Adult Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Who should apply?
Individuals with baccalaureate degrees in nursing who want to:
- Deliver advanced primary mental health care
- Engage in independent and interdependent decision making and be directly accountable for clinical judgments
A post-master's program for advanced practice nurses who want to specialize in mental health also is offered. Applicants need to have a master of science in nursing from nationally accredited schools. This program is developed on an individual basis.
Career opportunities
- Acute care
- Home health
- Primary care
- Private practices
- Long-term care
The program
The curriculum uniquely combines online course work and preceptored clinical experiences within the student’s local area. Students gain knowledge and skills to:
- Conduct comprehensive physical assessments
- Diagnose
- Manage medications
- Deliver psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational interventions
- Develop and implement health policy
- Assume leadership positions
- Consult
- Expand use of research findings in practice and health policy development
- Engage in case management
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to complete the program?
It takes approximately two years to complete the program while attending full time.
What are the prerequisites?
- BSN
- Completion of Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Graduate level statistics
How would I be licensed?
In Missouri, you would be licensed as a registered professional nurse by the State Board of Nursing. After completing the program and passing the ANCC certification examination, you would be eligible to be recognized as an advanced practice nurse by the Board of Nursing. For information on another state, contact that state’s board of nursing.
What certification would I be eligible for?
Upon graduation, you will have the preparation necessary to apply for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification as an adult mental health nurse practitioner.
What financial assistance is available?
Financial assistance programs are available. Contact the Student Affairs Office, at 573-882-0277 or 800-437-4339 for further information. Positions as teaching assistants are also available and may provide tuition assistance.
Courses and curriculum
This area of study consists of 43-46 hours of coursework.
| Number | Course | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
| N7100 | Theories in Nursing | 3 |
| N7110 | APN Role Acquisition | 3 |
| N7120 | Physiological Concepts for Nursing | 3 |
| N7130 | Clinical Pharmacology | 3 |
| N7140 | Advanced Health Assessment and Promotion* | 3 |
| N7150 | Research Methods in Nursing | 3 |
| N8140 | Nursing and Health Policy | 3 |
| N8600 | Public Health and Sociocultural Issues | 3 |
| N8610 | Diagnostics and Psychopharmacology for Mental Health Nurses* | 3 |
| N8620 | Brief Individual Psychotherapy for Mental Health Nurses* | 3 |
| N8640 | Group Therapy and Social Skills Training* | 3 |
| N8660 | Mental Health Nursing Interventions for Families* | 3 |
| N8970 | APN Role Transition | 1 |
| N8980 | Advanced Clinical Nursing Practicum** | 3 |
| Total hours | 40 |
Choose one of the following options:
| Number | Course | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
| N8910 or N8900 | Advanced Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (3) or Research Practicum (3); and and the Master's Exam**** | |
| N8090 | Research Thesis ***** | 6 |
| Total hours | 6 |
Curriculum subject to change.
* Graduate statistics is a prerequisite.
*60 clinical hours (preceptored) are required.
** 270 clinical hours (preceptored) are required.
**** Students who take N8910/8900 must also successfully complete the Master’s Exam.
***** Students taking N8090 are not required to take the comprehensive Master’s Exam.