CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO

School of Nursing

Certificate of Advanced Studies

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Program Application

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Certificate of Advanced Study for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) is an 18 unit one-year post-master’s program designed to prepare primary care nurse practitioners to provide a full range of psychiatric services to patients throughout the life cycle. This is a formally constructed program which includes 515 hours of faculty supervised clinical experience and meets the requirements for national certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Adult Psychiatric-Mental Health or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. To enhance access and provide flexibility, the program will be largely distance delivered via videoconferencing, video streaming,

Web-conferencing, and asynchronous computer based applications.

SPECIAL SESSION SCHOOL OF NURSING APPLICATION PROCESS

Admissions Criteria

1. Master’s of Science in Nursing.

2. Currently practicing as a primary care nurse practitioner, i.e. Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric
Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, or Geriatric Nurse Practitioner.

3. Valid California Nurse Practitioner license and furnishing number

4. Current Drug Enforcement Administration authorization for Schedule II medications.

5. One letter of recommendation. (See attached)

Admissions Procedures

The admission process includes both the University application and the PMHNP Program application.

University Admissions Procedure:

1.  Applicants must complete the online University application at www.csumentor.edu

2.  File official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework with the Graduate Admissions Office at: 5150 N. Maple Ave. M/S JA 57 Fresno, CA 93740-8026

3.  Deadline for applications is April 1

Program Admissions Procedure:

1.  The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program application is available at www.csufresno.edu/nursing

2.  All materials must be received by April 1

3.  All program admissions materials should be sent to:

Janice Sanders

School of Nursing

California State University, Fresno

2345 E. San Ramon Avenue M/S MH25

Fresno, CA 93740-8031

Telephone: (559) 278-2429

Email:

SELECTION

Candidates selected for admission will be notified by June 15.

The PMHNP Program description is in the University General Catalog at http://www.csufresno.edu/catalog/


CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO

School of Nursing

Certificate of Advanced Studies

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Program Application

______

Last Name First M.I. Maiden Soc. Sec.#

______

Street City State Zip

______

Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone

E-Mail Address

Colleges & Universities attended or currently enrolled.
All Institutions / Enrolled / # of Units
From / To / Completed / Degree
School Name Location

Previous degree dates: BS Nursing ______MS Nursing ______Other, specify ______

Previous experience: List your nursing experience starting with the most recent.

Institution Location Position Date

______

I verify that the above information is accurate:

Signature ______Date ______

Return this application to:

Janice Sanders

School of Nursing

California State University, Fresno

2345 E. San Ramon Avenue M/S MH25

Fresno, CA 93740-8031

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO

School of Nursing

Certificate of Advanced Study

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program of Study

(18 Units) – 12 Months

Fall Semester / Units / Course Description
NURS243
NURS244
NURS245 / Psychiatric Disorders and Mental Health Problems in Primary Care
Psychopharmacology
Management of Common Psychiatric Conditions in Primary Care Practicum (103 hours)
Total Semester Units / 2
2
2
6 / Major theories and models of psychiatric disorders and mental health problems. Symptoms, underlying causes, and management of common mental disorders seen in primary care settings such as eating disorders, anxiety, substance abuse, and depression discussed. Ethical issues. Focus on patient as individual.
Current scientific knowledge of psychotropic regimens and application to psychiatric disorders and mental health problems. Advanced concepts in neuroscience, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical management.
Assessment, diagnosis and management of common mental health disorders in primary care. Critical analysis of clinical strategies and interventions in health promotion and maintenance and prevention of common psychiatric problems in primary care. Role of PMHNP in community mental health
Spring Semester / Units / Course Description
NURS 246
NURS247 / Methods of Psychotherapy
Management and Care of Patients with Acute and Chronic Psychiatric Conditions Practicum (206 hours)
Total Semester Units / 2
4
6 / Types and principles of family, adult and child psychotherapeutic interventions. Group psychotherapeutic processes and methods of facilitation. Models of crisis intervention, cognitive behavioral and motivational interventions. Focus on families and groups.
Assessment, diagnosis, and psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic management of common mental disorders, including psychotic conditions, uncommon presentations, acute exacerbations, and crises.
Summer Semester / Units / Course Description
NURS248
NURS249 / Psychiatric Disorders and Mental Health Problems in Special Populations
Management and Mental Health Care of Special Populations (Practicum 206 hours)
Total Semester Units / 2
4
6 / Assessment, diagnosis and management of common psychiatric conditions in elderly, children, adolescents, and diverse populations. Effect of culture on expression of illness, help-seeking behaviors, and treatment. Disparities in mental health care, legal and ethical issues. Focus on community.
Assessment, diagnosis, and psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic management of common mental disorders, with an emphasis on care of the elder adult, children, adolescents, and diverse populations.
Total 18 Units


CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO

School of Nursing

Certificate of Advanced Studies

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION GUIDELINES

Last Name First Name M.I.

The person whose name appears above is applying for admission as a student of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at California State University, Fresno. We would appreciate your impression of the applicant related to:

1.   Clinical competence.

2.   Interpersonal skills.

3.   Personality, integrity, and ability.

4.   Applicant’s references are to include:

a.  Official letterhead if indicated

b.  Name, Title, Address(es), contact phone number(s) and email to be provided by Professional References.

Please forward your comments to:

Janice Sanders

School of Nursing

California State University, Fresno

2345 E. San Ramon Avenue M/S MH25

Fresno, CA 93740-8031

Telephone: (559) 278-2429

Email:

Revised November 16, 2015 Page 5 of 5