Understanding the Changes to ANCC PMH Credentials

The Shift from PMHN-BC to PMH-BC

Apparently, for reasons known only to those in the inner workings of ANCC, for those of us who passed ANCC's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Board Certification Exam, our credentials changed in the last six months.

It seems that somewhere around March 2025 (or perhaps a bit earlier, it's unclear), the board certification credential changed from PMHN-BC to PMH-BC. Did you know this? I certainly didn't. My fairly extensive search on Google offers exactly zero hits on when or why this change was made.

A Brief History of Our Credentials

This is the third iteration of this credential we've gone through. We started out with the rather unimaginative RN-BC. Several years later, we morphed into the far more self-explanatory credential of PMHN-BC.

So why are we dropping the "N," as in Nurse? Is it because people are getting the PMHNP confused with PMHN? Or is this just the latest change to make us feel like we're growing as a profession?

Lack of Official Communication

As far as I know, no official notification has been sent out to those of us who took and passed the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Board Certification Exam. I've been displaying my credentials as Alison Miller, MSN, PMHN-BC, but apparently, that has been incorrect. (Who knew?)

Transitioning to the New Credential

So folks, if you have already taken and passed the exam, you should start using this new credential immediately. Remember: the highest level of educational degree goes first (e.g., MSN) and your certification goes second (e.g., PMH-BC).

If anyone has more information on the hows and whys of this inexplicable change, do drop me a note and let me know. I'd love to hear more about how this came to be.

Alison@PMHRN.com

The Importance of Staying Informed

Staying updated on credential changes is crucial for professionals in our field. It ensures that we present ourselves accurately to patients and colleagues. Moreover, it reflects our commitment to maintaining high standards in psychiatric mental health nursing.

Engaging with the Community

If you have insights or experiences related to this change, sharing them can foster a sense of community. Engaging with others who have navigated similar transitions can provide valuable perspectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the shift from PMHN-BC to PMH-BC may seem minor, but it represents a significant change in how we identify ourselves as professionals. Understanding these changes helps us maintain credibility and professionalism in our practice.

If you have any thoughts or information regarding this transition, please feel free to reach out. Your input is invaluable as we navigate these changes together.

---wix---