Top 10 Psychiatric Nurse Certifications

Certifications are an important way for psychiatric nurses to demonstrate their professional qualifications and expertise. They help to demonstrate that a nurse has the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care in the field of mental health. Certifications also show employers that a nurse is committed to continuing professional development, which is essential in this field since it rapidly evolves with new research and treatments. Lastly, certifications can give nurses an edge when competing for jobs as they show employers that they have the knowledge, experience, and dedication required to excel in the role.

This article reviews the top certifications for Psychiatric Nurses and explains how they can help to advance a psychiatric nurse's career.

What are Psychiatric Nurse Certifications?

Psychiatric nurse certification is a voluntary credentialing process that recognizes the advanced knowledge and experience of nurses who provide care for individuals with mental health issues. Psychiatric nurse certification is available through several organizations, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the International Association for Human Caring (IAHC). This certification demonstrates that a nurse has met certain standards of practice in providing care for people with mental health needs, and it may be helpful in obtaining higher-paying positions or gaining access to specialized training and continuing education opportunities.

The benefits of psychiatric nurse certification include:

1. Improved patient outcomes: Certified psychiatric nurses are better equipped to recognize symptoms and provide evidence-based interventions to improve patient outcomes.

2. Professional recognition: Certification acknowledges expertise in the field of mental health nursing, which can lead to more job opportunities and increased earning potential.

3. Increased knowledge base: Through continuing education courses required for certification renewal, certified psychiatric nurses stay up-to-date on new research, treatments, and best practices in the field of mental health nursing.

4. Personal satisfaction: The achievement of a professional goal can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in one’s work.

Pro Tip: When considering a psychiatric nurse certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and choose one that best meets your needs. Additionally, be sure to check with your state board of nursing to ensure that the certification is approved for use in your state.

Related: What does a Psychiatric Nurse do?

Top 10 Psychiatric Nurse Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Psychiatric Nurses today.

1. Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

A Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is a specialized type of advanced practice nurse who provides comprehensive mental health care to individuals, families, and communities. PMHNPs are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, and more. PMHNPs are also able to prescribe medications and provide psychotherapy.

In order to become a PMHNP-BC, you must first obtain an RN license. You will then need to complete a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing with a specialty in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from an accredited university. The program should include clinical hours in the specialty area of psychiatric mental health nursing.

Once you have completed your degree program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification exam for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Passing this exam will allow you to be certified as a PMHNP-BC by the ANCC.

The cost of obtaining a PMHNP-BC certification varies depending on the university you attend for your degree program. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $25,000-$50,000 for a Master’s degree program and $50,000-$100,000 for a Doctoral degree program. The cost of taking the ANCC certification exam is approximately $500.

2. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)

A Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) is a professional who has met the highest level of national standards for mental health counseling. This certification is offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The CCMHC credential demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards of knowledge, experience, and ethical practice in the field of mental health counseling.

To become a CCMHC, individuals must have a master’s degree or higher in mental health counseling from an accredited college or university and have completed at least two years of full-time clinical experience as a mental health counselor. In addition, they must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

The NCMHCE is administered by NBCC and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy techniques, professional ethics and legal issues. The exam fee is $195.00 USD. It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to prepare for the exam and complete all requirements for certification.

3. Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN)

Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) is a certification program offered by the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA). This certification is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved advanced knowledge and expertise in the field of addictions nursing. The CARN credential is awarded to nurses who demonstrate mastery of core competencies in the areas of assessment, intervention, prevention, and recovery.

The CARN certification process involves passing an examination that covers topics such as: addiction assessment and diagnosis; pharmacology; treatment planning; counseling techniques; case management; relapse prevention; and professional practice. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, with a passing score of 75%.

In order to be eligible for the CARN exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements. These include holding a current license as an RN or APRN in the United States or its territories, having at least two years of full-time clinical experience in addictions nursing within the last five years, and completing 30 hours of continuing education in addictions nursing within the last three years.

The cost for taking the CARN exam is $350 for IntNSA members and $400 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials such as practice tests, flashcards, and webinars. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your CARN credential within four weeks.

4. Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

A Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is a specialized nurse practitioner who has earned board certification in the field of child and adolescent mental health. The PMHNP-BC credential is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This certification demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards of practice in this specialty area.

In order to become certified as a PMHNP-BC, an individual must have a Master's degree in nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health nursing, and must have completed at least 500 hours of clinical experience working with children and adolescents. The applicant must also pass the ANCC PMHNP-BC exam.

The process of becoming certified as a PMHNP-BC can take several months to complete, depending on how quickly the applicant completes their educational requirements and clinical experience.

The cost for becoming certified as a PMHNP-BC varies depending on the applicant's educational background, but typically includes application fees, exam fees, and any other costs associated with completing the required courses or clinical experience.

5. Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse (APPN)

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse (APPN) is a type of nursing specialty that focuses on providing mental health care to individuals, families, and communities. The APPN is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed additional education and training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. This includes the assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy, and medication management for people with mental illness.

It typically takes four to six years to become an APPN. This includes earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), obtaining a registered nurse (RN) license, completing a master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing (PMHN), and passing the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification exam.

The cost of becoming an APPN will vary depending on the type of educational program you choose and any additional certifications or credentials you may need to obtain. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 or more for tuition alone. Additional costs such as books, supplies, living expenses, etc., should also be taken into consideration when budgeting for your education.

In addition to the educational requirements mentioned above, most states require APPNs to have at least one year of supervised clinical experience before they can apply for licensure as a PMHNP. This experience must be obtained through an accredited program approved by the state board of nursing in which you plan to practice.

6. Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (BCCS-PMHN)

Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (BCCS-PMHN) is a certification that recognizes advanced practice nurses who have achieved a high level of expertise in the specialty area of psychiatric/mental health nursing. This certification demonstrates that the nurse has achieved a certain level of knowledge, skill, and experience in this specialty area.

In order to become board certified, an individual must be licensed as a registered nurse and have at least two years of clinical practice as a psychiatric/mental health nurse. The applicant must also complete at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care within the past five years and pass an examination administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether or not you are already an ANCC member. For non-members, it costs $395 while members pay $295. The process typically takes 3-6 months from start to finish.

7. Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE)

A Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE) is a professional who has received specialized training and certification in the assessment of individuals involved in the legal system. CFMHEs are often employed by courts, correctional facilities, or other criminal justice agencies to provide independent evaluations of defendants' mental health status and competency to stand trial. They also work with attorneys, probation officers, and parole boards to provide assessments of offenders’ risk for recidivism or danger to the public.

To become a CFMHE, an individual must have a master’s degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution and at least two years of supervised experience in forensic mental health evaluation. The individual must then pass an exam administered by the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP). The exam covers topics such as psychological assessment techniques, court procedures, ethical considerations, and legal issues related to forensic psychology.

The process of becoming a CFMHE typically takes several months to complete. After completing the educational requirements and passing the ABFP exam, applicants must submit their application materials to be reviewed by the board. Once approved, they will receive their certification as a CFMHE.

The cost of becoming a CFMHE varies depending on the applicant's educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, applicants can expect to pay between $500-$1,000 for tuition fees associated with obtaining their master's degree in psychology or related field; between $1,000-$2,000 for examination fees; and up to $500 for application processing fees.

8. Certified Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP)

Certified Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) is a certification program for mental health professionals who specialize in psychosocial rehabilitation. This certification recognizes practitioners who have achieved a level of expertise in providing psychosocial rehabilitation services to individuals with serious mental illnesses. The CPRP credential is awarded by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International and is recognized nationally as a mark of excellence in the field of psychosocial rehabilitation.

The requirements to become certified as a CPRP include:

• Completion of an approved training program, such as the CARF-accredited Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program (PSR) offered through the National Council for Behavioral Health;
• A minimum of two years’ experience working with individuals with serious mental illness;
• Passing the CARF-administered CPRP Certification Exam; and
• Maintaining continuing education credits every two years to maintain certification status.

The total cost for becoming certified as a CPRP includes the cost of training, exam fees, and any applicable continuing education credits. The cost can vary depending on where you take your training and how many continuing education credits are required. Generally, it takes about six months to complete all the requirements necessary to become certified as a CPRP.

9. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Mental Health Nursing (APRN-MHN)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Mental Health Nursing (APRN-MHN) is a specialized type of nurse who has advanced expertise and education in mental health care. An APRN-MHN is a registered nurse with an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), that focuses on mental health nursing. They are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance abuse.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the educational requirements for an APRN-MHN. The first step is to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited college or university. After completing the BSN program, students can then pursue their MSN degree with a focus on mental health nursing. During this time they will gain experience through clinical rotations and coursework related to mental health nursing.

In order to become certified as an APRN-MHN, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests knowledge of nursing practice and theory related to patient safety and care. Once they have passed the NCLEX-RN exam, nurses can then apply for certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The ANCC offers several specialty certifications including Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMHNP).

The cost of obtaining certification as an APRN-MHN varies depending on the individual's educational background and state requirements. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 for tuition fees associated with completing the MSN program and taking the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition to these fees there may also be additional costs associated with obtaining certification such as application fees or continuing education courses required by some states.

10. International Board of Certified Counselors – Advanced Clinical Mental Health Counselor (IBCC-ACMHC).

The International Board of Certified Counselors – Advanced Clinical Mental Health Counselor (IBCC-ACMHC) is an advanced credential for mental health counselors. It is designed to recognize the highest level of professional achievement and proficiency in the field of clinical mental health counseling.

To obtain the IBCC-ACMHC, applicants must have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution, have completed at least two years of supervised clinical experience, and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The NCMHCE is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

It typically takes around two years to complete all of the requirements for the IBCC-ACMHC. Applicants must first complete their master’s degree, then gain two years of supervised clinical experience, and finally take and pass the NCMHCE.

To apply for the IBCC-ACMHC, applicants must submit an application form along with proof that they have met all of the eligibility requirements. This includes transcripts from their graduate program, verification of supervised clinical hours, and a copy of their NCMHCE score report. The application fee is $200 USD.

Once approved, applicants will receive their certification as an Advanced Clinical Mental Health Counselor from IBCC. They will also be listed in IBCC’s online directory so that potential clients can easily find them.

Do You Really Need a Psychiatric Nurse Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and objectives. If a person wishes to provide specialized care to patients with mental health problems, then a Psychiatric Nurse Certificate would be beneficial. This certification is designed to help nurses understand mental health conditions, develop skills in providing treatment and support services, and increase their knowledge of medications used to treat mental illness.

Having a Psychiatric Nurse Certificate can open up many career opportunities in the medical field as well as provide recognition within the nursing profession. The certificate can also help nurses become more marketable when applying for jobs or promotions. It demonstrates that they have taken the initiative to further their education and gain deeper insight into the field of psychiatric nursing.

In addition to improving job prospects, having a Psychiatric Nurse Certificate can give nurses greater confidence in treating patients with mental health issues. With this certification, nurses will be better equipped to recognize signs of distress and intervene appropriately when needed. They will also be able to provide more effective treatments based on an understanding of how different medications work and how they interact with each other.

Overall, obtaining a Psychiatric Nurse Certificate is an excellent way for nurses to strengthen their resumes and expand their knowledge base in order to better serve their patients. It is important for individuals considering this type of certification to research their options thoroughly before making a decision so that they can find the best program for them.

Related: Psychiatric Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Psychiatric Nurse Certifications

1.Q: What is a Psychiatric Nurse Certification?

A: A Psychiatric Nurse Certification is a credential that recognizes specialized knowledge and skills in the field of mental health nursing. It is awarded by national professional organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the International Society of Mental Health Nursing (ISMHN).

2.Q: How long does it take to become certified as a psychiatric nurse?

A: The length of time required to become certified as a psychiatric nurse depends on the specific certification program you choose. Generally, it takes between six months and two years to complete all of the necessary requirements for certification.

3.Q: What are the eligibility requirements for psychiatric nurse certification?

A: Generally, applicants must have at least one year of experience in mental health nursing, hold an active registered nurse license, and meet continuing education requirements specific to their chosen certification program.

4.Q: How much does it cost to become certified as a psychiatric nurse?

A: The cost of becoming certified as a psychiatric nurse varies depending on the certification program you choose. Generally, there are fees associated with application processing, exams, and renewal fees which range from $50-$300 USD depending on the organization offering the certification.

5.Q: Are there any benefits to becoming certified as a psychiatric nurse?

A: Yes! Becoming certified can help you stand out among your peers and demonstrate your commitment to quality care in mental health nursing. Additionally, many employers may offer bonuses or raise salaries for nurses who hold certifications in their specialty area.