Graduates of this track are both Clinical Specialists and Nurse Practitioners. They are eligible to be certified by New York State as psychiatric nurse practitioners and to take the examination for certification at the national level from the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an adult psychiatric nurse practitioner (which includes: adolescent, adult, and geriatric practice), or family psychiatric nurse practitioner (which includes child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric practice). As Clinical Nurse Specialists, they are eligible to take the examination at the national level from ANCC as an adult PMHCNS (which includes adolescent, adult, and geriatric practice). A total of 47 credits and 500 clinical hours are required to meet the changing professional expectations in these practice areas.
Consistent with the changing health care system, graduates of this program will have the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to provide primary and continuing mental health care: promote mental health, prevent mental illness, and diagnose and treat clients who demonstrate acute and chronic mental illness and/or substance abuse. Treatments include counseling, psychotherapy, and prescribing drugs.
A sound theoretical base of neurobiology, physiology, pharmacology, and human behavior theories provide the underpinnings for courses and pactica related to comprehensive mental health assessment, diagnostic formulations, and therapeutic interventions. Psychotherapeutic processes include individual, group, and family therapy. Further, graduates would be qualified to provide case management, conduct and develop psycho-education programs, supervise support service staff, and provide consultation in non-psychiatric settings.
Course Requirements
(Prior to registering each semester, students need to meet with their advisor for individual program planning)
Core Courses
Supporting Courses
Functional Area Courses
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Successful completion of a Health Assessment Examination is required for entry into NSG 619.
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There is a mandatory clinical lab fee.
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NSG 619 is required as pre-requisite for all subsequent clinical courses.