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

As a student in D’Youville’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, you will:

• Learn to assess, diagnose and manage acute and chronic mental health conditions;
• Gain experience and skills to promote mental health and educate patients about mental illness prevention and recovery;
• Receive practical experience in primary care and behavioral health settings;
• Benefit from the opportunity to work closely with experienced faculty mentors and others throughout the nursing community.

• Our faculty are clinical experts in their fields and recognized for their student-centered approach that emphasizes individualized instruction and knowledgeable career guidance.
• Research has shown that teamwork across clinical specialties improves patient outcomes and D'Youville has created an environment that promotes a team-learning approach. D'Youville's unique interdisciplinary education lab offers the opportunity to practice treating patients (played by actors) alongside a team of students from seven other health care majors at the college — all under the supervision of a skilled instructor.
• The nursing program at D'Youville reflects the College’s mission to educate professionals who contribute to the world community through leadership and service to others.
• D'Youville's Doctor of Nursing Practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides an ideal option for students interested in furthering their education after completion of their master's degree.

• Official transcripts from all college/universities attended
• A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university program
• Evidence of capability to succeed in a graduate program based on a overall undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 system)
• A current license to practice professional nursing in New York State or Ontario
• Two letters of recommendation that include comment on the applicant's clinical performance (preferably from a supervisor and colleague)
• A current certification in CPR
• Letter of intent

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

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.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are providers of holistic care and possess an understanding of all dimensions of patient care. They assess, diagnose and provide treatment using an in-depth understanding of mental health disorders. They treat patients of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds as they work with individuals, families and groups.

PMHNPs are employed in traditional outpatient and inpatient settings, though as holders of advanced degrees, they are often involved in research, consulting and private practice.

Demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow 31 percent from 2014 to 2024 as access to health care increases, the population ages and the role is more widely recognized by the public as a source for primary health care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics views the job opportunities for nurse practitioners as excellent and notes employers may offer flexible work schedules, childcare and educational benefits.