MS in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan

Program Overview

Fairfield University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Across the Lifespan prepares graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals of all ages with psychiatric disorders and mental health challenges. The program emphasizes clinical simulations, case discussions, and journal clubs to prepare students for professional practice. Graduates are eligible to take the ANCC PMHNP board certification exam and are qualified to work in diverse settings, including private practice, home care, emergency rooms, and residential treatment centers.

Program Outline

Extracted Program Information

Degree Overview:

Title:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Across the Lifespan

Objectives:

• Prepares graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals of all ages with psychiatric disorders and mental health challenges.
• Focuses on individual, group, and family therapy along with medication management strategies.
• Prepares students for careers in diverse settings including private practice, home care, emergency rooms, integrated behavioral clinics, and residential treatment centers.

Description:

• Fall term entry only.
• Offered by Fairfield University's Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies.
• Ranked among the Top 100 Best Grad Programs in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report.
• Ranked #2 in the state of Connecticut in the same category.

Outline:

Required Courses (55 credits):

• Healthcare Leadership Roles for Systems Improvement
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Advanced Healthcare Policy
• Research Methods for Evidenced-Based Practice
• Information Technology for Healthcare Improvement
• Advanced Health Assessment
• Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Psychopathology
• Mental Health Nursing of Children and Adolescents
• Mental Health Nursing of Individuals Across the Lifespan
• Foundational Clinical Skills for Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Practice
• Mental Health Nursing of Groups and Families Across the Lifespan
• Primary Mental Health Nursing of At-Risk Populations Across the Lifespan
• Psychopharmacology
• Practicum I: PMHNP
• Practicum II: PMHNP

Teaching:

• Emphasizes clinical simulations, case discussions, presentations, and journal clubs to prepare students for professional practice.
• Led by supportive professors who offer guidance and mentorship throughout the program.

Careers:

• Graduates are qualified to work as clinical faculty in undergraduate nursing programs and as preceptors for graduate students in PMHNP programs.
• Career opportunities exist in diverse settings including:
• In-patient psychiatric units
• Emergency departments
• Long-term care facilities
• Home care agencies
• Out-patient behavioral health clinics
• Correctional facilities
• K-12 schools
• Colleges and universities
• Residential treatment programs
• Staff development departments

Other:

• Graduates are eligible to take the ANCC PMHNP board certification exam.
• The program offers strong clinical placement opportunities, often matching students with their top choices.
• Fairfield University boasts a tight-knit alumni network providing career and mentorship opportunities.
If you require additional details, please consult the official Fairfield University program website or contact the School of Nursing and Health Studies directly.