Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MS/CAGS)
Overview
The graduate program in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing at Northeastern University is designed to prepare nurses to provide a broad range of mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, and families throughout the lifespan in community mental health centers, residential programs, schools and outpatient practice settings.
Since students are in various stages of career development we offer specialized and flexible program options. Part-time and full-time programs are available. Classes are offered during the late afternoon and early evening hours to accommodate the multiple responsibilities of adult learners.
- For nurses who have a Baccalaureate Degree in nursing, the Master of Science (MS) option is a 43 semester-hour program.
- For nurses with master’s preparation in other nursing specialties the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) option is a 24 semester-hour program.
- For those who wish to pursue a career in nursing and possess a baccalaureate degree or higher in a related (non-nursing) field, the Direct Entry MS option is available.
During the five years prior to entering our program, applicants must have successfully completed a statistics course that includes probability theory and hypothesis testing.
Upon completion of the Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Nursing graduate program curriculum, graduates are eligible to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification, across the lifespan through the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Behavioral Health Workforce
Nationally and regionally there exists a severe shortage of qualified mental health professionals needed to treat children, adolescents and young adults with behavioral health problems. Thanks in part to HRSA, the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Graduate Nursing program at Northeastern University has enhanced our ability to prepare advanced practice registered nurses who will provide culturally competent care to vulnerable children, adolescents, and transitioning young adults at risk for, or experiencing behavioral health problems, and their families. Learn more at Northeastern PMHNP Program.
Curriculum
The Curriculum of the Northeastern University Psychiatric Mental Health Graduate Nursing program has a lifespan focus, with core course content covering all ages.
Degree Options:
- BSN to Master’s (traditional) 43 Semester Hrs
- Bachelors from another field to MSN (Direct Entry Nursing MS Program) 104 Semester Hrs
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) 24 Semester Hrs (for NP’s or CNS’s with other certifications)
The program emphasizes a biopsychosocial framework to develop the understanding of human development, etiology of psychiatric disorders, and treatment modalities geared towards working with individuals across the lifespan and their families. The course of study emphasizes diagnostic decision making, psychotherapeutic interventions, including individual, family and group therapies, and psychopharmacology across the lifespan. We are known for our emphasis on the needs of children and families.
Sample Curriculum
Psychiatric Mental Health MS Curriculum
Professional Core
- NRSG 5118 Health Care Systems and Professional Role Development (3 Credits)
- NRSG 5121 Epidemiology and Population Health (3 Credits)
6 Credits
Research Core
- NRSG 7105 Translating Research Evidence into Practice (3 Credits)
- NRSG 7110 Evidence Based Practice Research Application (2 Credits)
6 Credits
Clinical Core
- NRSG 6115 Health Assessment (3 Credits)
- NRSG 5126 Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice (3 Credits)
- NRSG 5117 Pharmacology (2 Credits)
8 Credits
Psychiatric Mental Health
Theory Courses
- NRSG 6282 Clinical Psychopharmacology (3 Credits)
- NRSG 6281 Dimensions of Clinical Practice (3 Credits)
- NRSG 6283 Psychobiological Bases of Mental Disorders (3 Credits)
- NRSG 6286 Contemporary Psychotherapies: Theory and Practice (3 Credits)
12 Credits
Practicum Courses
- NRSG 6480 Psychiatric Nursing Practicum I (5 Credits)
- NRSG 6481 Psychiatric Nursing Practicum 2 (5 Credits)
- Electives (2 Credits)
12 Credits
Total Credits 43
Psychiatric Mental Health CAGS Curriculum
CAGS
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
- NRSG 6282 Clinical Psychopharmacology (3 Credits)
- NRSG 6281 Dimensions of Clinical Practice (3 Credits)
- NRSG 6283 Psychobiological Bases of Mental Disorders (3 Credits)
- NRSG 6286 Contemporary Psychotherapies: Theory and Practice (3 Credits)
- NRSG 6480 Psychiatric Nursing Practicum I (5 Credits)
- NRSG 6481 Psychiatric Nursing Practicum 2 (5 Credits)
- Electives (2 Credits)
Total Credits 24
Experiential Learning
Students apply classroom learning in an array of health care settings or educational settings. Clinical practica are available across a variety of sectors of the health care system primarily in the Boston area, including private, public, and community based settings, community mental health centers, outpatient clinics, residential and public schools. Faculty advisors choose from available clinical sites that are appropriate to the learning needs and goals of each student. Northeastern University School of Nursing is committed to the unique needs of clients from diverse groups in urban and underprivileged areas.
APPLY
To the Psychiatric Mental Health NP Program