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2020-2021 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate

Students wishing to pursue the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate must submit an official GVSU graduate degree seeking application indicating the certificate as the intended area of study. This post graduate certificate is designed for nurses who have a master's degree in nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and who wish to expand their practice to manage the care of people, across the lifespan, with disruptions in their mental health. The certificate program will focus on the main treatment methods for mental health care, including medication management and interpersonal interventions for individuals, groups, and families.

Program Content

Courses will engage students using multiple teaching strategies including lecture, discussions, case studies, simulation, and practicum experiences. Physiological and psychological theories of mental health and disruptions in mental health will be incorporated as the basis for comprehensive care of this population. Graduates of this psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate will be prepared to manage patients across the lifespan within the mental health system and/or within a primary care environment.

Program Objectives

At the completion of the certificate, learners will be able to do the following:

  1. Apply advanced theoretical knowledge for using psychopharmacology and evidence-based and effective treatment modalities for persons with mental health disorders.
  2. Provide evidence-based treatment to individuals, families, and groups with mental health disorders using advanced communication skills.
  3. Design and implement age appropriate mental health treatment for persons with mental health disorders across the lifespan.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to implement the role of the advanced practice nurse through the use of at least two psychiatric/mental health treatment modalities (individual, family, and/or group treatment) to persons with mental health disorders.
  5. Use evidence-based measurements to determine effectiveness and modifications needed for treatment of mental health disorders.
  6. Collaborate effectively with inter-professional teams that provide treatment to persons with mental health disorders.

Audience

The certificate is designed for nurses with a master's or doctor of nursing practice degree. Admission to Grand Valley State University is required to complete the certificate.

Requirements for Admission

  • Graduate of an accredited Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) MSN or DNP program
  • Currently certified as a CNS, NP, CNM or CRNA
  • Minimum of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Licensed as an RN in the State of Michigan
  • Educational and professional goal statement
  • Interview with KCON faculty
  • Test scores on TOEFL, PTE, IELT, or MELAB for applicants whose native language is not English.
  • Successful completion of background check and drug screen
  • Compliance with health records, immunizations, and other KCON graduate program requirements

Certificate Requirements

The following prerequisite courses must be completed before beginning the program:

The certificate content will be delivered in a series of six courses that can be completed in four semesters:


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