The American Psychiatric Nurses Association reports a shortage in psychiatric mental-health nurses. There is consistent growth in the mental health field, contributing to the need for qualified, trained professionals. Answer the call for caring by earning a master's degree specializing in psychiatric mental health. You'll learn how to:
- assess and diagnose individuals and families with psychiatric disorders
- identify risk factors for psychiatric illness
- provide psychotherapy and prescribe medication
- promote mental health in hospital and community settings
- contribute to policy development and healthcare reform
When you graduate, you will be eligible to take the national certification for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). You'll need this certification to get a state license to practice as an independent provider with prescriptive authority. You can also apply to continue in ODU's DNP program.
You'll be required to take part in on-site learning approximately once a semester at ODU or Shenandoah University.
ODU School of Nursing and Shenandoah University Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing are both accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
