APPLY TODAY! Request More Information Nurse practitioners are skilled health care providers who conduct comprehensive assessments, diagnose, and prescribe treatments. They serve as care providers, case managers, researchers, consultants, and educators. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions across the lifespan. They perform psychiatric evaluations, order tests, develop treatment plans, and practice in settings ranging from private practice to community health. Through rigorous coursework, clinical experiences, and collaboration, UAH’s PMHNP program prepares you to excel in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and more—equipping you to make a lasting impact on mental health care. Program Highlights Comprehensive Course Content The PMHNP curriculum integrates psychiatric-mental health principles to address mental health issues and comorbidities across the lifespan. You’ll learn to: Develop pharmacological and nonpharmacological management strategies for complex mental health conditions. Explore psychotherapeutic models, including individual, group, and family therapies. Address psychiatric emergencies and crisis situations with evidence-based interventions. Use telemental health technology appropriately and effectively. Clinical Expertise Through clinical practice supervised by experienced PMHNPs, psychiatrists, and faculty at UAH, you’ll apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. This hands-on training will enhance your confidence in diagnosing, treating, and managing diverse psychiatric conditions in patients of all ages. Interprofessional Collaboration Work with professionals across health systems to coordinate safe and efficient care for patients with psychiatric illnesses. Develop the skills to lead change and advocate for mental health care excellence. Cultural Competence and Patient-Centered Care Apply evidence-based practices and cultural awareness to promote mental health and wellness, ensuring your approach is inclusive and patient-focused. Program Details Spring Plan of StudySummer Plan of StudyFall Plan of Study Admission Requirements Graduation from a Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission of Nursing Education (ACEN), or Commission on Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) accredited baccalaureate program with a major in nursing. An overall grade-point average minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all baccalaureate coursework or on the last 60 semester hours of baccalaureate coursework completed. For students applying to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track, applicants must have 1000 hours as an RN before beginning their clinical hours. Current, unencumbered US registered nurse license Licensure State Contacts Authorized States NC-SARA Prerequisites/Co-requisites Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Pharmacology are required prerequisites/co-requisites. These courses can be taken at UAH or another institution before applying to the program, or they may take them while in the program. All three courses must not be older than two years at the time of admission. Clinical Hour Requirements To meet program requirements, you must complete 720 clinical hours, including a minimum of 600 direct patient care hours with a physician or nurse practitioner. These hours should cover psychiatric care across the lifespan. The remaining hours may include clinical seminars, pre-approved continuing education, simulations, or specialty rotations approved by the Nurse Practitioner Coordinator. Clinical placements are currently only available in Alabama or Tennessee. Delivery Mode The PMHNP track is a hybrid program with on-campus and online components. Classes typically meet every other Wednesday except where noted.