Post-MSN Certificate: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

This certificate provides the theory content and skill development for a Nurse Practitioner role with a focus on adult psychiatric illnesses and their management. It is intended to assist advanced practice nurses to expand their knowledge and skills, or to obtain sufficient preparation to be eligible for the CRNP credential and prescriptive authority. This certificate should be particularly attractive to Clinical Nurse Specialists in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing who wish to earn the NP credential, or to NPs in other specialties (i.e. Family, Gerontology, Adult, School, Community, Acute Care) who see many patients in their practices who have psychiatric illnesses or psychological problems.

Coursework focuses on the following content areas: Neurobiology, Psychiatric Diagnosis, Psychopharmacology, Management of Adult Clients with Acute or Chronic Psychiatric Illnesses, Group Therapy, Family Therapy, and Individual Therapy. Individual evaluation of transcripts from previous graduate level coursework will be completed to determine whether the applicant has previously met other core coursework requirements.

For more information about this certificate, or to obtain an application packet, contact:

• University of Pittsburgh
• School of Nursing
• Student Services
• 239 Victoria Building
• Pittsburgh, PA 15261

• Phone: 412-624-4586
• Toll Free : 1-888-747-0794
• Fax: 412-624-2409
• Email:sao50@pitt.edu