Do you want to partner with providers and patients to make meaningful change? If so, a psychiatric nursing career is for you. It can help you explore job opportunities across a variety of settings, including correctional facilities, private practices and corporations. You also have the chance to consult with communities and businesses, providing a range of health services.
To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you need to earn aMaster of Science in Nursing(MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and get the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure. You can then go on and pursue the PMHNP-BC, a board certification competency-based test that requires you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field.With this, you will help patients heal from several psychiatric disorders, and you will manage different psychiatric disorders and illnesses, including ADHD, anxiety, substance abuse and mood disorders, as well as those with serious disorders such as schizophrenia.
How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- First, you will need to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)to have an overall review of core coursework before specializing. At this level, you can pursue concentration opportunities, which will allow you to tailor your program to fit your personal interests and career goals. You must also complete clinical experience in addition to undergraduate coursework.
- Next, obtain a registered nurse (RN) licensure as it’s a requirement for pursuing a career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. As such, you will need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN examination after completing a BSN or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
- Upon RN licensure, you can pursue the PMHNP certificationto start working in the psychiatric nursing discipline.
- Having gained experience as an RN, you are eligible for admission to an MSN or DNP program. To work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner,you must obtain either an MSN or DNP. An MSN program will require you to hold an RN licensure and complete a BSN, while a DNP program requires you to hold an MSN. You can consider several program formats available, such as BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP. You can earn these credentials online without attending a physical classroom, as the education sector has been transformed by technology. Most importantly, ensure that the advanced degree program you pursue online is accredited and meets your state’s licensing board requirements.
- You can choose from several options of certification if you want to work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. The PMHS certification requires you to hold an APRN license and certification in your chosen specialty, plus 2,000 continuing education (CE) and clinical hours. The PMHNP credential, on the other hand, requiresyou to pass a board competency-based certification examination.
Depending on your state’s NPlicensing requirements, obtain the NP state licensureto get the necessary credentials to start your psychiatric nurse practitioner career.Typically, licensing requirementsconsist of educational, examination and experience components.
After earning a BSN and MSN, or an optional DNP, ensure that you find a more involving job at each level to build on your experience. Having obtained the necessary certifications, and having accomplished state licensure, you can explore career opportunities as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. You can even expand your job options with a doctorate.