1. An unencumbered, active California RN license. A current copy of the license must be submitted in the admission packet. Status needs to appear in CA.gov Breeze system.
2. MSN or DNP degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants do not need to be an NP to apply.
3. Two years of experience as a RN in the last 5 years. Must have Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment, 3 units each course. (These courses may be in process the first semester of the program, but must be completed prior to start of clinical courses).
4. One to two years of psychiatric nursing experience strongly recommended for non-NP applicants.
5. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all master’s degree course work.
6. Completion of the Vanguard University application.
7. Official highest degree transcript from school of nursing attended.
8. Two professional letters of recommendation from nursing professionals who can evaluate your performance (e.g., managers, supervisors, and academic faculty/not coworkers). No personal letters of recommendation will be accepted.
9. A one-page written statement describing your professional goals as they relate to Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.
10. Current professional resume including: employment and educational experience,   professional or academic honors, and volunteer activities.
11. Evidence of all required immunizations and report of a current physical exam (within one year of program application).
12. A copy of AHA basic life support certification (BLS).
13. An interview with the Director of Graduate Nursing, Graduate Faculty, or Program Director.
14. All documents must be submitted to the Graduate Admission Office prior to scheduling an admission interview.
15. Background check and immunization tracker system.*

*There may be additional clinical/health or other requirements/updates that need to be submitted prior to beginning practicum hours. All clinical/health requirements are to be uploaded in an immunization tracker system (contracted by the university).

1. Demonstrate advanced performance in clinical practice and critical thinking as an advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner through a faith-based perspective. 
2. Implement and evaluate safe and effective interventions that provide person-centered care in the early identification and prevention of psychiatric illnesses and improved mental health using psychopharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies and modalities based on a holistic approach. 
3. Integrate and critically appraise research evidence to develop clinical practice guidelines, promote diverse treatment strategies, and improve mental health outcomes for diverse populations.
4. Synthesize evidence-based practice, ethical principles, spiritual care, and biopsychosocial theories to optimize health outcomes and manage mental health disorders across the lifespan.
5. Plan, implement, and evaluate health care policies and delivery systems that provide innovative quality care to target the resolution of social issues and concerns related to the mental health of individuals and populations.
6. Exemplify practitioner professionalism through self-care and wellness interventions in areas of personal spirituality, physical and psychological health, work-life balance, life-long learning, and the promotion of healthy work environments.
7. Demonstrate leadership, interprofessional partnerships and collaboration, and culturally competent care to reduce health disparities by advocating recovery principles in individuals and groups that positively impact care delivery and outcomes.
8. Incorporate and employ innovative technologies within various mental health care delivery systems in meeting unique and complex population needs.

PMHNP Certificate Requirements  

Course List

Code	Title	Units
PNSG-610	Theories of Human Behavior	2
PNSG-620	Role of PMHMP in Psychological Assessment	2
PNSG-631 & 631P	Interventions and Mental Health Promotion Across the Lifespan and Interventions and Mental Health Promotion Across the Lifespan Practicum	6
PNSG-641 & 641P	Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Adults And Older Adults and Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Adults And Older Adults Practicum	6
PNSG-651 & 651P	Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Children and Young Adults and Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Children and Young Adults Practicum	6
PNSG-661 & 661P	Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Select Populations and Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Select Populations Practicum	6
Total Units		28

Students who are missing appropriate pre-requisites from their MSN coursework may be required to take additional units in one or more of the following courses before beginning PNSG practicums: CNSG-613 Advanced Health Assessment, CNSG-618 Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology, CNSG-622 Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology.

Disclaimer: This sample Curriculum Plan is provided as a guide for the recommended sequencing of courses. It is the student's responsibility to confirm with the department the course rotation and availability before enrolling in courses. Questions, contact the Graduate Program in Nursing.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
First Semester		Units
PNSG-610	Theories of Human Behavior	2
PNSG-620	Role of PMHMP in Psychological Assessment	2
	Units	4
Second Semester
PNSG-631 & 631P	Interventions and Mental Health Promotion Across the Lifespan and Interventions and Mental Health Promotion Across the Lifespan Practicum	6
	Units	6
Third Semester
PNSG-641 & 641P	Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Adults And Older Adults and Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Adults And Older Adults Practicum	6
	Units	6
Second Year
First Semester
PNSG-651 & 651P	Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Children and Young Adults and Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Children and Young Adults Practicum	6
	Units	6
Second Semester
PNSG-661 & 661P	Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Select Populations and Psychiatric Mental Health Care of Select Populations Practicum	6
	Units	6
	Total Units	28