PMHNP Curriculum

The greater demand for PMHNPs coincides with a dramatic increase in reported cases of depression and anxiety, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring that get the treatment they need remains a key concern. With such an unmet need for service providers in this specialty to care for existing patients and help new ones, the demand for more nurses to pursue this specialty will likely only grow.

Quick Facts

75 Years of Nursing Excellence

For 75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.

Alternate Degree Completion Options

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Accelerated

Fast track your way to a master’s by taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student. Course credits count towards both degrees. Apply for this option after your sophomore year.

Applicants for this program are eligible for the Anne Kisak endowed scholarship, upon acceptance and enrollment.

Faculty & staff

Deborah Lynn Mitchum DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing

Alison Bauer, DNP, FNP-C Assistant Professor

Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Bernadette Sherman DNP, FNP-C, CRNP, GS-C Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor

Forge your path to a career in nursing leadership

The healthcare field is evolving. Advanced practice nurses must possess the business knowledge needed to lead in organizational and academic settings. Carlow’s MSN – MBA program offers the well-rounded knowledge needed to advance in today’s healthcare field.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family (Individual) Across the Life-Span Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program

Make a difference in the lives of individual patients, entire families and communities as a whole and advance your career with Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner degree. 

This program will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice nursing in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, private offices and practices, clinics, private homes and schools. 

Upon graduation, you will be eligible for board certification and licensure, and prepared to assume a leadership position in nursing. The Master of Science in Nursing: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner serves as the basis for doctoral studies and lifelong learning. 

For your convenience, this program is offered at all four of our campuses (Oakland, Westmoreland*, Cranberry* & Online). (*available based on enrollment)

95% AANP & 97% ANCC certification exam pass rate

Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum

Our high-tech, learner-centered curriculum focuses on your development towards advanced nursing practice. You will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to manage acute chronic conditions, promote health, prevent disease, educate, and provide counseling services to individuals and families across the lifespan.

At the core of the curriculum is teamwork and collaboration, providing you with the opportunity to develop a peer network – a valuable career resource.

Hybrid classes are offered one evening every other week.  For all students, clinical practica require clinical hours (600 hours) over the course of the program in a mix of urban and rural healthcare agencies. 

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for board certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. 

100% ANCC pass rate
95% AANP pass rate 

The curriculum for the MSN Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner program meets the requirements for national board certification and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories. 

Quick facts

• Enroll part time or full time
• Available at 4 locations: Oakland,  Online, Greensburg*, Cranberry*  (*available based on enrollment)
• Build a professional, resourceful network for your future
• Pursue doctoral studies (Doctorate of Nursing Practice)

Alternate degree completion options

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Certificate option

Post-master’s certificate

If you have already earned an MSN and are looking to add a credential, we offer post-master’s certificates in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon certificate completion, you are eligible to sit for board certification.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required.

The program director will schedule an interview with qualified applicants.

Tuition reimbursement or discounts may be available through your current employer, contact your employer to learn more.

Nursing graduate student says Greensburg campus is key

Theresa MacBlane ’21 said Carlow’s Greensburg campus has been key to furthering her education. “I receive quality instruction from doctoral professors still active in the field without driving to Oakland. The intimate classes allow for more one-on-one instruction and student work groups. Greensburg campus is perfect for working professionals.”

Family Nurse Practitioner faculty

Our full-time faculty are doctorally prepared and board certified. Each practice as nurse practitioners in their specialty, within the community of Pittsburgh and conduct research in both clinical and academic settings.

Deborah Lynn Mitchum DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing

Vivian Boyer Adjunct Lecturer

Linda S. Burkett, DNP, MSN, RN HRSA Grant IMPACT Project Clinical Coordinator, Assistant Professor

Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Lea Ochs Adjunct Lecturer

Study Abroad Opportunities:

This Boyer Model Application-like project combined efforts of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students to improve awareness on common comorbidities that afflict native Jamaican individuals, specifically Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Student education and patient testing related to these comorbidities may improve quality of living as well as equip them to monitor their current health status via use of donated medical equipment. Subsequent follow-up is planned for Spring of 2025 when another interdisciplinary, international student experience is anticipated to commence. 

A multidisciplinary team (consisting of faculty from the Colleges of Health and Wellness and Arts and Science, together with students enrolled in the Family and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduate programs provide education and medical evaluation/treatment to the children of Bright Kids Uganda Children’s home and the communities of Oukut, Opucet and Kanyanga in Uganda each summer. This work seeks to improve medical outcomes for all children by preventable disease screening, creating inclusive learning environments, reducing disability and disease through improving access to clean water has context menu.  

HRSA IMPACT Grant

Carlow University was approved for a 2.6-million-dollar HRSA Grant with disbursement of funds over the next 4 years ending in 2027. This grant focuses on placing FNP students into medically underserved areas to complete their primary care rotations and a specialty rotation with a focus on women’s and behavioral health.  The goal of the grant is to make a BIG IMPACT on students, preceptors, and the underserved population through “Impacting Diversity and Education of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for Healthy Communities” .  Current full time FNP students are eligible to apply for up to $23,000 in tuition reimbursement. 

HRSA Grant Faculty
Shannon Robertson, MSN, MBA, CRNP, FNP-C, CMC, Project Coordinator
Linda Burkett, DNP, RN, Clinical Coordinator
Monte Stone, Administrative Assistant 

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Women’s Health Gender related Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)   

Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a women’s health gender related nurse practitioner will allow you to promote women’s health issues while also advancing your nursing career. 

National workforce data indicates that many women’s health gender related nurse practitioners are nearing retirement age. Carlow University is responding to this critical need by offering the only WHNP graduate program in Western Pennsylvania. This MSN program is leading the way with many regional providers of women’s health care by providing qualified, compassionate and dedicated women’s health gender related nurse practitioners specifically trained to provide obstetrical and gynecological care. 

Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients as part of a health care team. They may order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. Women’s health gender related nurse practitioners provide preventive care for women in private practice settings. They may also provide adolescent health care, pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, prenatal visits, after-pregnancy care and menopausal care.  

Carlow’s MSN program is a foundation for doctoral studies and lifelong learning. Upon completion, you will be prepared to take leadership positions in nursing and will contribute to the discipline of nursing through evidence-based practice efforts. 

MSN: Women’s Health Gender related Nurse Practitioner curriculum

The program curriculum meets the requirements for national board certification and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure in all U.S. states and territories. Graduates are eligible to sit for board certification as a women’s health gender related nurse practitioner through the National Credentialing Center (NCC). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Quick facts

• Enroll part time or full time
• Available at 3 locations: Oakland, Westmoreland* and Cranberry* (*available based on enrollment) 
• Complete 600 clinical hours in a mix of urban and rural health care agencies

Alternate degree completion options

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Certificate option

Post-master’s certificate

If you have already earned an MSN and are looking to add an additional credential we offer post-master’s certificates in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon certificate completion, you are eligible to sit for board certification.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required. 

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner faculty

Deborah Lynn Mitchum DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing

Vivian Boyer Adjunct Lecturer

Linda S. Burkett, DNP, MSN, RN HRSA Grant IMPACT Project Clinical Coordinator, Assistant Professor

Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Lea Ochs Adjunct Lecturer

Study Abroad Opportunities:

This Boyer Model Application-like project combined efforts of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students to improve awareness on common comorbidities that afflict native Jamaican individuals, specifically Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Student education and patient testing related to these comorbidities may improve quality of living as well as equip them to monitor their current health status via use of donated medical equipment. Subsequent follow-up is planned for Spring of 2025 when another interdisciplinary, international student experience is anticipated to commence. 

A multidisciplinary team (consisting of faculty from the Colleges of Health and Wellness and Arts and Science, together with students enrolled in the Family and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduate programs provide education and medical evaluation/treatment to the children of Bright Kids Uganda Children’s home and the communities of Oukut, Opucet and Kanyanga in Uganda each summer. This work seeks to improve medical outcomes for all children by preventable disease screening, creating inclusive learning environments, reducing disability and disease through improving access to clean water has context menu. 

Empower patients as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate allows students who already have a Master’s of Science in Nursing to be certified as nurse practitioners for individuals and families. The post-master’s certificate will prepare you for advanced practice nursing in home health agencies, physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, family health centers, and clinics in both urban and rural communities.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to be certified as family/individual nurse practitioners across the life span.

As a certified nurse practitioner, you’ll diagnose and treat acute, episodic or chronic illness, working with a physician and as part of a health care team. Nurse practitioners may order, perform or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and X-rays and may prescribe medication.

Post-Master’s Certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum

You will complete 36 course credits as well as 600 clinical hours, which may take place in a variety of urban and rural health care agencies in the Pittsburgh region.

Quick facts

• Prepare for FNP certification
• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
• Take classes in Oakland, Westmoreland or Cranberry

Alternate certificate completion option

Online Certificate

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Admission requirements and application process

An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required. 

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

Family Nurse Practitioner faculty

Deborah Lynn Mitchum DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing

Linda S. Burkett, DNP, MSN, RN HRSA Grant IMPACT Project Clinical Coordinator, Assistant Professor

Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor

Renee Ingel PhD, MSN, RN Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Ann Spence, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Associate Professor

Kathleen Tennant Professor

Advance your career as a women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP)

The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate allows students who already have a Master’s of Science in Nursing to be certified as nurse practitioners for women’s health. The post-master’s nursing certificate will prepare you for advanced practice nursing in OB/GYN offices, hospital-based women’s clinics, inpatient prenatal and postpartum settings, and clinics in both urban and rural medically underserved communities.

Graduates are eligible to be certified as women’s health nurse practitioners across the life span.

Once certified, women’s health nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings where they provide preventive care such as well-woman exams, breast cancer screenings, Pap tests or contraceptive care. WHNPs may also provide adolescent health care, pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, prenatal visits, after-pregnancy care and menopausal care.

Post-master’s nursing certificate curriculum

You will complete 35 course credits as well as 600 clinical hours, which may take place in a variety of urban and rural health care agencies in the Pittsburgh region.

Quick facts

• Position yourself for an in-demand career
• Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab (CSCIL)
• Take classes in Oakland, Westmoreland or Cranberry
• Prepare for WHNP certification

Alternate certificate completion option

Online Certificate

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Admission requirements and application process

An undergraduate and graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required.

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner faculty

Deborah Lynn Mitchum DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing

Linda S. Burkett, DNP, MSN, RN HRSA Grant IMPACT Project Clinical Coordinator, Assistant Professor

Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor

Renee Ingel PhD, MSN, RN Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Ann Spence, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Associate Professor

Kathleen Tennant Professor