MSN-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

MSN-PMHNP Concentration Curriculum

NRS 645 Advanced Leadership Roles in the Healthcare System

Study of advanced practice and nurse leader roles in managing individual role development and resources within a health system to affect optimal care delivery and outcomes. Strategies for collaborative inter-professional team care coordination for individuals and populations are emphasized.

NRS 691 Neuropathophysiology

This course is designed to provide advanced practice nursing students with knowledge of the essential neuropathophysiology of mental illness across the lifespan. Building on the basics of cell physiology and neural transmission, this course focuses on the neurobiology of select serious mental illnesses. There is an emphasis on the neural structures and functions thought to be implicated in symptom presentation and disease progression of select serious mental illnesses. 

NRS 692 Introduction to Psychotherapy/Psychiatric Interviewing & Common Major Psychopathological Disorder Basics

This course is designed to provide advanced practice nursing students with the knowledge of basic diagnostic criteria of commonly treated major psychopathological disorders, an introduction to establishing therapeutic rapport, and experience conducting a psychiatric interview in the role of a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Building upon this knowledge, the student will become familiarized with the most common therapy modalities and engage in deeper study of modalities most often utilized within the field as a psychiatric prescriber.  

NRS 693 Diagnostics, Management, Psychopharmacology & Evidence-Based Treatment I

The first of a three-course sequence, this course is designed to provide advanced practice nursing students with scaffolding knowledge in learning the art and science of combining assessment and diagnostics, psychopharmacology, management, and treatment planning of psychopathological disorders. In this first course, the student will examine the importance of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role in being advocates for primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare prevention. Additionally, this course will introduce DSM diagnosis, starting with those most often seen in clinical practice.

NRS 694 Diagnostics, Management, Psychopharmacology & Evidence-Based Treatment II

The second of a three-course sequence, this course is designed to provide advanced practice nursing students with scaffolding knowledge in learning the art and science of combining assessment and diagnostics, psychopharmacology, management, and treatment planning of psychopathological disorders. In this second course, students will focus on the etiology, epidemiology, evidence-based treatment, and management of OCD and related disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, sleep-wake disorders, feeling and eating disorders, and personality disorders. Additionally, this course will expand upon DSM diagnosis.

NRS 695 Diagnostics, Management, Psychopharmacology & Evidence-Based Treatment III

The third of a three-course sequence, this course is designed to provide advanced practice nursing students with scaffolding knowledge in learning the art and science of combining assessment and diagnostics, psychopharmacology, management, and treatment planning of psychopathological disorders. In this final course, students will focus on the etiology, epidemiology, evidence-based treatment, and management of dissociative disorders, somatic symptom and related disorders, elimination disorders, gender dysphoria, disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders, paraphilic disorders, and other mental disorders. Additionally, this course will expand upon DSM diagnosis.

NRS 696A Equity and Management of Mental Healthcare in Diverse Populations

NRS 696B Transition to Psychiatric Mental Health Practice

NRS 701 Advanced Pathology

This course provides students with an understanding of advanced pathophysiology to aid in diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making.

NRS 702 Advanced Physical Assessment

This course integrates advanced knowledge, skills, and critical understanding necessary for the performance of a comprehensive patient health history and physical assessment.

NRS 703 Advanced Pharmacology

This course prepares nurses for professional roles in advanced nursing practice with knowledge of pharmacological principles of medications commonly prescribed to prevent and/or manage adverse health conditions of patients across the lifespan. 

NRS 714 Clinical Practicum I: Psych Mental Health Nurse Practice - Family

Clinical practicum that immerses PMHNP students into their respective role as an advanced practice nurse in the health care setting. Using the accumulated foundation of coursework, research and other evidence, students will manage illnesses in patients throughout the lifespan in a variety of clinical sites. Continuation of diagnostic, management, psychopharmacological and evidence-based treatment will be incorporated into care. Students will be mentored by advanced practice clinicians and must demonstrate clinical course objectives expected of the role. The minimum requirement for this practicum is 167 hours.

NRS 715 Clinical Practicum II: Psych Mental Health Nurse Practice - Family

Clinical practicum that immerses PMHNP students into their respective role as an advanced practice nurse in the health care setting. Using the accumulated foundation of coursework, research and other evidence, students will manage illnesses in patients throughout the lifespan in a variety of clinical sites. Continuation of diagnostic, management, psychopharmacological and evidence-based treatment will be incorporated into care. Students will be mentored by advanced practice clinicians and must demonstrate clinical course objectives expected of the role. The minimum requirement for this practicum is 167 hours.

NRS 716 Clinical Practicum III: Psych Mental Health Nurse Practice - Family

Clinical practicum that immerses PMHNP students into their respective role as an advanced practice nurse in the health care setting. Using the accumulated foundation of coursework, research and other evidence, students will manage illnesses in patients throughout the lifespan in a variety of clinical sites. Continuation of diagnostic, management, psychopharmacological and evidence-based treatment will be incorporated into care. Students will be mentored by advanced practice clinicians and must demonstrate clinical course objectives expected of the role. The minimum requirement for this practicum is 167 hours.

1. Provide evidence of a baccalaureate or more advanced degree from a nursing program accredited by a national nursing accreditation body with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission status. The cumulative grade point average is computed on the highest degree held at the time of application to the Edgewood College graduate program.
2. Complete and submit graduate application to Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions.
3. Request that official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from any post-secondary institutions be sent directly to Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions.
4. Provide two letters of recommendation from nursing supervisors, and/or colleagues who can focus on the candidate’s probability of success in graduate school.
5. Please complete and essay, no more than 500 words, addressing your ambition to be admitted to the PMHNP Program based upon these questions: 
   1. What makes you believe that you will be a good fit to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner (personality, education, experiences, etc. )? 
   2. In the next five years following the completion of your PMHNP program, what are your goals and dreams in your role as a provider, advocate, and leader in the mental health community?
6. Currently hold a license as a registered professional nurse.
7. Prior to beginning the MSN program’s practicum requirements, students will be required to complete a health form, criminal background check, and proof of a current RN license from the state/country in which they plan to complete their practicum.
8. Program Directors of the PMHNP program will review all qualified applications and arrange applicant interviews. Program Directors are responsible for making the final decision of students eligible for admission. Students will be notified in writing of their acceptance to the PMHNP program by the SoN Dean. Admission to the PMHNP program is competitive; even students who meet the minimum requirements may not be admitted. Because of enrollment limits in the PMHNP, the School of Nursing may deny admission to qualified students. 

Application Deadlines:

Students are admitted to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program using a rolling admissions format. Eligible applicants successfully applying by May 15th are ensured consideration for admission. Any applications received after May 15th will be considered on a space-availability basis. If space permits, after the May 15th deadline, eligible applicants will be reviewed in a timely manner.

Attending graduate school is one of the best investments you will ever make in yourself and your future. While the benefits related to personal development and growth are priceless, you can also expect your Master's in Nursing or DNP degree to expand your career options and enhance your earning power in the marketplace. Remember, completing your graduate degree is an investment in yourself and your career. Be sure to consider not only the total cost of your education, but think about how that total breaks down in terms of monthly costs, which can make your investment feel more manageable and affordable.

Financing your Edgewood College Degree

Tuition and Financial Aid information for master’s programs.

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