 hours of clinical rotation. Core classes include “Psychopharmacology” and “Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Theory I & II.” You’ll access most of your coursework online, but you’ll spend three weekends participating in skills intensives at Rivier University’s campus in Nashua, New Hampshire.

How Short is Rivier University's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

This short PMHNP certificate program has six start dates a year in September, October, January, March, May, and July. Courses are taught either over seven-week or 14-week terms. There are six seven-week terms per year and one 14-week term per semester. If your gap analysis reveals you only need 19 credits, you can easily complete the certificate training in just three semesters.

Admission Requirements:

This program is designed for RNs who’ve already earned an MSN or DNP degree from an accredited nursing program. You’ll need an active, unrestricted RN license. You’ll also need to submit a statement of purpose and one professional letter of recommendation. This program cannot accept students from Wyoming, Tennessee, Washington State, Oregon, Louisiana, Iowa, California, or Alabama.

21. Mount Carmel College of Nursing - Columbus, OH

Program Length:

3 Semesters

Program Details:

Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s PMHNP certificate program is another one of the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs that tailor your course of study according to the master’s degree classes you’ve previously taken. Most students take 23 credits and 500 clinical hours, which can be completed in three semesters. Courses include “Assessment and Management of Mental Health Disorders 1, 2, & 3” and Applied Psychopharmacology.”

You’ll participate in one immersive experience at the Mount Carmel College of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio. All clinical placements will take place at mental health settings in Ohio. You’ll be tasked with identifying your own clinical preceptors and clinical sites, but they’ll need to be approved by Mount Carmel. Except for clinicals and the one campus experience, all your coursework will be delivered online.

How Short is Mount Carmel College of Nursing's Online Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate:

This short PMHNP certificate program starts in either the summer or fall term. If you take two classes in your first semester, one class in your second semester, and one class in your third semester, you can graduate in three semesters (12 months.)

Admission Requirements:

Successful applicants will have at least one year of professional nursing experience and an MSN or a DNP from an accredited nursing program. You’ll need an active, unrestricted Ohio RN license or eligibility for Ohio licensure. You’ll also have to submit a resume or CV, a statement of purpose, and two letters of professional recommendation. Though this program is primarily designed for MSN-prepared RNs who aren't APRNs, it also accepts nurse practitioners seeking a second area of clinical focus.

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WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF THE SHORTEST ONLINE PMHNP CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS EXPECT?

The entry-level salary for graduates of the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs is $38.21 an hour, $1,528 a week, $6,620 a month, or $79,470 a year.

Hourly	$38.21
Weekly	$1,528
Monthly	$6,620
Annual	$79,470
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

WHAT AVERAGE SALARY CAN EXPERIENCED GRADUATES OF THE SHORTEST ONLINE PMHNP CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS EXPECT?

The average salary graduates of the shortest PMHNP certificate online programs can expect is $56.75 an hour. This works out to $2,270 a week, $9,840 a month, or $118,040 a year.

Hourly	$56.75
Weekly	$2,270
Monthly	$9,840
Annual	$118,040
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

BONUS! 3 TIPS TO FURTHER SHORTEN YOUR SHORT ONLINE PMHNP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM EVEN MORE

Interested in spending the least amount of time that you can on earning a PMHNP certificate? Here are some tips that will help you shorten the time it will take you to get that second credential in psychiatric-mental health nurse practice.

1. Choose a certificate program that offers gap analysis:

Some of the courses you took to earn your MSN degree and APRN certification may be pertinent to your PMHNP studies. Some of your past clinical rotations and professional experience may also be relevant to the PMHNP specialty. Choose a program that will give you credit for the expertise you already have.

2. Look for a school with short semesters or a quarter system:

Classes are typically taught over the length of a term. The shorter the length of a term, the more terms there will be—and that means you’ll be able to take more classes in a shorter period of time, which will lead to completing the PMHNP certificate more quickly.

3. Choose a program that uses an asynchronous distance learning platform:

An asynchronous learning platform is one that you can access at your own pace. If you’re confident in your ability to whiz through the material, nothing will be holding you back. That means you can take more classes per semester and finish up sooner.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

What are the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs? This article has showcased the 21 best shortest online PMHNP certificate programs for 2024, giving you a more comprehensive understanding of your most useful options.

Earning a PMHNP certification is an excellent professional move for any nurse practitioner or advanced practice RN, even if you don’t plan to practice as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner because mental health is an important dimension of all primary healthcare. Once you’ve made up your mind to do this, it makes sense to become certified in this new area of expertise as quickly as possible since that will minimize any disruption of the career trajectory you’re already on.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT

1. What Is The Best Shortest Online PMHNP Certificate Program In The Nation?

The best shortest online PMHNP certificate program in the nation is the one offered by Johns Hopkins University. U.S. News & World Report ranks Johns Hopkins number one for nursing master’s programs and online nursing programs.

Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD

2. Do Employers Respect Fast-Track Online PMHNP Certificate Programs?

Employers don’t differentiate between fast-track online PMHNP certificate programs and slower-paced online PMHNP certificate programs. All employers care about is that you’ve earned your APRN licensure and a PMHNP credential—which you do by passing the ANCC PMHNP board certification examination and filling out the appropriate paperwork at your state board of nursing.

3. Are The Shortest PMHNP Certificate Online Programs Hard To Complete?

Actually, the shortest PMHNP certificate programs online are relatively easy to complete, particularly for nurses who are already NPs or APRNs. You will have to manage your time carefully, though, while you’re enrolled in a program.

4. Do The Shortest PMHNP Certificate Online Degree Programs Allow Work-Life Balance?

If you remain organized and practice good time management skills, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy work-life balance while you’re enrolled in one of the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs.

5. Is It Hard To Get Into The Shortest PMHNP Certificate Online Programs?

Yes. Acceptance into the shortest PMHNP certificate programs is highly competitive.

6. What Is The Minimum GPA Required To Get Into The Shortest PMHNP Certificate Online Programs?

All of the shortest PMHNP certificate online programs require a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher for admission.

7. Do The Shortest PMHNP Certificate Online Programs Have Lesser Credits?

Yes, the shortest PMHNP certificate online programs involve fewer credits than a traditional PMHNP online nursing program. They have the same number of credits as other online PMHNP certificate programs, though.

8. Are The Shortest PMHNP Certificate Online Programs Part-Time Or Full-Time?

It depends upon the program. Since these programs are touting the speed with which you can complete the certificate, many of these programs offer only a single full-time completion track. But a few allow students to enroll part-time. These students will take much longer to complete the curriculum, of course.

9. Can I Work Part-Time And Successfully Complete Fast-Track PMHNP Certificate Online Programs?

Yes. Many of the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of nurses who want to continue working part-time.

10. Can I Work Full-Time And Successfully Complete Fast-Track PMHNP Certificate Online Programs?

It’s possible to work full-time and complete a fast-track online PMHNP program, but it’s not optimal. These programs demand a lot of class time and study time, and when you add that to the demands of a 36- or 40-hour workweek, there will be little time left over for anything else.

11. Are The Shortest PMHNP Certificate Online Programs Cheaper Than The Regular PMHNP Certificate Online Programs?

No. Tuition charged by nursing programs tends to vary by credit costs rather than by the length of the program, and private nursing schools typically charge more than public institutions.

12. Do The Shortest PMHNP Certificate Online Programs Offer Scholarships?

Yes, some of them do, particularly if a student plans to work with a medically underserved population upon completing the PMHNP online certificate.