College of Nursing:

Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Most states require graduation from a CCNE-accredited nurse practitioner program to be eligible to apply for certification to practice as an NP. However, the requirements for certification as a nurse practitioner vary from state to state. Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of nurse practitioners has its own academic requirements and issues its own credential to practice in that state. While Walden University enrollment specialists can provide general information relating to the state-by-state educational requirements for certification, it remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. Walden University makes no representations or guarantee that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, certification, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. Licensure and certification eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice.

Prospective students enrolling in licensure/certification-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate and understand the requirements of the applicable board of nursing or agency that has jurisdiction over Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in the state in which they intend to relocate.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Students who are considering relocating are advised to contact their student success advisor prior to any decision to relocate in order to determine how relocation may impact progress in their program.  Advisors can provide information and guidance on how relocating may result in possible changes, restrictions, and/or additional requirements affecting field experience. Each Board of Nursing and Higher Education Authority governs the field experience rules and regulations in their respective states, and students may be unable to complete field experience in the state in which they plan to relocate. While Walden is committed to working collaboratively with students to secure field sites across the United States, it is imperative that students contact their student success advisor immediately when considering relocating.