University of Phoenix Launches New Master’s Program in Nursing and Psychiatric Mental Health

Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares registered nurse students for roles in neuropsychiatric care

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix College of Nursing has launched a new Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN/PMH) program preparing registered nurses (RNs) for advanced practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), specializing in neuropsychiatric care and treatment.

With a national deficit of psychiatric care which is particularly acute in rural areas, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are helping to fill gaps in care.

“Our healthcare system has a critical need for nurse practitioners and mental health APRNs,” states Raelene Brooks, Ph.D., RN, dean of the College of Nursing. “The MSN/PMH program provides registered nurses the opportunity to advance their skill set and provide care and improve outcomes for individuals and families with mental health needs. There are health disparities faced by individuals with mental health problems. This is an underserved population in our nation.”

Students earning an MSN/PMH gain skills such as neuropsychiatric disorder assessment and prevention, self-care management, psychotherapeutic intervention, pharmacological management, and addiction services. Students are equipped to treat mental disorders in various healthcare settings and in diverse patient populations.

Each MSN/PMH course is mapped to three skills and skills outcomes the students will learn. In developing the program, the University worked with labor market researchers to align in-demand skills that ensure students have the opportunity to learn and demonstrate them in coursework.

MSN/PMH curriculum is aligned with core competencies and accreditation requirements from these industry organizations: American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF); and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). Graduates of the MSN/PMH program are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) national board certification exam.

The MSN/PMH degree program requires prerequisites and a total of 52 credit hours to completion. Individuals who enroll in the MSN/PMH degree program are eligible for the University of Phoenix Nursing Bridge Program. The Nursing Bridge Program is designed for RNs that have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, and helps working nurses more quickly earn their MSN by taking three upper-level courses and then choosing the master’s path that best suits their needs.

Learn more here about the MSN/PMH degree program.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.