Psychiatric Nursing

Program Summary

Master's degree programs in psychiatric nursing prepare students for careers as psychiatric mental health nurses (PMHNs) who work to diagnose and treat patients with psychiatric disorders.

have foundational academic preparation to facilitate advanced knowledge and skills in clinical practice, administration or education, with in-depth focus in one of these streams.

combine this knowledge with research methodology to critically analyze current practices and contribute to innovation in service delivery and policy development.

serve as teachers, mentors and role models to promote excellence among students and practitioners.

demonstrate ability to: engage in reflective practice; anticipate and respond to emerging health and mental health needs; engage in independent practice.

Specialization options within these programs include forensics, substance abuse, and geropsychiatric nursing.

Psychiatric nursing programs train students to diagnose, treat, and provide preventative mental health services.

Common courses include:

•Nursing concepts and ethics
•Nursing and health care strategy
•Data analysis for advanced practice in nursing
•Nursing theory in psychiatric-mental health
•Theoretical foundations of nursing
•Advanced practice of psychiatric nursing