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 postmaster’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.
2.
3.
Applicants must complete the online University application at
Office at:
5150 N. Maple Ave. M/S JA 57
Fresno, CA 93740-8026
Deadline for applications is April 1 www.csumentor.edu
File official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework with the Graduate Admissions
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: janices@csufresno.edu
Revised November 16, 2015 Page 1 of 5

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/
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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
___________________ ______________________ ________________________
Work Phone Cell Phone Home Phone
E-Mail Address
Colleges & Universities attended or currently enrolled.
All Institutions
From
Enrolled
To
# of Units
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 _________________________________
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
Date ____________________________
Revised November 16, 2015 Page 3 of 5

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO
School of Nursing
NURS
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NURS
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NURS
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NURS
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NURS
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NURS
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NURS
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Certificate of Advanced Study
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program of Study
Fall Semester
Psychiatric Disorders and Mental
Health Problems in Primary Care
Psychopharmacology
Management of Common
Psychiatric Conditions in Primary
Care Practicum (103 hours)
Total Semester Units
Spring Semester
Methods of Psychotherapy
Management and Care of
Patients with Acute and Chronic
Psychiatric Conditions Practicum
(206 hours)
Total Semester Units
Summer Semester
Psychiatric Disorders and Mental
Health Problems in Special
Populations
Management and Mental Health
Care of Special Populations
( Practicum 206 hours)
Total Semester Units
2
Units
2
2
6
Course Description
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
Units
2
4
6
Course Description
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.
Units
2
4
Course Description
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.
6
Total 18 Units
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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: janices@csufresno.edu
Revised November 16, 2015 Page 5 of 5