Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – PMHNP-BC (ANCC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) certification certifies that a nurse practitioner has the clinical knowledge and skills necessary to assess, diagnose, treat and educate patients with psychiatric and mental health disorders. These nurse practitioners have proven that they are knowledgeable of the latest standards of practice and care and have the training and skills necessary to provide the highest quality of care to this patient population.
This is an entry-level certification for nurse practitioners.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Knowledge of neurobiology and neuroanatomy
- Understanding of altered mental states
- Knowledge of advanced psychopharmacology
- Knowledge of risk factors and health barriers
- Ability to select appropriate psychotherapy treatments
- Comprehension of standards of practice and ethical and legal considerations
- Ability to integrate abilities, preferences, lifestyles and values into individual treatment plans
Exam Objectives
- Download Exam Objectives and Content Outline (for exams taken by December 16, 2019)
- Download Exam Objectives and Content Outline (for exams taken after December 16, 2019)
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Prerequisites: Applicants must hold an active RN license; applicants must have a master’s, postgraduate or doctoral degree from a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program, where 500+ clinical hours were completed; applicant must have taken 3 separate graduate level courses in the following: Advanced physiology pathophysiology, including general principles that apply across the life span; Advanced health assessment, which includes assessment of all human systems, advanced assessment techniques, concepts, and approaches; advanced pharmacology, which includes pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapeutics of all broad categories of agents
- Questions: 200 (175 scored)
- Time: 240 minutes (effective December 16, 2019, allowed time will be 210 minutes)
- Cost: $295 for American Nurses Association members, $340 for American Association of Nurse Practitioners members, $290 for American Association of Nurse Practitioners student members, $220 for American Psychiatric Nurses Association members, $340 for International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses members and $395 for non-members
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 5 years
- ANCC Certification Testing and Renewal Handbook
Other relevant details: Exams are given at Prometric test centers
PMHNP-BC (ANCC) Careers
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Careers
Jobs you can get with a PMHNP-BC (ANCC) certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the Nurse Practitioner (NP) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
National average per year: $113,930
National average per hour: $54.78
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
PMHNP-BC (ANCC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Review the Test Content Outline; for exams taken after December 16, 2019: Test Content Outline
- Complete the ANCC practice questions
- Take the ANCC interactive online review course
- Study and review the ANCC recommended book Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Review Manual 4th Edition
- Take the ANCC PMHNP-BC practice test
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
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