Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Field of Study: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Overview

In addition to the shortage of advanced practice psychiatric nurses, healthcare systems are challenged to address the needs of an increasing elderly population; stressed military families; families impacted by the economy, loss of employment, home foreclosure, and other stressors; and a population facing an increase in reported rates of domestic and youth violence.

The work of an advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioner is dynamic in scope, ranging from prevention and health promotion to early detection and assessment to integration and culturally appropriate, client-centered intervention. Similarly, they can practice in a multitude of environments, including community mental health clinics; hospitals systems; private physician offices; prison systems; military bases and Veteran’s Affairs Hospitals; treatment facilities; and psychiatric mental health community centers, among others.

Major Requirements

The Family Systems Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing major, as part of the MSN program, requires 46 credit hours of coursework and 720 hours of clinicals. The coursework is usually completed within four semesters.

Sample Plan of Study