How to Become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Florida

If you’re passionate about mental health and want to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, becoming a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) can be a rewarding career path. PMHNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health and behavioral disorders across the lifespan.

PMHNPs (which also may be referred to as PMH-APRNs) play a critical role in helping patients access the care they need — through psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic support.

Explore the step-by-step process for becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Florida, including education, licensing, and certification requirements.

After obtaining RN licensure and gaining professional nursing experience, the next step toward becoming a PMHNP is enrolling in an accredited Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. This requires completion of a graduate degree (MSN or DNP) or a post-graduate certificate with a specialization in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Common program options include:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – PMHNP Program: For RNs with a BSN
• RN to MSN – PMHNP Program: For RNs with an associate degree only
• Post-Master’s PMHNP Certificate: For nurses with an MSN or DNP in another specialty, or in a non-APRN focus area such as leadership or nursing education, a post-graduate PMHNP certificate program provides an established route to advanced psychiatric practice.

The time it takes to graduate varies by program and depends on whether you choose a full-time or part-time schedule. For reference, West Coast University’s online PMHNP programs can be completed on the following timelines:

RN to MSN – PMHNP Program:

• 32 months at the Accelerated pace
• 44 months at the Working Professional pace

MSN – PHMNP Program:

• 20 months at the Accelerated pace
• 36 months at the Working Professional pace

PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate Program:

• 16 months

Some educational institutions offer online PMHNP programs. For example, WCU allows students to complete lectures and coursework online with in-person attendance required only for on-site intensive (opportunities to practice learned skills on campus) and supervised clinical practice hours.

It’s important to look for a PMHNP program in Florida that is accredited by one or more organizations such as the:

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• National League for Nursing’s Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)

WCU’s programs are accredited by both the CCNE and CNEA.

After achieving national certification, the next step is to apply for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license through the Florida Board of Nursing.

To qualify, you must:

• Hold an RN license
• Show proof of your PMHNP education and certification
• Submit an application for APRN licensure
• Complete a criminal background check
• Pay the required application fees
• Show proof of malpractice insurance or exemption

There may be other initial steps such as establishing a collaborative agreement with a practicing psychiatrist, so it’s important to check the Board of Nursing’s official website to stay up-to-date and learn what applies to your situation.

All APRN licensure applications are reviewed within 30 days of receipt, according to the Florida Board of Nursing.

To stay in active practice, you’ll need to renew your credentials regularly:

• Florida RN and APRN licenses must be renewed every two years.
• The PMHNP-BC certification must be renewed every five years through the ANCC.

You will need to complete continuing educational (CE) requirements as part of the renewal process. Always check the Florida Board of Nursing and ANCC websites for current renewal requirements.