Nursing (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) MSN

Overview

The School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with emphasis areas: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

The purpose of the Master of Science in Nursing is to prepare students as advanced practice registered nurses in the role of nurse practitioner. The PMHNP program prepares the graduate to provide primary and psychiatric/mental health care at an advanced level to individuals and families across the lifespan in rural and community health settings.

Admission Requirements

The School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice adheres to the university policies with regard to the admission of graduate students. Members of all underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. In addition to meeting the Graduate School Admission Requirements and Procedures , the master’s program applicant must also meet the following requirements of the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice:

1. Baccalaureate in Nursing (BSN) from an institution accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
2. Submitted official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), including a score of 3.0 or higher on the analytical section.
3. 3.0 or higher-grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate nursing courses.
4. Proof of a current and unencumbered/unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the State of Mississippi (prior to starting the program).
5. Completed and passed (B or better) an introductory course in statistics.
6. Applicants to the PMHNP program must have at least one year of clinical experience as an RN before beginning PMHNP emphasis/clinical courses.
7. Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
8. Curriculum vitae or professional resumé.
9. Cover letter of introduction and a personal statement of research interests submitted with the application.
10. Supplemental Nursing Application.
11. Submission of three letters of reference from employers, supervisors, teachers, or others who are qualified to assess the student’s academic ability and readiness for graduate study.
12. Proof of a recent health examination to include (a) proof of immunization against the Hepatitis B virus, (b) current tuberculosis (TB) skin test or quantiFERON G test, (c) current Tdap immunization, (d) evidence of immunity to varicella, and (c) current MMR immunization.
13. Must pass both a criminal background check and drug screening,

Exceptions to the above criteria must be approved by the School Director, the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

Thirty-four (34) to forty-eight (48) credit hours are required to complete the program: 7 hours in the core and 39 hours in the area of emphasis, including clinical courses and support courses at the 600 level. A comprehensive exam is required to graduate.

A student must maintain a 3.0-grade point average each semester and may not earn more than 6 hours with a grade of C in the program of study. Failure to meet this requirement will result in denial of progression in the graduate nursing program.

If a student has a felony conviction, the student may not be able to complete the degree because the student may not be able to perform the required clinical experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Students enrolled in any laboratory course must adhere to agency guidelines and must maintain their nursing license to practice throughout the program of study.
• Students must purchase liability insurance through the university. The required insurance fee will be charged for each semester the student is enrolled in a clinical course at the time of registration.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners students will be expected to purchase physical assessment equipment.
• Students must remain current in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) training.

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information  for other requirements and expectations.

Required Courses (46 hours)

These courses will be taken in a prescribed order not reflected here. Courses will also be taken during the summer semester.

• NUR 600 - Policy, Organization and Financing of Health Care 3 hrs.
• NUR 605 - Research in Evidence Based Nursing 4 hrs.
• NUR 608 - Advanced Practice Nurse Role I 2 hrs.
• NUR 615 - Health Promotion & Disease Prevention for APRN 2 hrs.
• NUR 630 - Psychobiological Theories and Assessment in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing 3 hrs.
• NUR 631 - Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Diagnosis and Management with Individuals 3 hrs. AND
• NUR 631L - Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I 6 hrs.

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• NUR 634L - Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum III 6 hrs.
• NUR 635 - FPMHNP Diagnosis and Management Groups/Families 3 hrs. AND
• NUR 635L - Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP Practicum II 6 hrs.

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• NUR 636 - Psychopharmacology 2 hrs.
• NUR 671 - Transition To Practice Seminar 1 hr.
• NUR 800 - Advanced Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice 3 hrs.
• NUR 801 - Advanced Pharmacology for Advanced Practice 3 hrs.
• NUR 803 - Advanced Health Assessment Advance Practice Nurses 3 hrs.