UTC Launches New Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program to Meet Growing Demand

With mental health needs on the rise in Chattanooga, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is launching a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program in Fall 2025.

The program will train students to diagnose, counsel, and manage medications for patients of all ages. “We’ve seen a major increase in mental health needs since COVID,” said Dr. Amber Roaché, associate professor and program coordinator. “Nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to fill that gap.”

Students will complete 1,050 hours of clinical experience and be eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam upon graduation.

Dr. Roaché added, “Our students are excited for the hands-on experience and the career opportunities this program provides.”

Applications are now open for the first cohort.