Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track, MSN

The Master of Science in Nursing curriculum includes a minimum of 30 credit hours of study depending on the specialty track. The advanced practice tracks include Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Child and Adolescent Health Nursing (Primary, Acute, Dual). Graduates are prepared for advanced practice as nurse practitioners. 

Admission Requirements

Contact the School of Nursing before applying.

• Baccalaureate degree in a nursing program accredited by the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or AACN's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a foreign institution must be recognized by The University of Akron.
• 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale for BSN and all previous nursing degrees.
• Two letters of reference from a recent employer
• 300-word essay describing professional goals.
• Current unrestricted State of Ohio Registered Nurse license.
• Interview prior to admission to the program.

Applicants for the clinical tracks are required to have a minimum of 12 months registered nurse experience current within the last five years prior to starting the track practicum courses and corresponding track courses. Applicants may get the required 12 months of full-time registered nurse experience in the United States or its territories prior to or while taking the core courses. The RN experience must be relevant to the area of interest.

Admission Procedures

The student should submit a graduate application. Questions regarding admissions may be directed to the School of Nursing Graduate Program Office (330) 972-7555.

The School of Nursing Graduate Admission and Progression Committee and the Assistant Director of Graduate Programs will review and make decisions for applications. The admit decision will be sent to the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants will receive notification of the admission decision via an e-letter from the Office of Admissions and a letter from the School of Nursing.

Program Specific Requirement:

STAT 661 Statistics for the Life Sciences or equivalent graduate level statistics course. Receives no credit toward the degree.

Nursing Core

The curriculum consists of a core of 14 credit hours. These courses encompass advanced theory, evidence-based practice, information management in nursing, health policy, and pathophysiological concepts. Core courses are required of all students.

Note: Students are required to obtain a B- or better in any given course in order to progress in the program while maintaining good academic standing.

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track

The Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track (32 credit hours) provides the educational preparation necessary to provide primary mental healthcare at an advanced level to individuals of all ages and families. Preparation as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is emphasized and includes clinical supervision of individuals and families, differential diagnosis and management of psychiatric and mental health disorders, medication management, psychotherapeutic interventions, and case management. Graduates of the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track are eligible to sit for certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Note: Students are required to obtain a B- or better in any given course in order to progress in the program while maintaining good academic standing.

Courses required to progress in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track: