Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

The Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate program prepares RNs with a Master's in Nursing in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing to provide advanced nursing care in psychiatric mental health settings. The program offers two tracks: one for current NPs and one for non-NPs, and includes didactic and clinical coursework, as well as clinical placements. Graduates are eligible to take the ANCC Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification exam.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) program is designed for RNs who hold either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) with a MSN in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. The program equips graduates to provide differential diagnosis, health promotion, psychotropic medication management, and psychotherapy services across the lifespan in both hospital and community settings.

Objectives:

• Prepare graduates to provide advanced nursing care within the specialty of psychiatric mental health.
• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to conduct comprehensive assessments, diagnose mental health conditions, and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Enable graduates to provide evidence-based psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy interventions.
• Foster graduates' ability to promote mental health and well-being across the lifespan.

Program Description:

• The program offers two tracks: one for currently practicing NPs and another for non-NPs.
• The curriculum for current NPs can be completed in 5 semesters (including summer) while the non-NP track may take up to 7 semesters.
• The program consists of didactic and clinical coursework, covering topics such as:
• Psychotherapy for individuals, families, and groups
• Assessment, diagnosis, and psychotropic medication management
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Behavioral neuroscience and psychopharmacology
• Management of psychiatric mental health across the lifespan
• Clinical placements are a collaborative process between students and faculty, with opportunities at various hospitals and community settings.
• Graduates are eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification exam.

Outline:

Track for Currently Practicing NPs:

• Prerequisites (if needed): Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits), Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits), Advanced Health Assessment (4 credits)
• Summer I: Behavioral Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology (3 credits)
• Fall I: Foundations of Psychotherapy (3 credits), Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Adult (2 credits), Practicum I (180 clinical hours) (3 credits)
• Spring I: Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Child & Adolescent (2 credits), Practicum II (180 clinical hours) (3 credits), Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Geriatrics (2 credits)
• Summer II: Management of Complex Mental Health Across the Lifespan (2 credits), Practicum III (120 clinical hours) (2 credits)
• Fall II: Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum (300 clinical hours) (5 credits)
• Total: 27 credit hours and 780 clinical hours

Track for Non-NPs:

• Fall I: Advanced Concepts in Physiology & Pathophysiology (3 credits), Advanced Practice Roles, Ethics & Policy (3 credits)
• Spring I: Advanced Pharmacology & Therapeutics (3 credits), Advanced Health Promotion & Assessment Across the Lifespan (4 credits)
• Summer I: Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology (3 credits)
• Fall II: Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Adult (2 credits), Practicum I (180 clinical hours) (3 credits), Foundations of Psychotherapy (3 credits)
• Spring II: Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Child & Adolescent (2 credits), Practicum II (180 Clinical hours) (3 credits), Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Geriatrics (2 credits)
• Summer III: Management of Complex Mental Health Across the Lifespan (2 credits), Practicum III (120 clinical hours) (2 credits)
• Fall III: Advanced Nurse Practitioner Role Development (2 credits), Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum (300 clinical hours) (5 credits)
• Total: 32 credit hours and 780 clinical hours

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Examinations: Written exams assess students' understanding of theoretical concepts and clinical knowledge.
• Clinical Performance: Faculty closely observe and evaluate students' clinical skills and patient care competency.
• Assignments and Projects: Students complete assignments and projects that demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
• Portfolio Development: Students develop a portfolio of their work, showcasing their professional growth and development throughout the program.

Teaching:

The PMHNP program employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences. These methods include:

• Interactive lectures: Faculty engage students in active learning through lectures, discussions, and case studies.
• Clinical simulations: Students participate in simulated clinical scenarios to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
• Small group discussions: Students engage in small group discussions to deepen their understanding of course material and explore different perspectives.
• Online learning: The program utilizes online learning platforms to provide access to course materials, resources, and communication tools.
The program boasts experienced faculty with expertise in psychiatric mental health nursing. These faculty members bring their clinical and research experience to the classroom, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction and mentorship.

Careers:

Graduates of the PMHNP program are prepared for a variety of career opportunities in the field of psychiatric mental health nursing. Potential career paths include:

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Providing direct patient care in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and community mental health centers.
• Mental Health Educator: Teaching and training nurses and other healthcare professionals on mental health topics.
• Researcher: Conducting research to improve mental health care practices and outcomes.
• Consultant: Providing expertise to organizations on mental health issues and program development.

Other:

• Classes are offered online in a synchronous format.
• Students may utilize study areas and facilities on the main campus in Winchester, VA.
• Clinical placements are determined through a collaborative process between students and faculty.
• The program has established affiliation agreements with various clinical sites, offering diverse placement opportunities.
• Students have the option to take the prerequisite courses in the Fall semester if needed.
• The program does not offer a part-time study option.
• The program is fully accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
• Alumni of the program are eligible for a tuition discount.
• Shenandoah University offers graduate nursing classes in a fully online format.
• The program is designed to be completed in 5 semesters (including summer) for current NPs and up to 7 semesters for non-NPs.
• The program begins in the summer.
• The program's small class sizes and close-knit learning environment foster a supportive and collaborative learning experience.