Enroll in our mental health nurse practitioner program to become a valuable asset in a rapidly growing, high-demand industry in America.
Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Postgraduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program
Graceland’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program provides benefits to both rural and urban communities in a field that is not only growing, but extremely needed in today’s world. Nearly one in five individuals in the United States has been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Because of this, mental health nurse practitioner programs are crucial.
There is a severe deficit of mental health providers in the United States. More than half of the counties in the United States are without a mental health professional of any kind, leaving 111 million Americans living in areas with a shortage (US Dept. of Health and Human Services). By 2025, the projected demand will outweigh available mental health providers by 16,000 cases. 60% of currently practicing psychiatrists are over 55 years old which means as they retire the future gap of available providers will grow wider (Weiner, 2018).
A Master of Science in Nursing - PMHNP degree is a valuable asset in filling the mental healthcare gap. This type of nurse practitioner works across the lifespan with pediatric to geriatric patients providing mental health care and substance abuse treatment in all types of healthcare settings. If you're already an RN or FNP, our certification program can help you narrow your specialty and move from FNP to PMHNP fairly easily.
The psychiatric mental health field has outpaced growth among all United States occupations and is in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field will expand by 35% by 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019). As a high-demand field, PMHNPs will have high earning potential up to $135,000 per year.
Our online Psych NP Program is the first step in a journey to make a difference in the mental health field in this country.
Core Courses (14 s.h. required for all specialty tracks)
MSN Specialty Track: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (28 s.h.)
Elective Course Options (Must select minimum of 3 s.h. of electives)
Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
This course provides the foundations of rural public health. It focuses on defining, examining, and understanding rural public health for the advanced practice nurse. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing the history, policies, and public health systems within the rural healthcare setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to evaluate community needs, ethical issues, and barriers to health. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
This course focuses on assessing, analyzing, and developing advanced nurse roles within the rural healthcare system. Emphasis will be placed on creating innovative strategies framed in theory for health promotions within the rural setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles. This course encourages leadership roles and strongly emphasizes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing the value of teamwork and cooperation in improving healthcare outcomes. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics, and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance healthcare outcomes that focus on a population. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
Understanding medical and mental health conditions impacting the patient across the lifespan with student performance of regular physical and mental health assessment. This course occurs prior to the start of the Practicum I course and includes a mandatory face to face focus session on the Independence, Missouri campus.
This course focuses on socialization into the role of nurse educator in the online environment. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for faculty and students in an online course. An emphasis is placed on the most effective teaching/learning practices faculty use in online teaching.
This course is designed to introduce theories and techniques used in counseling and psychotherapy for patients across the lifespan. It also examines the guiding principles and ethics of counseling and psychotherapy. Techniques of counseling are introduced and explored based on a wide range of theories, environments, and varying multi-cultural populations. Students will demonstrate skills learned in the didactic portion of the course while in a clinical setting in their own community. Following completion of the course, students will have foundational understanding and clinical experiences of commonly utilized theories and psychotherapeutic techniques. (Includes practice hours).
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Focuses on how human learning occurs, factors that influence learning, and use of teaching strategies based on learning theories. Emphasis is based on the application of theoretical principles, instructional methods, and research findings that support improved student learning.
Knowledge and understanding of the role of the PMHNP in various practice settings. Collaboration, leadership, cultural, and spiritual competence in specific mental health population groups will be addressed. The clients’ bill of rights, informed consent, treatment options, client confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance will be covered. The role of the PMHNP including therapeutic alliance, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and assessment will be addressed. Common psychiatric illnesses will be identified and treatment explored.
Advance pharmacology concepts focusing on mental health illnesses and clinical management of various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Competence in identification of psychiatric medication contraindications, interactions, adverse effects, side effects, heritability conditions, and gene to drug interactions will be emphasized.
Knowledge learned from previous courses provide the foundation of knowledge to focus on differential diagnosis and interventions for complex care of adult and geriatric patients with mental health symptoms and/or conditions. Complementary and alternative treatments will be explored. Clinical interviewing skills, health promotion, and disease prevention, mental health screening tools, psychiatric emergencies, and suicidal/homicidal ideations with risk assessment will be covered with information on how to screen, recognize, treat, and referral for various mental health conditions will be covered. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Knowledge and understanding of differential diagnoses along with treatment options to meet the needs of the pediatric patient and family. Interventions, screening, health promotion, prevention, psychiatric emergencies, and behavioral conditions for complex care of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age with a focus on mental health psychiatric symptoms and mental health conditions are covered. Evidence-based treatment on the appropriate screening tools, medications, and recommended family and developmental theories that can be used in practice. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Health and wellness concepts, and the differences between complimentary, alternative, and integrative medicine form the foundation for holistic patient care. Knowledge, understanding, and application of integrative medicine practices are important to the APRN role and providing care for patients across the lifespan. This course addresses definitions and strategies for integrative approaches for specific patient populations, such as those dealing with mental health disorders, tobaccoism, weight management issues, insomnia, and more.
Focuses on academic assessment, measurement, testing, and evaluation in nursing education and preparation of nurse educators for carrying out these activities as part of their role. Learning principles, qualities of effective measurement instruments, construction and use of teacher-made tests, use of standardized tests, test interpretation, and assessment of higher level cognitive skills and learning will be examined. The differences between instructional assessment, curriculum-based measurement, criterion-referenced and norm-referenced testing, clinical performance evaluation, and the social, ethical and legal ramifications of testing are integral components of this course.
Focuses on the principles of curriculum development, implementation and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on curriculum organizing frameworks, goals and outcomes, planning, design, and implementation strategies, evaluation, and revision. Students will construct a mini-curriculum and evaluate curriculum systematic evaluation plans as part of the requirements for this course.
Focus on PMHNP in clinical practice learning to collaborate with the mental health preceptor and course instructor. Education on clinical interviewing and assessment, utilizing therapeutic mental health models and theories in practice, incorporation of mental health screening tools to assist in identification of mental health disorders. Utilizing recovery and resilience promotion, psychoeducation and therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, analyzing laboratory tests with appropriate interpretation using evidence-based practice for diagnosis and medication management of mental health conditions and medical conditions occurring simultaneously. (Includes practice hours) Pre-requisite: NURS5664
Assessment and clinical interviewing of patients and family, developing differential diagnosis selection, and final diagnosis selection based on evidence-based treatment guidelines and presenting conditions. Medication treatment with knowledge of side effects, adverse effects, screening tools, and evaluation of emergency situations. Interpretation of diagnostic lab tests and students will provide education on treatment recommendations based on results identified to the patient as indicated with preceptor supervision. (Includes practice hours) Pre-requisite: NURS5665
Building upon previous practicum experiences, the PMHNP student will continue clinical assessment and clinical interviewing of patients utilizing theories and therapy options learned while developing independence in making the best clinical decisions for the patient. Age-appropriate clinical assessments, treatment recommendations, and conduction of appropriate therapy based treatments promoting education and efforts to reduce negative stigma related to mental health conditions with the goal to promote improved quality of life and daily functioning for the patient and family. (Includes practice hours) Pre-requisites: NURS6841, NURS6842
This course focuses on applying theory and research evidence for advanced nursing practice. The relationships among theory, research, and practice will be discussed. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in clinical practice. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will learn a research process by engaging in formulating a clinical question, database search, critically appraising existing evidence, and developing a plan for practice change.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
Focuses on information systems technology, its applications within healthcare settings, and the value of technology for managing healthcare data. Some covered content includes information technologies and applications used in healthcare for various purposes including clinical decision support, transferring expert knowledge, and for collecting and managing healthcare data. Current and emerging technologies are introduced, as well as other topics such as policy, ethical and legal issues relevant to health information technology (health IT). The value and impact of health IT implementation is covered, and students learn about technology and outcomes evaluation. They are also introduced to the role of various stakeholders in health IT planning, design, implementation, management and use. Students will acquire the skills necessary to accurately use information systems and technology and to lead the advancement of informatics practice and research.
Focuses on leadership theories and principles and innovative leadership strategies for the DNP Concepts covered include transformational leadership, measurement of outcomes, data driven decision-making, organizational culture and climate, communication skills, professional accountability, change theory, and the business realities of healthcare leadership. Students will develop and or refine leadership skills as they progress through the course in order to enhance the quality of nursing and healthcare delivery systems.
Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
This course provides the foundations of rural public health. It focuses on defining, examining, and understanding rural public health for the advanced practice nurse. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing the history, policies, and public health systems within the rural healthcare setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to evaluate community needs, ethical issues, and barriers to health. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
This course focuses on assessing, analyzing, and developing advanced nurse roles within the rural healthcare system. Emphasis will be placed on creating innovative strategies framed in theory for health promotions within the rural setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles. This course encourages leadership roles and strongly emphasizes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing the value of teamwork and cooperation in improving healthcare outcomes. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics, and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance healthcare outcomes that focus on a population. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
Understanding medical and mental health conditions impacting the patient across the lifespan with student performance of regular physical and mental health assessment. This course occurs prior to the start of the Practicum I course and includes a mandatory face to face focus session on the Independence, Missouri campus.
This course focuses on socialization into the role of nurse educator in the online environment. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for faculty and students in an online course. An emphasis is placed on the most effective teaching/learning practices faculty use in online teaching.
This course is designed to introduce theories and techniques used in counseling and psychotherapy for patients across the lifespan. It also examines the guiding principles and ethics of counseling and psychotherapy. Techniques of counseling are introduced and explored based on a wide range of theories, environments, and varying multi-cultural populations. Students will demonstrate skills learned in the didactic portion of the course while in a clinical setting in their own community. Following completion of the course, students will have foundational understanding and clinical experiences of commonly utilized theories and psychotherapeutic techniques. (Includes practice hours).
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Focuses on how human learning occurs, factors that influence learning, and use of teaching strategies based on learning theories. Emphasis is based on the application of theoretical principles, instructional methods, and research findings that support improved student learning.
Knowledge and understanding of the role of the PMHNP in various practice settings. Collaboration, leadership, cultural, and spiritual competence in specific mental health population groups will be addressed. The clients’ bill of rights, informed consent, treatment options, client confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance will be covered. The role of the PMHNP including therapeutic alliance, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and assessment will be addressed. Common psychiatric illnesses will be identified and treatment explored.
Advance pharmacology concepts focusing on mental health illnesses and clinical management of various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Competence in identification of psychiatric medication contraindications, interactions, adverse effects, side effects, heritability conditions, and gene to drug interactions will be emphasized.
Knowledge learned from previous courses provide the foundation of knowledge to focus on differential diagnosis and interventions for complex care of adult and geriatric patients with mental health symptoms and/or conditions. Complementary and alternative treatments will be explored. Clinical interviewing skills, health promotion, and disease prevention, mental health screening tools, psychiatric emergencies, and suicidal/homicidal ideations with risk assessment will be covered with information on how to screen, recognize, treat, and referral for various mental health conditions will be covered. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Knowledge and understanding of differential diagnoses along with treatment options to meet the needs of the pediatric patient and family. Interventions, screening, health promotion, prevention, psychiatric emergencies, and behavioral conditions for complex care of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age with a focus on mental health psychiatric symptoms and mental health conditions are covered. Evidence-based treatment on the appropriate screening tools, medications, and recommended family and developmental theories that can be used in practice. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Health and wellness concepts, and the differences between complimentary, alternative, and integrative medicine form the foundation for holistic patient care. Knowledge, understanding, and application of integrative medicine practices are important to the APRN role and providing care for patients across the lifespan. This course addresses definitions and strategies for integrative approaches for specific patient populations, such as those dealing with mental health disorders, tobaccoism, weight management issues, insomnia, and more.
Focuses on academic assessment, measurement, testing, and evaluation in nursing education and preparation of nurse educators for carrying out these activities as part of their role. Learning principles, qualities of effective measurement instruments, construction and use of teacher-made tests, use of standardized tests, test interpretation, and assessment of higher level cognitive skills and learning will be examined. The differences between instructional assessment, curriculum-based measurement, criterion-referenced and norm-referenced testing, clinical performance evaluation, and the social, ethical and legal ramifications of testing are integral components of this course.
Focuses on the principles of curriculum development, implementation and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on curriculum organizing frameworks, goals and outcomes, planning, design, and implementation strategies, evaluation, and revision. Students will construct a mini-curriculum and evaluate curriculum systematic evaluation plans as part of the requirements for this course.
Focus on PMHNP in clinical practice learning to collaborate with the mental health preceptor and course instructor. Education on clinical interviewing and assessment, utilizing therapeutic mental health models and theories in practice, incorporation of mental health screening tools to assist in identification of mental health disorders. Utilizing recovery and resilience promotion, psychoeducation and therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, analyzing laboratory tests with appropriate interpretation using evidence-based practice for diagnosis and medication management of mental health conditions and medical conditions occurring simultaneously. (Includes practice hours) Pre-requisite: NURS5664
Assessment and clinical interviewing of patients and family, developing differential diagnosis selection, and final diagnosis selection based on evidence-based treatment guidelines and presenting conditions. Medication treatment with knowledge of side effects, adverse effects, screening tools, and evaluation of emergency situations. Interpretation of diagnostic lab tests and students will provide education on treatment recommendations based on results identified to the patient as indicated with preceptor supervision. (Includes practice hours) Pre-requisite: NURS5665
Building upon previous practicum experiences, the PMHNP student will continue clinical assessment and clinical interviewing of patients utilizing theories and therapy options learned while developing independence in making the best clinical decisions for the patient. Age-appropriate clinical assessments, treatment recommendations, and conduction of appropriate therapy based treatments promoting education and efforts to reduce negative stigma related to mental health conditions with the goal to promote improved quality of life and daily functioning for the patient and family. (Includes practice hours) Pre-requisites: NURS6841, NURS6842
This course focuses on applying theory and research evidence for advanced nursing practice. The relationships among theory, research, and practice will be discussed. Principles and applications of quantitative and qualitative research designs will be explored. Students will analyze, compare, and evaluate selected nursing theories for their use in clinical practice. Ethical and legal issues in conducting research will be examined. Students will learn a research process by engaging in formulating a clinical question, database search, critically appraising existing evidence, and developing a plan for practice change.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
Focuses on information systems technology, its applications within healthcare settings, and the value of technology for managing healthcare data. Some covered content includes information technologies and applications used in healthcare for various purposes including clinical decision support, transferring expert knowledge, and for collecting and managing healthcare data. Current and emerging technologies are introduced, as well as other topics such as policy, ethical and legal issues relevant to health information technology (health IT). The value and impact of health IT implementation is covered, and students learn about technology and outcomes evaluation. They are also introduced to the role of various stakeholders in health IT planning, design, implementation, management and use. Students will acquire the skills necessary to accurately use information systems and technology and to lead the advancement of informatics practice and research.
Focuses on leadership theories and principles and innovative leadership strategies for the DNP Concepts covered include transformational leadership, measurement of outcomes, data driven decision-making, organizational culture and climate, communication skills, professional accountability, change theory, and the business realities of healthcare leadership. Students will develop and or refine leadership skills as they progress through the course in order to enhance the quality of nursing and healthcare delivery systems.
Successful completion of following three courses (passed with grade B or better) warrant completion of Certificate in Leadership.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
Focuses on information systems technology, its applications within healthcare settings, and the value of technology for managing healthcare data. Some covered content includes information technologies and applications used in healthcare for various purposes including clinical decision support, transferring expert knowledge, and for collecting and managing healthcare data. Current and emerging technologies are introduced, as well as other topics such as policy, ethical and legal issues relevant to health information technology (health IT). The value and impact of health IT implementation is covered, and students learn about technology and outcomes evaluation. They are also introduced to the role of various stakeholders in health IT planning, design, implementation, management and use. Students will acquire the skills necessary to accurately use information systems and technology and to lead the advancement of informatics practice and research.
Focuses on leadership theories and principles and innovative leadership strategies for the DNP Concepts covered include transformational leadership, measurement of outcomes, data driven decision-making, organizational culture and climate, communication skills, professional accountability, change theory, and the business realities of healthcare leadership. Students will develop and or refine leadership skills as they progress through the course in order to enhance the quality of nursing and healthcare delivery systems.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
Focuses on information systems technology, its applications within healthcare settings, and the value of technology for managing healthcare data. Some covered content includes information technologies and applications used in healthcare for various purposes including clinical decision support, transferring expert knowledge, and for collecting and managing healthcare data. Current and emerging technologies are introduced, as well as other topics such as policy, ethical and legal issues relevant to health information technology (health IT). The value and impact of health IT implementation is covered, and students learn about technology and outcomes evaluation. They are also introduced to the role of various stakeholders in health IT planning, design, implementation, management and use. Students will acquire the skills necessary to accurately use information systems and technology and to lead the advancement of informatics practice and research.
Focuses on leadership theories and principles and innovative leadership strategies for the DNP Concepts covered include transformational leadership, measurement of outcomes, data driven decision-making, organizational culture and climate, communication skills, professional accountability, change theory, and the business realities of healthcare leadership. Students will develop and or refine leadership skills as they progress through the course in order to enhance the quality of nursing and healthcare delivery systems.
Successful completion of following three courses (passed with grade B or better) warrant completion of Certificate in Rural Health.
This course provides the foundations of rural public health. It focuses on defining, examining, and understanding rural public health for the advanced practice nurse. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing the history, policies, and public health systems within the rural healthcare setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to evaluate community needs, ethical issues, and barriers to health. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
This course focuses on assessing, analyzing, and developing advanced nurse roles within the rural healthcare system. Emphasis will be placed on creating innovative strategies framed in theory for health promotions within the rural setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles. This course encourages leadership roles and strongly emphasizes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing the value of teamwork and cooperation in improving healthcare outcomes. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics, and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance healthcare outcomes that focus on a population. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
This course provides the foundations of rural public health. It focuses on defining, examining, and understanding rural public health for the advanced practice nurse. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing the history, policies, and public health systems within the rural healthcare setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to evaluate community needs, ethical issues, and barriers to health. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
This course focuses on assessing, analyzing, and developing advanced nurse roles within the rural healthcare system. Emphasis will be placed on creating innovative strategies framed in theory for health promotions within the rural setting. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles. This course encourages leadership roles and strongly emphasizes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing the value of teamwork and cooperation in improving healthcare outcomes. It promotes the use of scientific inquiry, informatics, and technologies supported by evidence-based practice to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance healthcare outcomes that focus on a population. Additionally, the course focuses on the organization of healthcare delivery systems, healthcare finance, healthcare policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting healthcare planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in rural community settings.
Focuses on epidemiologic concepts and methods for disease prevention, surveillance, detection, and intervention to promote the health of populations. Morbidity and mortality information, steps in the epidemiologic investigation process, and epidemiologic research methods are emphasized. Students will learn specific epidemiologic skills such as use of existing datasets, analysis of published epidemiologic studies, and data interpretation. The epidemiology of infectious diseases, environmental health hazards, new and emerging diseases, chronic disease, managerial epidemiology and disaster preparedness is included. Includes 16 hours of field experiences that emphasize epidemiological leadership.
Core Courses+ (13 semester hours)
+Core course requirements may vary based on previous institution attended, type of prior degree earned, potential transfer/waived credits, and/or if alumni from another GU NP program, etc. Program advising will assist students with devising their individual plan of study upon acceptance to the program.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty Courses (28 semester hours)
Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
Understanding medical and mental health conditions impacting the patient across the lifespan with student performance of regular physical and mental health assessment. This course occurs prior to the start of the Practicum I course and includes a mandatory face to face focus session on the Independence, Missouri campus.
This course is designed to introduce theories and techniques used in counseling and psychotherapy for patients across the lifespan. It also examines the guiding principles and ethics of counseling and psychotherapy. Techniques of counseling are introduced and explored based on a wide range of theories, environments, and varying multi-cultural populations. Students will demonstrate skills learned in the didactic portion of the course while in a clinical setting in their own community, completing 150 hours of practicum experiences. Following completion of the course, students will have foundational understanding and clinical experiences of commonly utilized theories and psychotherapeutic techniques.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Knowledge and understanding of the role of the PMHNP in various practice settings. Collaboration, leadership, cultural, and spiritual competence in specific mental health population groups will be addressed. The clients’ bill of rights, informed consent, treatment options, client confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance will be covered. The role of the PMHNP including therapeutic alliance, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and assessment will be addressed. Common psychiatric illnesses will be identified and treatment explored.
Advance pharmacology concepts focusing on mental health illnesses and clinical management of various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Competence in identification of psychiatric medication contraindications, interactions, adverse effects, side effects, heritability conditions, and gene to drug interactions will be emphasized.
Knowledge learned from previous courses provide the foundation of knowledge to focus on differential diagnosis and interventions for complex care of adult and geriatric patients with mental health symptoms and/or conditions. Complementary and alternative treatments will be explored. Clinical interviewing skills, health promotion, and disease prevention, mental health screening tools, psychiatric emergencies, and suicidal/homicidal ideations with risk assessment will be covered with information on how to screen, recognize, treat, and referral for various mental health conditions will be covered. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Knowledge and understanding of differential diagnoses along with treatment options to meet the needs of the pediatric patient and family. Interventions, screening, health promotion, prevention, psychiatric emergencies, and behavioral conditions for complex care of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age with a focus on mental health psychiatric symptoms and mental health conditions are covered. Evidence-based treatment on the appropriate screening tools, medications, and recommended family and developmental theories that can be used in practice. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.
Focus on PMHNP in clinical practice learning to collaborate with the mental health preceptor and course instructor. Education on clinical interviewing and assessment, utilizing therapeutic mental health models and theories in practice, incorporation of mental health screening tools to assist in identification of mental health disorders. Utilizing recovery and resilience promotion, psychoeducation and therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, analyzing laboratory tests with appropriate interpretation using evidence-based practice for diagnosis and medication management of mental health conditions and medical conditions occurring simultaneously. Pre-requisite: NURS5664
Assessment and clinical interviewing of patients and family, developing differential diagnosis selection, and final diagnosis selection based on evidence-based treatment guidelines and presenting conditions. Medication treatment with knowledge of side effects, adverse effects, screening tools, and evaluation of emergency situations. Interpretation of diagnostic lab tests and students will provide education on treatment recommendations based on results identified to the patient as indicated with preceptor supervision. Pre-requisite: NURS5665
Building upon previous practicum experiences, the PMHNP student will continue clinical assessment and clinical interviewing of patients utilizing theories and therapy options learned while developing independence in making the best clinical decisions for the patient. Age appropriate clinical assessments, treatment recommendations, and conduction of appropriate therapy based treatments promoting education and efforts to reduce negative stigma related to mental health conditions with the goal to promote improved quality of life and daily functioning for the patient and family. Pre-requisites: NURS6841, NURS6842
Focuses on preparing the MSN and post-graduate certificate student to be successful in an online graduate program of study. Includes mandatory completion of selected tutorials, review of academic policies, pre-clinical HIPAA and Standard Precaution requirements, and participation in pre-scheduled Live Chat sessions. Information related to university resources and services available to support successful progression and completion of the selected program of study is provided. Successful completion within the first term of enrollment is required for progression in the selected program of study. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.)
Provides the graduate advanced practice nursing student foundational knowledge and application of pharmacotherapeutics to meet the health care needs of clients, from childhood through the older years. Content focuses on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and provides an overview of selected therapeutic drug classes and complementary/alternative treatments, which allows students to evaluate client situations and determine therapy within the context of the overall treatment plan. Prerequisite: NURS5440.
Builds on health assessment skills developed during the professional nurses basic educational program. The course teaches students how to obtain a comprehensive assessment and use this information to develop and/or evaluate evidence based treatment plans for diverse patients with common acute and chronic health problems. Emphasis is placed on the process of clinical/diagnostic reasoning to enable the student to identify problems and make accurate diagnoses. The use of technology and electronic medical records are important components of this course.
Understanding medical and mental health conditions impacting the patient across the lifespan with student performance of regular physical and mental health assessment. This course occurs prior to the start of the Practicum I course and includes a mandatory face to face focus session on the Independence, Missouri campus.
This course is designed to introduce theories and techniques used in counseling and psychotherapy for patients across the lifespan. It also examines the guiding principles and ethics of counseling and psychotherapy. Techniques of counseling are introduced and explored based on a wide range of theories, environments, and varying multi-cultural populations. Students will demonstrate skills learned in the didactic portion of the course while in a clinical setting in their own community, completing 150 hours of practicum experiences. Following completion of the course, students will have foundational understanding and clinical experiences of commonly utilized theories and psychotherapeutic techniques.
Provides the graduate nursing student with a well-grounded understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease to serve as a foundation for clinical assessment, decision making, and management. Content focuses on etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of selected altered health states across the lifespan.
Knowledge and understanding of the role of the PMHNP in various practice settings. Collaboration, leadership, cultural, and spiritual competence in specific mental health population groups will be addressed. The clients’ bill of rights, informed consent, treatment options, client confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance will be covered. The role of the PMHNP including therapeutic alliance, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and assessment will be addressed. Common psychiatric illnesses will be identified and treatment explored.
Advance pharmacology concepts focusing on mental health illnesses and clinical management of various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Competence in identification of psychiatric medication contraindications, interactions, adverse effects, side effects, heritability conditions, and gene to drug interactions will be emphasized.
Knowledge learned from previous courses provide the foundation of knowledge to focus on differential diagnosis and interventions for complex care of adult and geriatric patients with mental health symptoms and/or conditions. Complementary and alternative treatments will be explored. Clinical interviewing skills, health promotion, and disease prevention, mental health screening tools, psychiatric emergencies, and suicidal/homicidal ideations with risk assessment will be covered with information on how to screen, recognize, treat, and referral for various mental health conditions will be covered. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Knowledge and understanding of differential diagnoses along with treatment options to meet the needs of the pediatric patient and family. Interventions, screening, health promotion, prevention, psychiatric emergencies, and behavioral conditions for complex care of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age with a focus on mental health psychiatric symptoms and mental health conditions are covered. Evidence-based treatment on the appropriate screening tools, medications, and recommended family and developmental theories that can be used in practice. Pre-Requisites: NURS5662, NURS5663
Exploration, development and implementation of advanced roles for nurses. Emphasis will be placed on the standards of practice, requirements for, regulation of, and socialization into advanced nursing roles. Students will use critical thinking skills to examine barriers and opportunities for nurses in advanced roles and propose a plan for transitioning into their new role. Encourages leadership roles and fostering of collaboration with other disciplines to improve health care outcomes. Promotes the use of scientific inquiry, evidence-based practice, and joining professional organizations to influence advanced nursing practice and enhance health care outcomes of a population focus. Emphasis on the organization of health care delivery systems, health care finance, health care policy, and ethical and legislative issues affecting health care planning and delivery of accessible, affordable, and quality care to multicultural groups in complex settings. Sociopolitical and legal issues will be examined as they impact the formation of policies and the nursing profession.
Focus on PMHNP in clinical practice learning to collaborate with the mental health preceptor and course instructor. Education on clinical interviewing and assessment, utilizing therapeutic mental health models and theories in practice, incorporation of mental health screening tools to assist in identification of mental health disorders. Utilizing recovery and resilience promotion, psychoeducation and therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, analyzing laboratory tests with appropriate interpretation using evidence-based practice for diagnosis and medication management of mental health conditions and medical conditions occurring simultaneously. Pre-requisite: NURS5664
Assessment and clinical interviewing of patients and family, developing differential diagnosis selection, and final diagnosis selection based on evidence-based treatment guidelines and presenting conditions. Medication treatment with knowledge of side effects, adverse effects, screening tools, and evaluation of emergency situations. Interpretation of diagnostic lab tests and students will provide education on treatment recommendations based on results identified to the patient as indicated with preceptor supervision. Pre-requisite: NURS5665
Building upon previous practicum experiences, the PMHNP student will continue clinical assessment and clinical interviewing of patients utilizing theories and therapy options learned while developing independence in making the best clinical decisions for the patient. Age appropriate clinical assessments, treatment recommendations, and conduction of appropriate therapy based treatments promoting education and efforts to reduce negative stigma related to mental health conditions with the goal to promote improved quality of life and daily functioning for the patient and family. Pre-requisites: NURS6841, NURS6842
Graceland has partnered with NPHub, a technology company specializing in pairing graduate nursing students with experienced preceptors for their clinical practicum placements. Through its innovative marketplace platform, NPHub considers the nature of the clinical rotation, gives you access to geographical preferences, and specific areas of interest.
Finding clinical practicum placements is one of the most challenging parts of completing your coursework. Graceland’s relationship with NPHub gives you access to clinical placements that are critical for your success.
| Program | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and AGACNP Post-Master's Certificate | $830 per semester hour |
| Family Nurse Practitioner Program and FNP Post-Master's Certificate | $830 per semester hour |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate | $830 per semester hour |
| Graceland Alumni eligible for - 15% tuition reduction | $705 per semester hour |
| Nurse Educator Post-Master's Certificate | $550 per semester hour |
Our nursing program offers prospective students a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate level degrees. From face-to-face instruction to online learning, the Graceland School of Nursing’s outstanding faculty and staff are eager to assist you in reaching your goals, whatever they may be. Whether you are beginning a career in nursing or advancing your nursing career, we are dedicated to preparing professional nurses to meet the health care needs of our communities.
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