2021-2022 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
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 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) 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:
- Apply advanced theoretical knowledge for using psychopharmacology and evidence-based and effective treatment modalities for persons with mental health disorders.
- Provide evidence-based treatment to individuals, families, and groups with mental health disorders using advanced communication skills.
- Design and implement age appropriate mental health treatment for persons with mental health disorders across the lifespan.
- 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.
- Use evidence-based measurements to determine effectiveness and modifications needed for treatment of mental health disorders.
- Collaborate effectively with inter-professional teams that provide treatment to persons with mental health disorders.
Audience
The certificate is designed for APRNs with a master's or doctor of nursing practice degree. Admission to Grand Valley State University is required to complete the certificate.