Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program

Program Description

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner University Statutory Certificate Program provides students the opportunity to acquire an in-depth theoretical understanding of advanced nursing practice. The program was established in 1965 and graduates are practicing in extremely varied and diverse settings such as community mental health centers, day treatment programs, substance abuse programs, shelters for women and children, liaison settings, and private practice.

Sub-specialization is encouraged and includes work with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, families, alcohol and substance-abusing clients, genetic counseling, and consultation/liaison practice. Theory and supervised clinical experience form the foundation for work as a primary therapist for individuals, groups, and families. The program draws on the psychodynamic, developmental, biological, and family systems models. Attention is given to issues of ethnicity, culture, and gender.

Graduates are eligible for certification as a nurse practitioner in all states in which certification is required. Graduates are also eligible to take the certifying examination offered by the American Nurses Association.

Admission

Please contact the Office of Admissions for details regarding admission and financial aid packages. Faculty review applications on a rolling basis so that students may apply to begin this program in the summer or fall semester. Please note, applications for the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program can only be submitted online.

Admission criteria include:

Master's degree in nursing from an NLN or CCNE accredited program with official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
Minimum of one year clinical experience
Personal interview with the program director
Current New York State nursing license or eligibility
Three references attesting to applicant's academic ability and potential
Personal goal statement that is congruent with program goals (two pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. font)
Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Students must secure a site and preceptor for primary care student practice that is acceptable to the program director.

Curriculum

The minimum credits for the post master’s Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program is 27 credits and represents the basic post-master’s statutory certificate in this major.

Individual students may need additional course work, depending on previous study and experience. Students may receive advanced standing or exemption, based on standard School policy.

A sample curriculum is provided below to make you aware of the academic requirements of the program. Please be advised that this is a sample curriculum plan, and individual plans of study are reviewed and approved upon acceptance to the program. Progression in the program is contingent upon meeting academic policies. The School of Nursing reserves the right to change the course offering schedule as stated in the student bulletin.

Course Number	Course Name	Credits
N6594	Psychopathology	2
N8560	Family Theory in Context	2
N8562	Practice of Family Therapy	2
N8571	Seminar on Family Therapy and Technique	2
N8588	Theory of Group Psychotherapy	2
N8590	Theory and Practice of Individual Psychotherapy I	2
N8591	Theory and Practice of Individual Psychotherapy II	2
N8592	Clinical Practice and Supervision with Groups	2
N8594	Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing I	4
N8595	Advanced Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing II	4
N8792	Advanced Health Assessment in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing I	2
N8793	Advanced Health Assessment in Psychiatric-Mental Health in Nursing II: Clinical Practicum	1
Total Credits		27

The above information is current as of 04/30/2010 and is subject to change.

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