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.
2.
3.
Applicants must complete the online University application at www.csumentor.edu
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
Deadline for applications is June 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 June 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 February 4, 2015
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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/
Revised February 4, 2015
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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
___________________
Home Phone
______________________
Work Phone
________________________
Cell Phone
E-Mail Address
Colleges & Universities attended or currently enrolled.
All Institutions
Enrolled
From
School Name
Previous degree dates:
To
# of Units
Completed
Degree
Location
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
Revised February 4, 2015
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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
NURS
243
Psychiatric Disorders and Mental
Health Problems in Primary Care
2
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.
NURS
244
Psychopharmacology
2
Current scientific knowledge of psychotropic regimens and
application to psychiatric disorders and mental health problems.
Advanced concepts in neuroscience, pharmacokinetics,
pharmacodynamics and clinical management.
NURS
245
Management of Common
Psychiatric Conditions in Primary
Care Practicum (103 hours)
2
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
Total Semester Units
6
Spring Semester
Units
Course Description
NURS
246
Methods of Psychotherapy
2
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.
NURS
247
Management and Care of
Patients with Acute and Chronic
Psychiatric Conditions Practicum
(206 hours)
4
Assessment, diagnosis, and psychopharmacologic and
psychotherapeutic management of common mental disorders,
including psychotic conditions, uncommon presentations, acute
exacerbations, and crises.
Total Semester Units
6
Summer Semester
Units
Course Description
NURS
248
Psychiatric Disorders and Mental
Health Problems in Special
Populations
2
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.
NURS
249
Management and Mental Health
Care of Special Populations
(Practicum 206 hours)
4
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 Semester Units
6
Total 18 Units
Revised February 4, 2015
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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.
2.
3.
4.
Clinical competence.
Interpersonal skills.
Personality, integrity, and ability.
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: jsanders@csufresno.edu
Revised February 4, 2015
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