The BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares registered nurses (RNs) who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.
Graduates of the program are equipped to provide a wide range of services to adults, children, adolescents, and their families in a primary care facility, outpatient mental health clinic, psychiatric emergency services, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, private practice, or in a hospital or community health center.
PMHNPs diagnose, conduct therapy, and prescribe medications for patients who have psychiatric disorders, medical organic brain disorders or substance abuse problems. They are licensed to provide emergency psychiatric services, psychosocial and physical assessment of their patients; treatment plans, and manage patient care. They may also serve as consultants or as educators for families and staff. The PMHNP has a focus on psychiatric diagnosis, including the differential diagnosis of medical disorders with psychiatric symptoms, Faculty delivering a lectureand on medication treatment for psychiatric disorders.
During the first two years of the DNP/PMHNP program, students complete coursework in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), preparation that uniquely qualifies them develop the PMHNP skill set within the context of the integrated health micro-system.
Accreditation
Graduates meet the outcome competencies and practice standards of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. In the program, students complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, complete the DNP qualifying examination, and complete an evidence-based practice project (which replaces the dissertation). The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
