Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Texas A&M University-Texarkana offers Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing degree. This program is designed for a nurse with a baccalaureate degree in nursing who wish to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).  Graduates will be academically and experientially qualified to seek national board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Admission Requirements

  •  A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an institution of higher education that is both accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and either ACEN, NLNAC or CCNE and a minimum of one year experience as Registered Nurse (RN).
  •  Current, unencumbered registered nurse license to practice in the State of Texas, current compact license, or licensed in the state where practicums will occur (must show active licensure by the end of the first semester). 
  • Up-to-date immunizations, BCLS Provider CPR certification from the American Heart Association, negative 10-panel urine drug screen, and personal health insurance.
  • FBI criminal background check: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
  • Completed application and fee payment; official transcripts from each institution attended; résumé; letter of interest, commitment, and purpose for pursing a master's degree; and at least two letters of support from supervisors or professional mentors.
  •  Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours of undergraduate nursing course work.

Requirements must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office by the due date for admission consideration.

Contact: 903-223-3129/903-334-6747, casegradstudies@tamut.edunursing@tamut.edu

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master's degree program in nursing at Texas A&M University-Texarkana is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 2001, 202-887-6791.

Degree Requirements

Students should refer to their DegreeWorks degree audit in their Web for Students account for more information regarding their degree requirements.

NURS 505Evidence Based Practice I3
NURS 506Evidence Based Practice II3
NURS 508Quality Improvement and Safety3
NURS 522Healthcare Economics and Financial Management3
NURS 540Advanced Pathophysiology3
NURS 541Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics3
NURS 542Advanced Health Assessment3
NURS 543Health Promotions and Diagnostics3
NURS 550Introduction to Psychotherapy3
NURS 551Introduction to Clinical Psychiatry and Psychoparmacology3
NURS 552Advanced Practice Nursing Concepts and Roles2
NURS 553Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concepts & Theories I3
NURS 554Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concepts & Theories II3
NURS 555Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I6
NURS 556Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum II6
Total Hours Required50
NURS 597 is required if placed on academic probation

Courses

NURS 505. Evidence Based Practice I. 3 Hours.

The course builds on the student's prior basic knowledge of the research process and the application of evidence to the practice setting. At the graduate level, the nurse translates current evidence and identifies gaps where there is insufficient evidence to support practice. The graduate level nurse, as a result of this course, will lead the process of implementing evidence as the basis for practice at all levels of direct and indirect care. This is the first of two courses. This course emphasizes theory as the foundation for research, ethics in research, and qualitative approaches to research.

NURS 506. Evidence Based Practice II. 3 Hours.

This course is the second of two courses focusing on the application of evidence to clinical practice. This course emphasizes the appraisal and application of quantitative research findings, enabling the student to perform a rapid critical analysis, participate in the development of evidence and devise strategies for the implementation of findings. The course emphasizes the application of evidence to aggregate populations. Prerequisite: NURS 505.

NURS 507. Healthcare Informatics. 3 Hours.

This course prepares the student to utilize informatics and healthcare technologies to deliver and enhance patient care through the use of patient care technologies, communication and data management technologies, health care management for evidence based care and education, and electronic health records.

NURS 508. Quality Improvement and Safety. 3 Hours.

This course prepares the student to use the methods, tools, performance measures, culture of safety principles, and quality standards to create a safe patient environment. The student will provide leadership in quality improvement activities in a clinical setting.

NURS 509. Healthcare Population Health/Health Policy. 3 Hours.

Clinical prevention and health promotion is emphasized in this course that prepares the graduate student to improve the health status of populations, particularly those affected by health disparities. The course will assist the student to develop competence in political activism and policy advocacy. The relationship between health care policy and health disparities are discussed as a factor in poor health outcomes. The student will plan strategies for collaboration with other professionals to affect change.

NURS 510. Organizational Behavior and Systems Leadership. 3 Hours.

This course prepares the student to apply complexity theory and systems thinking, leadership theory, characteristics of organizational behavior and value-driven healthcare within the culture of an organization. The emphasis is on developing the ability to create collaborative relationships, provide leadership to affect change, and improve organizational functioning in the provision of safe, quality care.

NURS 512. Healthcare Economics and Finance. 3 Hours.

The focus in this course is on the financial impact of administrative and management decisions across health care organizations. Students will explore the interconnectivity between finance and other aspects of health care such as safety and quality through evidence in economics and cost accounting, budgeting, staffing effectiveness and legal/ethical issues.

NURS 513. Management of Complex Systems in Nursing. 3 Hours.

This is a practicum course in which the student practices in a leadership role under the supervision of a preceptor. The student will manage a nursing unit, communicate and collaborate interprofessionally, assist in budget preparation/management, make staffing decisions, participate in quality improvement strategies, and evaluate care outcomes. This course requires 90 hours of practicum experience.

NURS 514. Healthcare Law, Ethics and Policy. 3 Hours.

The student will analyze a variety of ethical and legal dilemmas commonly encountered in the educational, managerial/administrative role and apply a framework for decision-making. A discussion of health care programs that affect and result from policy, the interaction of stakeholders in the real world, and an examination of the health care system of other countries enables the student to better understand the US healthcare system.

NURS 520. Administrative Theories. 3 Hours.

Theories of leadership and organizational behavior as they apply to the health care arena are explored. A personal philosophy of nursing leadership applicable to a wide variety of roles will be identified. It focuses on implementation of strategies for change while analyzing the probable consequences of alternative plans and actions. Major content includes (but is not limited to) preparing the environment for change, professional and organizational communications, policy development, contracting, negotiating, and delegating. Prerequisite: Student must have graduated with a BSN and be admitted to the MSN program.

NURS 522. Healthcare Economics and Financial Management. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on providing the nurse administrator/manager with a basis for understanding the fiscal status of health care organizations. The nurse executive role in financial management, strategic planning and marketing, quality assurance, and risk management initiative for health care organizations is explored. Prerequisite: Student must have graduated with a BSN and be admitted to the MSN program.

NURS 525. Scholarly Project. 3 Hours.

In the scholarly project course, the student will implement and evaluate a research proposal, evidence-based practice project, quality improvement project, or program development project in the practice setting. The purpose of the project is to integrate the knowledge and theory gained in graduate nursing courses to improve an aspect of nursing. At the completion of the project, the student will present results in an oral presentation and in a professional paper suitable for publication. Prerequisite: NURS 506.

NURS 526. Capstone Project II. 2 Hours.

This is the second of two courses in which the student plans and implements a clinical proposal/clinical project. In this course, the student will implement, evaluate and disseminate findings of the proposal developed in NURS 525. Prerequisite: NURS 525.

NURS 540. Advanced Pathophysiology. 3 Hours.

In this course, students develop an in-depth knowledge base of pathophysiology and psychophysiology across the lifespan, incorporating the use of clinical reasoning skills to distinguish alterations across multiple systems.

NURS 541. Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on advanced practice knowledge and skills in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacology of current/commonly used medications, pharmacologic treatment of major health problems, and legal aspects of prescribing.

NURS 542. Advanced Health Assessment. 3 Hours.

This course builds upon previous health assessment skills, utilizing comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and cultural assessments of individuals, families, groups, and communities across the lifespan. An emphasis is placed on the ability to distinguish pathological change from normal variants. Advanced health assessment skills will be applied in the laboratory and clinical setting, collecting, interpreting, and summarizing data in a complete problem list. The student will document and present findings in a variety of settings. (2SCH theory: 1SCH Lab).

NURS 543. Health Promotions and Diagnostics. 3 Hours.

This course provides students with a theoretical foundation for health promotion, disease prevention, and evidence-based treatment guidelines for health conditions across the lifespan. Additionally, this course provides nurse practitioner students with foundational knowledge of the basic interpretation process and clinical implications for laboratory values, EKGs, and diagnostic radiology imaging tests. Prerequisites: NURS 540, NURS 541 and NURS 542 (May be taken concurrently with NURS 541).

NURS 544. Epidemiology. 2 Hours.

This course provides a foundational knowledge for the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease. This course also reviews the application of methods (in the context of the advanced practice nurse practice) to improve health outcomes in patient populations. Public health concepts, public health promotion, epidemiological methods and procedures are also explored.

NURS 545. Biostatistics. 3 Hours.

This course provides a graduate level introduction to the application of statistical principles to problems and questions in public health. Research design methods will be investigated, along with terminology and concepts relevant to healthcare research. Critical analysis of published research and the application to the practice of the rural family nurse practitioner will be explored.

NURS 546. Rural and Population Health. 2 Hours.

This course provides a broad understanding of rural populations and associated health-related challenges, determinants, cultures, and healthcare systems. Rural populations will be examined in the context of public health. Public health policies, initiatives, and funding relevant to rural populations will also be reviewed. The diverse role of the rural family nurse practitioner and the need to promote, maintain and restore health of patients will be explored.

NURS 550. Introduction to Psychotherapy. 3 Hours.

The focus of this course is developing the theoretical basis for psychotherapy for individual, family, and group settings. This course also includes simulation hours to introduce different therapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution focused brief therapy. Prerequisite: NURS 540, NURS 541, and NURS 542.

NURS 551. Introduction to Clinical Psychiatry and Psychoparmacology. 3 Hours.

The focus of this course is developing the neuroscientific basis for clinical psychiatry including neuroanatomy, neurochemistry and genetics. This course also includes foundational concepts of psychopharmacology. Prerequisites: NURS 540, NURS 541, and NURS 542.

NURS 552. Advanced Practice Nursing Concepts and Roles. 2 Hours.

This course provides foundational knowledge for the advanced practice registered nurse. Nurse practitioner role and responsibilities, legal and ethical considerations, interprofessional communication, and the concepts surrounding health equity are explored. Prerequisites: NURS 540, NURS 541 and NURS 542.

NURS 553. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concepts & Theories I. 3 Hours.

This course forms the theoretical basis for the competencies of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). This course lays the scientific foundation for independent practice as the RN transitions to the role of the Nurse Practitioner in health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management of illness in psychiatric patients across the lifespan. The diagnostic evaluation will include the development of interview techniques, mental health examinations, and tools unique to the evaluation of psychiatric, mental, and behavioral health problems. Management of mental/behavioral health problems in individuals will include both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, including individual counseling in the patient with serious/persistent mental/behavioral health problems. Prerequisite: NURS 551.

NURS 554. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concepts & Theories II. 3 Hours.

The focus of this course is on the refinement of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) role in health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management in psychiatric practice with diverse populations of individuals, groups, and families across the lifespan. Theoretical foundation and interventional approaches for group and family therapies will be explored. In addition, the nurse practitioner’s role as a collaborative member of the inter-professional team will be evaluated. Prerequisite: NURS 553 or Director approval.

NURS 555. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I. 6 Hours.

The focus of this clinical course is the integration of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) essential knowledge in health promotion, diagnosis, and management of patients with actual and potential psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and the healthcare continuum. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders in collaboration with inter-professional teams using evidence-based and patient-centered strategies. Prerequisite: NURS 554.

NURS 556. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum II. 6 Hours.

The focus of this clinical course is the continued integration of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) essential knowledge in health promotion, diagnosis, and management of patients and families with actual and potential psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and the healthcare continuum. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with acute and chronic psychiatric disorders in collaboration with inter-professional teams using evidence-based and patient-centered strategies. Prerequisite: NURS 555.

NURS 563. Family Nurse Practitioner Concepts & Theories I. 3 Hours.

This course forms the theoretical basis for the competencies of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). This course lays the scientific foundation for independent practice as the RN transitions to the role of the Nurse Practitioner in health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management of illness in patients across the lifespan. The diagnostic evaluation will include the development of interview techniques, health examinations, and tools unique to the evaluation of acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan. Management of health problems in individuals will include both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions. A supervised clinical practicum may be taken concurrently or subsequently, depending on the student’s degree plan. Prerequisites: NURS 540, NURS 541, NURS 542, and NURS 543.

NURS 564. Family Nurse Practitioner Concepts and Theories II. 3 Hours.

The focus of this course is on the refinement of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role in health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, and management in family practice with diverse populations of individuals, groups, and families across the lifespan. In addition, the nurse practitioner’s role as a collaborative member of the inter-professional team will be evaluated. A supervised clinical practicum may be taken concurrently or subsequently, depending on the the student’s degree plan. Prerequisites: NURS 563.

NURS 565. Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum I. 6 Hours.

The focus of this clinical course is the integration of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) essential knowledge in health promotion, diagnosis, and management of patients with acute and chronic diseases across the lifespan and the healthcare continuum. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with acute and chronic diseases in collaboration with inter-professional teams using evidence-based and patient-centered strategies. Prerequisite: NURS 564.

NURS 566. Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum II. 6 Hours.

The focus of this clinical course is the continued integration of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) essential knowledge in health promotion, diagnosis, and management of patients and families with acute and chronic diseases across the lifespan and the healthcare continuum. Emphasis is placed on the care of patients with acute and chronic diseases in collaboration with inter-professional teams using evidence-based and patient-entered strategies. Prerequisite: NURS 565.

NURS 589. Independent Study in Nursing. 3 Hours.

This course provides individual instruction. Students may repeat the course when topics vary.

NURS 591. Research Project. 3 Hours.

This course involves the investigation of a selected nursing problem for a chosen theoretical perspective under the direction of a Faculty Research Advisor. The student will enroll for two consecutive semesters, enrolling for 3 hours each semester until the project is completed and successfully defended. ONLY 6 SCH may apply toward degree requirements. If additional time is needed to complete, then the student must enroll for 3 SCH for each additional semester until course requirements are met. This course may be done as a group project of no more than 2 or 3 students.

NURS 597. Special Topics. 2 Hours.

This a remedial course provided to students who have either failed a course or are on academic probation. This course includes an assessment of the student’s opportunities for improvement and focus on these areas with assignments that may include readings, written assignments, and clinical hours. This course also provides strong mentorship from faculty to promote the student’s success.

NURS 599. Independent Research. 1-6 Hours.

This course is an independent reseach in Nursing conducted by a student under the guidance of a doctorally prepared Nursing faculty member of his or her choice. The student may conduct research in the clinical practice area and assist with literature searches, data gathering, data entry and analyses, and dissemination of results. SCH and hours are by arrangement and, with a change in content, this course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: NURS 505 or by instructor consent.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate 

Overview:

Texas A&M University-Texarkana offers a Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate. This program is designed for the student with a master’s degree in nursing who wishes to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).  Graduates will be academically and experientially qualified to seek national board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Admission Requirements

  •  A master’s degree in nursing from an institution of higher education that is both accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and either the NLNAC or the CCNE and a minimum of one year experience as Registered Nurse (RN).
  •  Current, unencumbered registered nurse license to practice in the State of Texas, current compact license, or licensed in the state where practicums will occur (must show active licensure by the end of the first semester). 
  • Immunizations, CPR certification, negative drug screen, and personal health insurance.
  • Criminal background check.
  • Completed application and fee payment; official transcripts from each institution attended; résumé; letter of interest, commitment, and purpose for pursing a master's degree; and at least two letters of support from supervisors or professional mentors.
  •  Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 hours of undergraduate nursing course work.

Requirements must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Office by the due date for admission consideration.

Contact: 903-223-3129/903-334-6747, casegradstudies@tamut.edunursing@tamut.edu

NURS 540Advanced Pathophysiology 13
NURS 541Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 13
NURS 542Advanced Health Assessment 13
NURS 543Health Promotions and Diagnostics 13
NURS 550Introduction to Psychotherapy3
NURS 551Introduction to Clinical Psychiatry and Psychoparmacology3
NURS 552Advanced Practice Nursing Concepts and Roles2
NURS 553Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concepts & Theories I3
NURS 554Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concepts & Theories II3
NURS 555Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I6
NURS 556Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum II6
NURS 597Special Topics 22
Minimum hours required for Certificate26
1

Required if not taken in the past 5 years, may also be waived if the student is a practicing APRN.  

2

Required if placed on academic probation.

***Required courses are subject to change.

The courses above are contingent on the completion of a gap analysis, additional courses may be required.