Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MS), 2-Year

Overview

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is specialized in providing mental health services and care to individuals, families and groups. As a student in the program, you will learn the real-world skills needed to advance your nursing career as you become specifically prepared to deliver safe, competent and quality mental health services to persons of all ages.

As a student, you will benefit from a simple scheduling structure with all classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and you will be able to complete the program in two years of full-time study.

As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared to take the exam for board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to further demonstrate your expertise in the mental health field.

If you’re interested in advancing your career as a PMHNP, D’Youville’s nursing program is an ideal place to learn. Established in 1942, the Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing has earned a reputation as a leading resource in the region for high-quality, student-centered education.

Admission Requirements

We recommend that applicants to D'Youville's psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (MS) hold at least one year of practice as a registered nurse.

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate programs at D’Youville College, applicants for the master of science degree in psychiatric mental health must present the following:

1. Completed online graduate application for admission (no application fee)
2. Completion of a baccalaureate degree in nursing or from a CCNE or NLNAC (ACEN) accredited program at a college or university in the US (or by the CNO in Ontario).
3. Evidence of capability to succeed in a graduate program based on an overall undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
4. Official transcripts from all college/ universities attended. Non- U.S. students must submit ‘course-by-course’ evaluation (or equivalent) of all college and/or university transcripts through the World Education Services (WES) or other approved foreign transcript evaluation agencies.
5. An overall G.P.A. of at least 3.0. Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in nursing, earned more than five years ago, with an overall G.P.A. less than 3.0 but more than or equal to 2.7, who have achieved significant professional success as documented on curricula vitae, may submit an application for consideration. Preferential admissions will be given to applicants with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher.
6. Active unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in New York or in Ontario for Canadian students.
7. A current CPR certification with a psychomotor component.
8. At least one year of experience as a registered nurse in psych-mental health or a related field is required.
9. Baccalaureate-level health assessment, pathophysiology and pharmacology courses or equivalent.
10. Two references on clinical performance with one reference from a professional with an advanced degree attesting to the clinical knowledge, skills, leadership and the ability to be a good applicant. Other acceptable references include supervisor, manager or former professor. 
11. Writing assignment on your philosophy of nursing, 2 pages in length, double space and 12-point font that includes philosophy of nursing focused on past experience, what influencing nursing has had on your career, why you chose to pursue this degree, how you see this degree enhancing your career and how you will utilize this degree to advance patient care and health care outcomes.
12. A student who meets the entry requirements and is currently or previously enrolled in a nurse practitioner program at another college or university must obtain a letter from that School of Nursing stating the student is in good standing, not on probation, and able to register for classes. Students who were dismissed from a graduate nursing program will not be considered for admission.
13.  Applicants who work full-time are not eligible for planned 2-year completion of the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner track.

Canadian RN students must submit two licensure items:

• A copy of original Certificate of Registration (issued upon passing of initial examination)
• A copy of Annual Registration Renewal (showing current unencumbered license)

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Prerequisites

Applicants to D'Youville's psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (MS) must complete the following undergraduate course prerequisites:

• Statistics
• Health Assessment (or equivalent)
• Pathophysiology (or equivalent)
• Pharmacology (or equivalent)

Canadian students must submit a 'course-by-course' evaluation (or equivalent) of all Canadian college and/or university transcripts through the World Education Services (WES).

Use the Online Course Equivalency database to see whether the courses you've taken at other institutions can be counted towards a degree at D'Youville.

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Transfer Credit Policy

Students may transfer up to nine graduate credits with grades of B or better into their program at the discretion of the program director. Credits must be earned from an accredited institution in courses required by the program being pursued.

CURRICULUM

Find detailed course information for the Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, tools to plan your education, and complete academic policies and procedures in the D'Youville academic catalog.

Careers

The D’Youville two-year Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares graduates to work in integrated primary care and behavioral health settings and to achieve certification through licensure examination.

For more information about careers in nursing, visit: www.DiscoverNursing.com and www.nln.org.