Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track, MSN

Expected Outcomes of the Program

• Apply scientific theories and research to implement the advanced nursing role
• Demonstrate competency according to national standards and guidelines in the advanced nursing role to provide safe quality care
• Use knowledge of legal, ethical, fiscal, policy, and leadership issues to impact the delivery of care to diverse populations
• Identify evidence-based practice/quality improvement within the advanced practice nursing role to improve systems and patient outcomes
• Use information technologies, communication, and interprofessional collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes
• Demonstrate competency in personal, professional, and leadership development     

Admission Requirements

• 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.
• Three letters of reference from a recent employer; a member of the nursing profession; a former faculty member.
• 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. The RN experience must be relevant to the area of interest.

Admission Procedures

The student should access the online graduate application through the Graduate School webpage. 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 Graduate School. Applicants will receive notification of the admission decision via an e-letter from the Graduate School and a letter from the School of Nursing.

Instructional Program

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/Gerontological Health Nursing, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Child and Adolescent Health Nursing, and Nurse Anesthesia. Graduates are prepared for advanced practice as nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists. The curriculum is based on theory and research both in nursing and in related disciplines. It provides the foundation for doctoral study and for ongoing professional development.

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.

Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track

The Family 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 Family 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 Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track are eligible to sit for certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP).

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 Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track: