or DNP program. Accelerated BSN programs typically take one and a half to two years after completion of prerequisite coursework. A new training modality is the master's entry/graduate entry to practice nursing program model, which is specifically designed for those with bachelor's degrees in non-nursing fields. Entrants to these programs typically spend one to two years completing bachelor level nursing classes to allow them to sit for the nursing board exam NCLEX-RN, and then proceed straight into an additional 2–3 years of graduate level coursework. This is followed by clinical rotations, of at least 600 hours, to complete an MSN degree or 1000 hours for the DNP. Students must then successfully pass a board examination to practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). PMHNP-BC is the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) designated title for a board certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The DNP is the planned entry level degree for advanced practice registered nurses according to the ANCC. However, no state has initiated any laws regarding the DNP as the minimum degree. It is expected that current master's-prepared nurses will be "grandfathered' into the new system and as long as they keep their certification current, they will not be required to pursue a doctoral degree. There are many schools that offer the graduate education required for this profession. Notable schools with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse practitioner programs are Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, University of California-San Francisco, University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University School of Nursing. A listing of PMHNP programs by state can be found online at the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). The cost of education can vary greatly. Programs at public universities are typically less expensive for state residents than out-of-state-residents. For example, at UCSF the cost for the Masters program with in-state tuition is approximately $12,245 a year; for an out-of-state student the tuition is $24,798. In addition, programs at public universities tend to be less expensive than programs at private universities. Characteristics Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners require certain skills to excel in the field. Being a PMHNP requires compassion for their patients and their well-being, outstanding communication skills, and a pure dedication to helping their patients heal and improve their mental state. PMHNPs also need to easily form intimate connections with their patients and have high sensitivity towards