AANPCB PMHNP-C study plan

AANPCB PMHNP-C · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Assess

Map the four exam domains to a weekly calendar and block study sessions in advance
List the components of a complete psychiatric history and mental status exam from memory, then fill gaps
Practice distinguishing subjective report from objective findings in 10 written vignettes
Draft a personal reference sheet of normal-range vital signs, labs, and developmental milestones across the lifespan

A one-page assessment checklist covering history, MSE, risk screening, and labs, self-quizzed to 90% recall

Week 2

Compare and contrast validated screening and rating instruments by population and purpose
Apply differential-focused interviewing to identify pertinent positives and negatives for mood, anxiety, and psychosis presentations
Interpret common screening scores and describe when each triggers further workup
Identify substance use, trauma, and safety screening questions to integrate into every intake

A comparison table of at least 10 screening/rating scales with population, cutoffs, and follow-up action

Week 3

Synthesize assessment data into prioritized differential diagnoses using DSM-style criteria
Distinguish medical and substance-induced mimics from primary psychiatric disorders
Practice ruling in and ruling out using targeted history, exam, and lab findings
Write concise diagnostic formulations that link findings to criteria

Five written case formulations, each with a ranked differential, supporting and refuting evidence, and rule-out plan

Week 4

Recite diagnostic criteria for the highest-yield disorder categories from memory
Differentiate closely overlapping disorders by their distinguishing features
Identify specifiers and severity markers that change diagnosis or coding
Recognize presentations that require urgent escalation versus routine referral

A self-made criteria flashcard set of 40+ cards scored at 85% or better on a timed self-test

Week 5

Build first-line and next-step treatment algorithms for core disorder categories
Select pharmacologic options by matching mechanism, adverse effect profile, and patient factors
Outline brief psychotherapy modalities and match them to presenting problems
Plan psychoeducation, safety planning, and follow-up intervals for common scenarios

Three treatment algorithm flowcharts (mood, anxiety/trauma, psychosis) with rationale notes at each decision node

Week 6

Calculate and adjust doses, titrations, and monitoring schedules for high-frequency medications
Identify drug interactions and contraindications that alter the plan
Plan monitoring labs and adverse-effect checks at appropriate intervals
Adapt plans for special populations including pregnancy, older adults, and comorbid medical illness

A medication monitoring table listing drug, baseline workup, follow-up labs, and key adverse effects for 15 agents

Week 7

Define measurable treatment targets and timeframes for common presentations
Interpret follow-up findings to decide continue, adjust, or switch
Recognize nonresponse, partial response, and remission using standardized criteria
Plan documentation of outcomes and coordination of care transitions

Four written follow-up notes that each state a target, an outcome measure, and a justified next-step decision

Week 8

Complete timed mixed-domain practice sets and review every missed item to its underlying concept
Re-drill weak areas identified in earlier deliverables
Rehearse a structured approach to unfamiliar vignettes using assessment-to-evaluation logic
Finalize a compact high-yield review sheet for the week before the exam

A scored full-length mixed practice set with a written error log and a one-page high-yield review sheet

Week 2: Score 85% or higher on a self-administered assessment-content quiz covering history, MSE, screening tools, and risk factors

Week 4: Correctly classify 20 of 25 vignette-based diagnoses with accurate supporting criteria and at least one rule-out each

Week 6: Produce complete treatment and monitoring plans for 10 vignettes with no dosing or monitoring omissions

Week 8: Achieve 75% or higher on a timed mixed-domain practice set and show a written remediation note for every missed item