Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Certificate)
Program Overview
This hybrid Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program prepares nurses to provide holistic mental healthcare to individuals and families across the lifespan. Through online learning and in-person immersions, students develop advanced knowledge and skills in assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment of mental health disorders. Graduates are eligible for professional licensure and a variety of career opportunities in mental health care, including as Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, and Private Practice Owners.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Graduate Certificate)
This program prepares graduates to provide holistic, client-centered mental healthcare to individuals of all ages within diverse families. It focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based management of common and complex mental health disorders across the lifespan.
Objectives:
- Develop advanced knowledge and skills in psychiatric and mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Provide evidence-based pharmacologic and therapeutic interventions for individuals with mental health disorders.
- Utilize individual, group, and family therapy techniques to address client needs.
- Cultivate cultural competency in the delivery of mental health care.
- Understand ethical and legal considerations in psychiatric and mental health nursing practice.
Program Description:
This hybrid program consists of online learning and in-person immersions. Students engage in core courses like pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment. It emphasizes the use of valid and reliable tools for screening and identifying mental health disorders, along with early interventions. The curriculum delves into the epidemiology, incidence, early signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, and sociocultural variations in the management and treatment of various mental health disorders.
Clinical Experiences:
Focused clinical experiences are arranged for students in Maricopa County, Arizona. Students are responsible for traveling within the county and potentially surrounding areas to complete their clinical placements. Students residing outside of Maricopa County are responsible for identifying and securing suitable clinical sites and preceptors within their local area. These sites require approval from the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.
Career Opportunities:
Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles in mental health care, including:
- Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Private Practice Owner
- Community Advocate
- Professor
- Researcher
Outline:
Core Courses:
- Pharmacology
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis
- Psychopharmacology
- Individual Psychotherapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Cultural Competency in Mental Health Care
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Psychiatric Nursing Practice
Clinical Experiences:
- Focus on providing care to individuals and families across the lifespan.
- Supervised experiences in diverse settings such as hospitals, clinics, community mental health centers, and private practices.
- Opportunities to work with diverse populations and gain experience in various therapeutic modalities.
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the program may include:
- Examinations: Written and/or oral exams assessing knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
- Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and developing critical thinking skills.
- Clinical Performance: Evaluation of clinical skills during supervised practice.
- Presentations: Demonstrating communication and collaboration skills through presentations of case studies or research findings.
- Portfolio: Showcasing growth and development throughout the program through reflections, case studies, and other artifacts.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Interactive lectures: Engaging students in active learning and discussion.
- Small group activities: Fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills.
- Case-based learning: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Clinical simulations: Providing opportunities to practice skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Careers:
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for positions such as:
- Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner: Providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals and families in various settings.
- Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Focusing on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders across the lifespan.
- Private Practice Owner: Establishing and managing an independent practice specializing in mental health care.
- Community Advocate: Working to improve access to mental health services and reduce stigma.
- Professor: Teaching future generations of mental health professionals.
- Researcher: Contributing to the advancement of knowledge and evidence-based practices in mental health care.
Other:
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Graduates are eligible for professional licensure as a Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- The program welcomes applications from nurses with a master's degree and board certification in a different APRN specialty.
- International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to Graduate College policies regarding admission to this certificate program.
