Program Overview
Villanova University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares students to provide specialized mental health care to diverse populations. The program emphasizes evidence-based therapies, holistic patient care, and clinical management skills. Graduates are equipped to establish therapeutic relationships, evaluate evidence, and advocate for supportive practice environments.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track at Villanova University prepares students to provide specialized primary mental health care to patients of all ages from diverse backgrounds who are experiencing psychiatric and mental health issues. It emphasizes evidence-based treatment modalities like Family Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Brief Solution Focused Therapy, with a focus on holistic patient care.
Objectives:
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Integrate knowledge of the psychopathophysiology of mental health problems into clinical management
- Effectively communicate with patients, families, and healthcare teams
- Apply therapeutic and behavioral interventions for mental illness management for diverse populations
- Evaluate evidence for innovation and change in clinical practice
- Educate patients and promote disease prevention
- Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships
- Refer and consult when appropriate
- Utilize technology to support patient care
- Act as professional and ethical practitioners
- Advocate for supportive practice environments and professional development
Outline:
- Core Courses (completed online or on campus):
- Clinical Ethics
- Nursing Research
- Development of Nursing Science
- Leadership Strategies in Nursing
- Support Courses (completed online or on campus):
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Lifespan Psychotherapeutic Clinical Modalities
- Psychiatric Mental Health Issues & Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan
- Clinical Courses (completed in person):
- Management in Psych-Mental Health I
- PMH-NP Practicum I (120 hours)
- Management in Psych-Mental Health II
- PMH-NP Practicum II (305 hours)
- Management in Psych-Mental Health III
