When someone visits a clinic or healthcare facility in regard to their mental health, they may be seen by a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
These professionals provide comprehensive mental health care to all types of patients with a variety of mental health needs.
If you're interested in making this your career, keep reading to learn how to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you'll need several years of education and experience. You'll also need to pass exams and earn licenses.
Below, we've broken down all the steps you need to take to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
1. Earn an Undergraduate Degree in Nursing
Before you can become an advanced practice registered nurse, you'll need to become a registered nurse. To do that, you'll need to earn an undergraduate degree in nursing.
There are two types of undergraduate degrees available in nursing: associate degrees, which typically take two years, and bachelor's degrees, which typically take four.
While an associate degree is the fastest way to earn your registered nursing license, most nurse practitioner programs require a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Some students choose to complete an associate program, earn their license, and start working as a nurse. They then return to school to complete an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
You can find accredited nursing programs through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
2. Pass the NCLEX and Obtain Your Registered Nursing License
To work as a registered nurse, you need to obtain a nursing license. While licensing requirements vary between states, all states require the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
The NCLEX is a standardized test offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This is a computer-based test with anywhere from 74-145 questions.
States may have other requirements for licensure as well, such as passing a background check. Contact your state's nursing board to find out what requirements you need to meet in your state.
3. Gain Nursing Experience
Many nurse practitioner programs require or recommend that students have a certain amount of experience working as a registered nurse before applying.
Some programs may accept any type of nursing experience, while others will expect you to have worked as a registered nurse in a mental health setting.
Nurse practitioner programs typically post their admissions requirements on their website.
If you know where you want to go for graduate school, you can check there to be sure you fulfill the requirements.
4. Complete a Graduate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program
Psychiatric nurse practitioner programs are offered as either Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
Master's programs usually take about two or three years, while doctoral nursing programs can take three or more. Some states require that nurse practitioners hold doctorate degrees.
These programs usually involve both coursework and hundreds of in-person clinical hours. You may also have labs or specialty seminars to attend.
Often, nurse practitioner programs offer coursework online. Depending on the program, you may be able to complete your clinical hours at your current place of employment.
5. Earn the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification and Obtain Your License
Once you graduate from your psychiatric nurse practitioner program, you'll be able to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification.
This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and requires you to pass an exam. The exam has 175 question in five domain areas:
- Scientific foundation
- Advanced practice skills
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Psychotherapy and related theories
- Ethics, legal principles, and cultural care
Upon passing the exam, you can pursue your nurse practitioner license in your state. Some states may have additional licensure requirements, so check with your state board.
What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
A psychiatric nurse practitioner is a nurse practitioner who works with patients who are dealing with mental health, behavioral, and psychiatric disorders.
Nurse practitioners, also called advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are nurses with additional training, experience, and licensure over what standard registered nurses have.
As a result, they are given privileges that registered nurses don't have. While these privileges vary between states, nurse practitioners are often able to:
- Act as primary care providers (PCPs)
- Create treatment plans
- Diagnose illnesses or injuries
- Perform in-office treatments
- Prescribe medication
Psychiatric nurse practitioners often work in mental health or psychiatric settings. Their job duties may include:
- Conducting psychiatric assessments
- Diagnosing patients and creating treatment plans
- Ordering and analyzing lab tests
- Prescribing medication
- Providing psychotherapy services
- Referring patients to specialists
- Supervising in clinical settings
Typically, psychiatric nurse practitioners work in behavioral health or addictions clinics or psychiatric mental health facilities, but they may also work in private practice.
Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you'll need to earn a master's degree in psychiatric nursing, pass two different licensure exams, and earn your state license.
With the information above, you can start your career path toward becoming a nurse practitioner today!
