Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

Master of science in nursing

Your career as a registered nurse has taken you to a broad spectrum of locations — from working under specialists to the fast pace of emergency departments to inpatient psychiatric facilities. Now, as you contemplate how you can grow your influence, you see where you're needed. Mizzou Online's master of science in nursing (MSN) program with a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) focus gives you the tools and experience to care for patients of all ages.

The body of knowledge surrounding mental health continues to expand — from a greater understanding of physiological causes and external factors to the overlap with other health conditions. PMHNPs are increasingly integral to all of these facets, guiding the diagnostic process, managing cognitive and psychotropic treatments, and helping patients achieve optimal well-being.

Mizzou Online's program consists of online courses, occasional in-person sessions and a practicum. It builds upon your diverse background to help you develop a specialty and begin the next chapter of your nursing career. You'll prepare to oversee mental health service delivery for pediatric to adult patients, including individuals and families, and enrich your practice through research. At the same time, you'll think about your role within a health care team to improve care quality and outcomes for all, with a focus on uplifting rural and traditionally underserved populations.

Completing all course work and clinical requirements qualifies you to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC™) examination and seamlessly pursue advanced, leadership-centric studies in Mizzou’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program.

About the online MSN PMHNP program

Today, many know someone managing depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or addiction. Unlike in the past, these individuals often recognize and act upon common symptoms, seeking out psychiatric care and thinking about their condition in relation to their lives and surroundings. Among psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors, PMHNPs extend the collective reach of mental health and substance abuse treatment, from diagnosing and monitoring symptoms to following up with patients in individual and group environments. 

Mizzou Online's MSN PMHNP program deepens your holistic grasp of the nursing profession and helps you visualize your skills in the context of psychiatric care. You’ll:

• Benefit from the collective knowledge of practicing faculty, including nurse educators, leaders, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners, who belong to a nationwide network of nursing professionals.
• Explore how to deliver evidence-based psychiatric care across the lifespan, in multiple settings and with diverse patient populations.
• Strengthen your research and independent decision-making skills.
• Prepare to manage psychotropic medications and deliver psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational interventions
• Learn to act as a leader while functioning as a key pillar of a health care team.
• Build upon your existing clinical experience to manage chronic and acute diseases and provide educational and preventative services with the goal of enhancing care quality and outcomes.
• Refine your ethical foundation and how you advocate for patients.