Requirements
In the path of attaining a position as a psychiatric-mental health nurse, discussed in depth are the education requirements and credentials necessary in both entry level and advanced positions within the field. According to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (2015), the initial step one must take that is fundamental to becoming a psychiatric nurse is to graduate from an accredited program as a registered nurse. While there are several options regarding the educational requirements for entry-level positions, the two most prominent paths taken by students include obtaining a two year associate 's degree, or the more frequently recommended four year bachelor’s degree in nursing. After acquiring required state licensure as a registered nurse, individuals interested in psychiatric-mental health nursing are now eligible to begin their pursuit for further certification in the