Post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Study for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner [PMHNP] at California State University, Fresno

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Please note: Effective with the Spring 2026 cohort, we anticipate implementing the following updated and revised curriculum changes, pending final approval.

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Thank you for your interest in our PMHNP program. Below, you will find a list of
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist you.

1.     What is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a registered nurse with standardized procedures (SPs) who possesses additional preparation and skills to assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health and psycho-social needs of client (s) across the lifespan (children, adolescents, adults, geriatric population) in a variety of practice settings.  

Psychiatric-mental health across the life-span (PMHNP) is recognized by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), as a clinical field within nurse practitioner categories.

2. When is the application due?

Applications for admission are accepted from August 1st until October 15th of each year. We recommend applying early and not waiting for the deadline because a decision may be made on a first-come, first-served basis, and the application may close before the deadline if all seats have been filled. 

3.    Why pursue the PMHNP program at Fresno State?

Are you a nurse practitioner finding your self- perplexed at times when taking care of individuals with mental health issues? If so, Fresno State's School of Nursing has a formally constructed postgraduate certification program designed especially for you. The Fresno State program is designed to assist in your professional competence, providing access to specialized mental health knowledge to provide a full range of psychiatric services in a diverse population throughout the life cycle. Expand your scope of practice and become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.  

Our program includes the graduate core courses that are aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials core competencies for professional nursing education standards. 

4.  Is the Fresno State PMHNP program approved by the California BRN?

Yes, our PMHNP program meets the Board’s “Standards of Education for Nurse Practitioner Programs” and has been approved by the BRN. The university notifies the BRN prior to making any substantive changes. Please visit the website at: BRN Approved List 

5.  Is the Fresno State PMHNP program currently nationally accredited? 

Yes, our post-master’s Certificate of Advanced Study for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at California State University Fresno is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Please visit: CCNE Website

California State University-Fresno is also accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Please visit: WASC

6.    What are some career opportunities for PMHNP?

As a PMHNP across Lifespan, you will be managing clients with acute and chronic mental health conditions, offering psychotherapies (individual, group, family psychotherapy) and psychopharmacological interventions in various categories or settings such as:  

• Assisted Living Facilities
• Case Management and Consultation
• Correctional Facilities
• Crisis Intervention
• Domestic Violence Shelters
• Emergency Department
• Home Health Agencies
• Hospice Centers and Patients’ Homes
• Hospitals
• In-patient Psychiatric Facilities
• Long-Term Care Facilities
• Mental Health Rehabilitation Centers (MHRC)
• Out-patient Psychiatric Clinics
• Room and Boarding Care
• School or College Campuses
• Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Substance Use Rehab Facilities
• Telemedicine Settings
• Veterans Administration Psychiatric Facilities

7. What are the requirements for the PMHNP program?

Applicants must be admitted to California State University, Fresno, Division of Graduate Studies. The applicant must meet all of the following seven (7) requirements at the time the application is submitted:

1. Completion of either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a higher degree [ DNP, Ph.D., or EdD.] from an accredited college with Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Submitting an unofficial copy and an official transcript for each college attended is required. Applicants will be conditionally admitted into the program by reviewing unofficial transcripts. However, official transcripts for each college attended must be submitted prior to the deadline.

2. Transcript must indicate the 3Ps (advanced practice level course)

   • Advanced Pathophysiology

   • Advanced Physical Assessment

   • Advanced Pharmacology 

3. Valid Active California Nurse Practitioner license with Furnishing Number OR Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The license must remain active throughout the program. 

4. A minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience as an NP or CRNA is required at the time of application is submitted. Previous mental health experience as an RN or NP is preferred (but not required). 

5. Currently practicing (either full time, part time, or per diem) in any of the following six categories: 

   1. Family/Individual Across the life span
   2. Adult-gerontology, primary care or acute care
   3. Neonatal
   4. Pediatrics, primary care or acute care
   5. Women’s Health/Gender-related
   6. CRNA
6. Valid, Active California Registered Nurse (RN) licensure
7. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Once accepted into the program, the following requirements must be met before enrolling in coursework:

1. A phone interview by the program coordinator/director
2. One reference letter by the recommender (preferred from potential preceptor (PMHNP/DO/MD).
3. A complete physical exam and immunization (submit copy once officially accepted into the program)

8. Are there any Prerequisites?

Yes, students must meet the 3Ps (advanced practice level course)

• Advanced Pathophysiology 
• Advanced Physical Assessment 
• Advanced Pharmacology 

Gap Analysis: The program will evaluate applicants’ prior education and healthcare experience (national or international) to determine eligibility for credit toward meeting program requirements. If applicable, a Gap Analysis Report will be completed prior to admission to document any course(s) accepted in place of any PMHNP courses that align with the program's curriculum and meet both BRN and CCNE standards. Courses accepted must be graduate level and post licensure.

9. How long is the PMHNP program?

Our PMHNP is a one-year online program.  It starts in Spring (January) and ends in Fall (December) each year. 

10. How many units do I take?

You will take a total of 21 Units in one year (divided into three semesters). All students are expected to move through the coursework as a cohort. 

11. How much does the PMHNP program cost?

The program cost at this time is $600.00 per unit for 21 units [$12,600 in total]. Additional costs will apply for required resources, which may include lab fees, textbooks, liability insurance, clinical onboarding fees, Typhon, vSim, prep courses, etc.

Please Note: Financial aid or discounts are not available for this program. All fees are subject to change.

12. Am I required to carry additional liability insurance?

Yes, please note that some clinical sites require students to carry more liability insurance than the amount provided by California State University, Fresno. Students at clinical sites that require additional insurance will be expected to obtain a private policy or make up the difference. 

13. How many theory courses do I take throughout the program?

There are four (4) theory courses divided into three semesters.  

14. How many practicum courses do I take throughout the program?

There are three (3) practicum courses divided into three semesters.  

15. What are the clinical requirements for this specialty?

Students are required to complete 180 direct patient care hours in each of the three (3) practicum courses, for a minimum total of 540 direct patient care hours across the program. 

All clinical hours must involve “direct patient care” provided under the “direct supervision” of a clinical preceptor or faculty member who is physically present and maintains full responsibility for the client’s care. Telehealth encounters are recognized as direct patient care; however, simulation activities do not count as direct patient care hours.

“Direct patient care” clinical hours refer to hours in which direct clinical care is provided to individuals & families; these hours do not include skill lab hours, physical assessment practice sessions, or a community project, if it does not include provision of direct care [The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) guidelines].

“Direct supervision” involves direct patient care by students under the physical presence of a clinical preceptor or faculty member, who retains full responsibility for client care.

16. What if I could not complete the required hours?

If a student does not complete the required 180 clinical hours during the semester, they will receive an Incomplete (I) grade. They may register for the next practicum course; however, they must first complete the remaining hours from the previous semester before accruing any hours toward the new course. Once the outstanding hours are completed, the faculty will update the grade, and the student may begin clinical work for the next course. If a student completes more than 180 clinical hours in one semester, any additional hours may not be carried over or applied to subsequent practicum courses. While students may complete clinical hours on any shift or day (including weekends and holidays), they may only begin accruing hours once they are officially enrolled in the course and the clinical course is active. It is the student’s responsibility to plan accordingly and ensure all required hours are completed by the end of the program.

17. Where do I complete my practicum hours? 

The clinical hours can be completed at outpatient psychiatric clinics, inpatient psychiatric facilities, drug rehab centers, telehealth settings, correctional facilities, crisis centers, substance use rehab facilities, etc. The clinical placement site and the preceptor must be approved and have a contract with Fresno State.  

18. Who can be my preceptor?

Out of the total 540 hours, at least 420 hours are recommended to be completed with:

• A Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

• A Board-Certified Psychiatric (DO, or MD)

Out of the total 540 hours, up to 120 hours are recommended to completed with the following discipline: 

• A Clinical Psychologist (Psych D)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

Note: Preceptors must hold an unencumbered and current license to practice in the state (California) where the practice site is located, unless placed in a Federal clinical site (such as VA). 

Preceptors must be "clinically competent" by maintaining current relevant professional certification or licensure, advanced degrees, and recent relevant clinical experience.

19. What is the PMHNP Curriculum Plan?

 

 

 

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20. Do I have to travel to the clinic?

Perhaps yes, we try our best to accommodate the clinical site based on the students in their geographical area. However, sometimes students might have to travel out of town.   

21. Can I find my own clinical preceptors?

Yes. The clinical coordinator will assist you in securing an appropriate clinical placement. However, we strongly encourage students to proactively identify a preferred clinical site for their rotations, as securing placements can be very challenging. In some cases, students may need to travel out of town or complete clinical hours on any day of the week (Monday–Sunday), depending on clinic and preceptor availability. Flexibility is essential, as we have no control over clinical site availability.

Once you identify a provider willing to precept you, promptly notify the PMHNP clinical coordinator or Program Director to prevent delays in starting your clinical hours. If an Affiliation Agreement is not already in place, students must complete and submit the Affiliation Agreement Request form to the clinical coordinator. Additionally, before beginning the clinical experience, the School of Nursing (SON) must have a copy of the preceptor’s license, certification, and CV on file. 

Students may not begin clinical rotations without an approved Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all required documentation is submitted & approved prior to the start of the clinical rotation.  

22. Can I do clinicals outside California? 

No, the clinical site, preceptor, the student, and the faculty must be licensed in California.   

23. Can I do all of my clinical hours as a Telehealth?

Yes, there is no limit on the telehealth hours; however, the clinic and the preceptor must be based in California.  

24. Can I work full-time and complete clinicals on the weekends?

We strongly recommend that students do not attempt full-time work. Your practicum days will depend on the availability of your preceptor (usually you need two-weekday clinics each week).  Most likely you will have to change your work schedule to accommodate clinical rotations. 

25. How many hours a week should I study for this program?

It is usually expected that students will spend approximately 2 hours of study time outside of class for every one hour in class. For example, if you take a 3-unit class, you should expect to study an average of 6 hours outside of class each week. Multiply this by the number of units each semester. In general, students should expect to devote 2-3 days per week to coursework. This does not include time spent on the clinical hours.  

26. How many clinical hours a week do I need to complete?

Students coordinate their own clinical schedules with their preceptors based on the preceptor availability. In general, you will need at least 12-16 hours a week to complete the following required hours: 

• Spring: Need 180 hours in 15 weeks [From Mid-January to Mid-May]
• Summer: Need 180 hours in 12 weeks [From Mid- May to Mid-August]
• Fall: Need 180 hours in 15 weeks [From Mid-August to Mid-December]
• Total = 540 [From January to December]

27. How many times do I need to visit the campus?

To ensure students are prepared for clinical practice, instruction and hands-on skills training for diagnostic and treatment procedures will take place before entering the clinical setting. All newly admitted PMHNP students are required to attend a mandatory on-site session known as the “Intensive,” typically held on the third Saturday of January, just before the start of the first semester. This full-day (8-hour) session covers a range of foundational topics, including basic principles of psychiatry, neurobiology, psychopharmacology, mental status examinations, therapeutic communication, rules and regulations, and practicum expectations. The Intensive is delivered through a mix of instructional methods such as didactic lectures, group discussions, interactive activities, and case studies to support student engagement and readiness for clinical learning.

During the Intensive, students will have the opportunity to meet with their faculty in person. This face-to-face session is mandatory, and failure to attend will result in automatic withdrawal from the program. All other coursework is delivered entirely online in an asynchronous format. However, students can expect a total of three scheduled Zoom sessions, one in each semester, to support engagement and clarify expectations. Instructors may also schedule additional virtual meetings as needed to enhance learning and provide support.

28. Will I be able to contact my faculty anytime throughout the program?

Absolutely yes. Even though this is an online program, you will be able to arrange a meeting (either in person or via Zoom) with your faculty anytime during the program. We encourage open communication.  

29. Do students get to participate in program governance? 

Absolutely! The PMHNP Program Director holds virtual meetings each semester to gather feedback on your overall experience in the program. These sessions provide an opportunity for students to engage in program governance, share ideas for course improvement, and contribute to the review and revision of academic policies. While attendance is optional, it is highly encouraged.

Additionally, students are invited to participate in the monthly Graduate Curriculum Committee Meeting, held on the first Friday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM via Zoom. Your involvement is valuable in shaping the program's academic standards and curriculum. 

30. What kind of resources are available to the students?

• Students' success and satisfaction are very important to us. As such, the program offers multiple resources to the students such as weekly lectures will be recorded online for students who can view them when convenient. Handout materials will be available for each lecture in CANVAS and students can contact the instructor via email or phone with any questions.
• Graduate Students have access to the Graduate Student Success Center which includes the Graduate Writing Studio & Graduate Statistics Studio
• CSU Fresno Student Health and Counseling Center: provides students with medical, health promotion and wellness services as well as psychological services on campus.
• Nursing Office
• Faculty Advisors
• CSU Fresno Library
• Plagiarism Workshop
• Division of Research and Graduate Studies (DrGS)
• Nursing Resource Center (NRC)
• Knorr Simulation Lab
• Central California Center for Excellence in Nursing (CCCEN)
• Technology Services
• Financial Aid Center (if applicable) 
• Clinical sites

31. Will I be interviewed by the program coordinator?

Yes, the Program Director will contact an applicant to conduct a phone interview once your application is complete. If eligible, the applicant will receive an email to schedule an interview. 

32. How are admissions decisions made?

Once the application meets the University and the department requirements, the PMHNP Director will contact you for a brief interview. The PMHNP program Director and the Clinical Coordinator will carefully review the application and determine whether to make an admission offer, to place the applicant on a waitlist, or to make a decision of non-admission. 

33. How many students are accepted each year?

The number of students offered admission may vary each year based on many factors. Typically, we admit approximately 24 students. Many factors such as previous experience, mental health background, flexibility, understanding of program rigor & readiness, commitment & time management, etc. are considered while making admission decisions. Since this is an online program, candidates must be computer literate and have reliable internet access. 

34. I am meeting all the requirements, and I am excited! How do I apply for the program?  

Great to hear that! 

The application process consists of the following two steps: 

Step 1: 

Apply for admission to the university. The university application form can be found online at https://www.calstate.edu/apply

Step 2: 

Submit Transcripts [for each college attended- state/national/international]

Electronic- transcripts sent electronically or as a PDF attachment MUST come directly from the issuing institution. 

Transcripts emailed by the applicant will NOT be accepted for admission review. 

Have your institution email transcripts to:
Fresno State Admissions OR Fresno State Division of Graduate Studies at imaging@csufresno.edu*  [ *This is a secure email for transcript submission ONLY]. 

If sending hardcopy Transcripts, please mail in their original, sealed envelope to the following address: 

Graduate Admissions Office
California State University, Fresno
5150 N. Maple Ave M/S JA57
Fresno, CA 93740-8026

If you have any questions regarding transcript status, please email: graduateadmissions@mail.fresnostate.edu

If you've changed your mind, please refer to our withdrawal policy on our website Drop/Withdrawal Process 

35. I just applied, what is the next step?

Thank you for applying to the PMHNP program. Your application will be carefully reviewed. The PMHNP Director will contact you for a brief interview. Please ensure your application status is marked as "complete." Applications with a "pending" status will not be reviewed. In most cases, pending status is due to missing official transcripts. We encourage you to follow up with your institution to confirm that all required documents have been submitted. If you have any questions regarding your transcript status, please email graduateadmissions@mail.fresnostate.edu

Check your email regularly and you will be officially notified via email by the third week of November (either to make an admission offer, to place the applicant on a waitlist, or to make a decision of non-admission of acceptance). If admission is offered, you will be required to sign the confirmation letter of intent to either accept or decline the offer of admission. The form must be returned to the program Director via email attachment no later than November 15. Please check your emails regularly, you will also receive additional information such as an agenda for intensive, orientation, course registration, etc. 

36. How does the program's official certificate and transcript indicate the category of educational preparation?

After successful completion of the set program of study with a GPA of 3.0 or higher within a 5-year period, the student will get a certificate, and official transcript designates the category of educational preparation as a Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

37. After completing the program, what will my credentials and certifications be?

A registered nurse who has been certified by the board as a nurse practitioner may use the title, “advanced practice registered nurse” and/or “certified nurse practitioner” and may place the letters APRN-CNP after their name or in combination with other letters or words that identify the category

After successfully completing the PMHNP program, you will be eligible to sit for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) (Across the Lifespan) national board certification examination offered by either of the following two national accrediting bodies:       

• The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Once you complete the eligibility requirements to take the certification examination and successfully pass the exam, you will be awarded the credential: PMHNP-C (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Certified). 
                                                                       OR 
• The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Once you complete the eligibility requirements to take the certification examination and successfully pass the exam, you will be awarded the credential: PMHNP-BC (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified). 

38. I still have more questions regarding the program, who do I contact?

No worries, please feel free to contact the PMHNP Program Director and you will receive a response within 2-3 business days. Thank you again for your interest in our PMHNP program. We look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Dr. Harkirat Bal, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

PMHNP Program Director/Coordinator

harkirat@csufresno.edu