Interested in Becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner . . . without re-locating to continue your education?
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The University of Utah College of Nursing Psychiatric Nursing Program is pleased to announce the HRSA funded, “Innovative Education: Supporting and Sustaining Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses for Mental Health Services in Rural and Marginalized Communities” Program. We are actively recruiting bachelor’s prepared nurses living in rural and underserved communities who desire an advanced practice degree and certification in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. This distance master’s program will use synchronous and asynchronous delivery methods to enable students and faculty to access resources without geographical limitations. This innovative delivery model will allow students to study in their home communities with a curriculum emphasis focused on the unique needs and characteristics of rural and underserved populations. Priority placement in clinical sites with community mental health care systems and state-funded rural health clinics supports and strengthen coursework.
Not a Utah Resident? – Not a Problem!
The Distance Psychiatric NP program at the University of Utah has been recognized by the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). As part of the Student Exchange Program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WHICHE), residents of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are eligible to enroll in available programs outside of their home state at resident tuition rates. Students need not meet financial aid criteria.
Required On Campus Attendance:
All students in the Distance Psychiatric NP program will be required to attend an intensive orientation on the University of Utah campus the first week of their program.This will apply to both students who apply to our on-campus as well as the distance program. These in-person experiences will enhance your educational experience as well as provide the opportunity for interactions with your classmates and your instructors. Students who are admitted to the Distance Psychiatric NP program will have a mandatory on-campus requirement each semester. This session will be limited to no more than 3 – 4 consecutive days each semester.
Review our Program of Study:
The Distance Psychiatric NP program of study has been designed for full or part time study. The full program of study can be found here.
Computer Requirements:
As you start the distance program you want to make an investment in your computer and printer. You will want the highest quality computer that you can afford. The following are the minimum requirements for computer access to the program:
- IBM compatible with XP Operating System SP2
- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E7200 (Quad Core Recommended)
- 4 GB RAM
- 2 GB available hard drive space
- Hard Drive Speed of 5400 RPM
- NIC (Network Interface Card) that can run at 100 MBPS full duplex
- Dual monitors are recommended. Monitor size is up to the individual but we recommend at least 21" for ease of viewing multiple individuals during conferencing.
- Dual-head video card with a minimum of 256 MB RAM
- Speakers and sound card are required.
- USB headset with microphone
- Polycom PVX Desktop Videoconferencing Software (provided by the program)
- Logitech Pro 9000 videoconferencing camera (provided by the program)
- A high quality printer
The most important component is a high quality Internet connection. A high speed internet connection with upload and download speeds of at least 384K is required regardless of computer setup. Note that dial-up modems are not acceptable. Please check to see what is available in your area and the associated costs. You will also need to purchase Adobe Acrobat Professional for Students and Microsoft Office Professional. Both of these programs are available through the University of Utah's Office of Software Licensing for admitted students. Other software may be required for individual courses. Admission Process Distance Psychiatric NP Program
For more information about the Distance Psychiatric NP program,
Contact Jodi Groot, PhD, APRN at jodi.groot@nurs.utah.edu
