Psych Mental Health Program of Study
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program provides an academic base of neuro-biological science and psychosocial theory, while emphasizing respect for person, family, community, and culture. Students receive intensive clinical supervision and mentored experience while learning and integrating interpersonal skills that are foundational to psychotherapy practice with individuals, groups and families across the lifespan. Psychiatric assessment, mental health diagnoses, comprehensive treatment planning, and prescriptive practice are important components of the clinical program. Students are well prepared for National Board Certification http://www.nursecredentialing.org/cert/PDFs/PsychNurse_App.pdf and State Licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Graduates have the knowledge and skills essential for promoting, supporting, and facilitating, optimal mental health through compassionate client-centered care.
In response to the AACN recommendation that the current level of preparation necessary for advanced nursing practice be transitioned from the master’s degree (MS) to the doctorate level (DNP) by the year 2015 the program has been designed to progress toward these recommendations. Enrolled students have the option to apply for a post-master’s* Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
* Utah State Board of Nursing requires 3000 supervised post-graduate hours for Psychiatric APRNs. It is recommended that students complete an MS enabling them to apply for a State Intern License allowing any clinical hours documented in the DNP curriculum to count toward their post-graduate licensure requirements.
Semester 1 (10 credits)
Foundations for Individual Psychotherapy (3) N6300
Neuroscience for Clinical Practice (2) N6365
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Assessment and Treatment (2) N6316
Professional Roles (2) N6001
Cultural Competence (1) HSC 5500
Semester 2 (11 credits)
Mood & Anxiety (3) N6310
Advanced Pathophysiology of Mental Illness (2) N6366
Clinical Practicum I (2) N6320
Evidenced Based Practice (2) N6000
Principles of Pharmacology (1) N6006
Semester 3 (7 credits)
Health Assessment (2) N6020
Information Technology (3) N6004
Clinical Practicum II (2) N6325
Semester 4 (10 credits)
Personality and Substance Abuse Disorders (3) N6360
Group Therapy (2) N6341
Clinical Practicum III (3) N6350
Psychopharmocology (2) N6356
Semester 5 (10 credits)
Serious Mental Illness (2) N6330
Family Therapy (2) N6342
Clinical Practicum IV (3) N6380
Psychopharmocology (1) N6357
Health Care Delivery (2) N6002
Semester 6 (2 credits)
Synthesis (2) N6888
For information about the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, contact Jodi Groot, PhD, APRN by e-mail, jodi.groot@nurs.utah.edu or phone, (801) 585-7326.
