The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley Online PMHNP Certificate Program
#3 Most Affordable NP School
The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Nursing offers a Post-Master’s Certificate with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialization. This program is 100 percent online with local clinical preceptorships and is designed for nurses who hold an MSN and already have nurse practitioner licensure.
Graduates of the PMHNP certificate are eligible to sit for their specific national certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). PMHNPs typically work in primary care clinics, counseling and rehabilitation centers, correctional facilities, schools, and other mental health facilities. This program is offered in all states, however, there may be restrictions in some states.
The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley Post-Master’s Certificate program is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). UTRGV is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is located in Brownsville, Texas.
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What to Expect from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley Online PMHNP Certificate Program
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the PMHNP certificate program must hold a master of science in nursing with nurse practitioner certification and an unencumbered RN license in the state where clinicals will be completed. The undergraduate GPA must be at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. No GRE or GMAT is required for these programs.
Application materials include official transcripts, proof of RN licensure, a cleared criminal background check, and evidence of current immunizations required by the Texas Department of Health. Applicants must also have completed graduate-level physical assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacotherapeutics. Interested students who are not native English speakers must submit proof of English language proficiency. As well, those who studied outside the United States must have transcripts translated into English by a certified organization.
State Restrictions: While the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley is an NC-SARA participant and offers the PMHNP program to residents of all states, there may be restrictions in some states. Students outside of Texas should inquire with the School of Nursing through UTRGV as well as their state board of nursing to verify program eligibility and ensure that the program meets state licensure requirements.
Study Plan: Post-Master’s Certificate students are admitted in the Fall and courses last 16 weeks each. The program can be completed in 12 to 18 months depending on the rate of study. Students complete five courses, including preceptorships. No campus visits are required as this program is delivered through 100 percent online coursework.
Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Master’s Certificate program comprises 18 credits plus clinical hours. Required courses include Theoretical Diagnostics for Mental and Substance Use Disorders; Clinical Diagnostics for Mental and Substance Use Disorders; PMHNP I: Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan Theory; PMHNP II: Diagnosis and Management Across the Lifespan Practice; and PMHNP III: Clinical Therapeutics/Preceptorship.
Online Experience: Online courses at UTRGV are delivered asynchronously through the Blackboard online Learning Management System (LMS). Here students have access to the course syllabi, grades, announcements, course materials, discussion board, and faculty contact information. Students complete a Blackboard orientation at the beginning of the program. Online students have access to several student services including academic advising, career counseling, faculty office hours, library services, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate program as it is 100 percent online with local clinical preceptorships.
Paying for the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley Online PMHNP Certificate Program
The online graduate nursing programs through the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley cost $528.29 per credit plus fees for residents and $936.30 for non-residents of Texas. Prospective students should inquire with the UTRGV Office of Admissions and School of Nursing for more information.
The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley may offer unsubsidized federal student loans to graduate students according to the FAFSA, as well as other scholarships and aid to graduate students. Nursing students are also encouraged to inquire with their employers as to the option of a tuition reimbursement program. Finally, online graduate students may seek outside opportunities for funding such as private loans and community and organizational scholarships and grants.
Offered to nurses who hold an MSN with NP licensure, the UTRGV Post-Master's PMHNP certificate is 100% online with no campus visits and local preceptorships.
Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate
One West University Blvd
Brownsville, Texas 78520
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
Yes
0
18
Not specified
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA, FL, LA, MA
Program Tuition
18
$498.40
$8,971.20
$883.30
$15,899.40
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.