Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MSN
Significant advancements have been made in recent years in our understanding of neuroscience and human behavior and the effective treatment and prevention of mental illness. Yet, despite this progress, mental health issues are often minimized, mishandled, and insufficiently treated, shrouded in fear and shame. There is disparity in treatment across many populations, and a critical shortage of skilled mental health professionals that limits the ability of patients to get the care they so deeply need. Confounding this is a lack of diversity among health care providers who may not adequately understand cultural barriers to seeking care. This is something we are striving to change.
In our program, you’ll benefit from a holistic approach that blends neuroscience with psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. You’ll work alongside faculty and mentors to advocate treatment of the whole person, blending mind and body in the context of the patient’s psychosocial environment. You’ll learn biopsychosocial assessment and diagnosis as well as medication management, all while deepening your skills in psychotherapy, including therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, group/family therapy, and more.
We use a three-semester clinical practicum, with the program placing students in settings that allow for exposure to a variety of psychiatric populations. Onsite preceptors will supervise your work, and you’ll share experiences with other students through weekly small group seminars on campus.
For more information: https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/psychiatric-mental-health/
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| NURS 6080 | Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Nursing Practice | 1 |
| NURS 6240 | Pathogenesis of Mental Disorders and Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan | 1 |
| NURS 6560 | Professional Role Issues for Nurse Practitioners | 1 |
| NURS 6570 | Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making | 1 |
| NURS 6070 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 1 |
| NURS 6370 | Introduction to Research Methods and Design 1 | 1 |
| or NURS 5470 | Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-based Practice | |
| Theory Courses | ||
| NURS 5260 | Child and Adolescent Mental Health | 1 |
| NURS 5320 | Cognitive Behavioral Strategies in Health Care | 1 |
| NURS 6250 | Clinical Modalities Across the Life Cycle in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 1 |
| NURS 6260 | Family and Organizational Systems Across the Life Span | 1 |
| NURS 6280 | Mental Health and Aging | 1 |
| Clinical Courses | ||
| NURS 7050 | Advanced Practice Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health NP I | 1 |
| NURS 7060 | Advanced Practice Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health NP II | 1 |
| NURS 7070 | Advanced Practice Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health NP III | 1 |
| Total Course Units | 14 | |
- 1
The alternate course, NURS 5470, is a graduate-level research methods course approved for Penn BSN students only.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Full Time Plan of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Course Units | |
| NURS 6070 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 1 |
| NURS 6570 | Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making | 1 |
| NURS 6260 | Family and Organizational Systems Across the Life Span | 1 |
| NURS 6250 | Clinical Modalities Across the Life Cycle in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 1 |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| Fall | ||
| NURS 6080 | Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Nursing Practice | 1 |
| NURS 6240 | Pathogenesis of Mental Disorders and Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan | 1 |
| NURS 6560 | Professional Role Issues for Nurse Practitioners | 1 |
| NURS 7050 | Advanced Practice Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health NP I | 1 |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 5260 | Child and Adolescent Mental Health | 1 |
| NURS 5320 | Cognitive Behavioral Strategies in Health Care | 1 |
| NURS 6280 | Mental Health and Aging | 1 |
| NURS 7060 | Advanced Practice Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health NP II | 1 |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Summer | ||
| NURS 6370 | Introduction to Research Methods and Design | 1 |
| NURS 7070 | Advanced Practice Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health NP III | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 14.00 | |
Part Time Plan of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Course Units | |
| NURS 6070 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 1 |
| NURS 6260 | Family and Organizational Systems Across the Life Span | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Fall | ||
| NURS 6080 | Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Nursing Practice | 1 |
| NURS 6560 | Professional Role Issues for Nurse Practitioners | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 5320 | Cognitive Behavioral Strategies in Health Care | 1 |
| NURS 6280 | Mental Health and Aging | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Summer | ||
| NURS 6250 | Clinical Modalities Across the Life Cycle in Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing | 1 |
| NURS 6570 | Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Fall | ||
| NURS 6240 | Pathogenesis of Mental Disorders and Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan | 1 |
| NURS 7050 | Advanced Practice Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health NP I | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 5260 | Child and Adolescent Mental Health | 1 |
| NURS 7060 | Advanced Practice Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health NP II | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Summer | ||
| NURS 6370 | Introduction to Research Methods and Design | 1 |
| NURS 7070 | Advanced Practice Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health NP III | 1 |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 14.00 | |