Program overview

Advance your career with Rider's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Master’s Certificate program. Our program prepares experienced nurses who already have a master’s degree to take on a new specialty and expand their knowledge and scope of practice as a primary care provider. Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners have more opportunities for flexible work schedules and access to tele-health practice settings. Courses are offered 100% online. An in-person residency may be required.

Growing demand for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased the need for mental health professionals. Developing your expertise in the psychiatric-mental health specialty will prepare you to advance your career. You’ll provide much needed access to psychiatric care and challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness.

$125K

median annual base salary for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2020)

4.7%

of all nurse practitioners in the United States are primarily certified in psychiatric-mental health (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2020)

Health care provider speaks with young distressed girl

Program requirements

Upon acceptance, a gap analysis will take place to determine the student's academic plan. This is a comprehensive review of all prior graduate coursework including course descriptions, objectives and topical outlines. The purpose of the review is to find gaps in the required criteria for the student to be eligible to sit for the nurse practitioner certification exam. Curricula will include online classes focused on the student's desired concentration as well as clinical placements.

CCNE accredited

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and the post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Rider University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. 

CCNE Accredited

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Why choose Rider?

  • 100% online courses 
  • Supportive faculty who will evaluate your previous credentials to determine courses needed for your chosen path
  • Flexibility to complete your clinical hours in a time frame that works best for you
  • Faculty support in locating optimal clinical experiences
  • Earn your certification in as little as five semesters
Healthcare provider speaks with woman over video call

University partnerships

Rider University is proud to partner with Capital Health and give back to healthcare workers by offering a tuition discount and additional benefits to eligible employees. Other partners include The State of New Jersey, Penn Medicine Princeton Health (through the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber) and Pyramid Healthcare, Inc.

Contact

Lori Prol

Assistant Professor

Bierenbaum Fisher Hall

lprol [at] rider.edu

609-896-5348

Academic Focus: Nursing

Department of Health Sciences and Nursing

Science and Technology Center