Academics

Pyschiatric-Mental Health Nursing Program

The University of Virginia School of Nursing prepares for both Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner roles. The MSN degree with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing concentration emphasizes the preparation of nurses for advanced practice roles in the care of adults with acute or chronic mental health psychiatric deviations in a variety of practice settings. Underserved populations and rural service delivery needs are highlighted throughout the program. Seminar course content focuses primarily on assessment and management of serious mental illness. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of neurobiologic, psychosocial and psychiatric nursing knowledge in delivery of care to individuals experiencing schizophrenic spectrum disorders, depression related syndromes and psychogeriatric illnesses.. Students can pursue preparation for a Clinical Nurse Specialist (C.N.S.) role, or as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner --- or pursue dual certification.

PMH CNS's are likely to be employed in inpatient psychiatric settings, general hospital settings and community mental health settings. In inpatient psychiatric settings the primary role is providing advanced assessments and intervention primarily using group and individual therapy modalities. In general hospital settings, the PMH CNS is likely to play a more consultative role that would include 1) reviewing, advising and intervening to improve the care of persons with mental health problems in addition to their medical issues; 2) designing treatment programs, strategies and interventions the care of persons with mental health problems in addition to their medical issues; 3) designing and delivering staff development programs to enhance the quality of nursing care. In community mental health settings, the CNS is likely to engage in any and all of the above roles ensuring that the highest quality of care is being delivered to a variety of populations.

Regarding the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) role: Although it is possible to take all the credits for the PMH/CNS and the PMHNP within one program of studies, it is highly recommended that students graduate from the CNS-MSN program and separately enroll in the PMH-NP certificate program. This recommendation takes into consideration the licensing of NP's and CNS's by the Virginia State Board of Nursing and the credentialing policies of third party payers, that require evidence of completing the programs separately in order to be appropriately licensed and to qualify for various practice reimbursement mechanisms.

Program Coordinator: Edie Barbero, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC;  (434) 924-2704, email: ed5z@virginia.edu

Direct all questions on admissions and financial aid to Assistant Dean Clay Hysell (434) 924-0141, email: hysell@virginia.edu

Clinicals

Clinical placement sites are arranged in a variety of inpatient and community care settings appropriate to the interests and learning needs of the student. Students in the PMH Advanced Practice MSN complete 500 hours of clinical in the final two semesters of enrollment (GNUR 7251 and either 7252 or 7253).

Certification

Graduates of the PMHNP track or the PMHNP post-master’s certificate are eligible for National Certification Examinations given by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

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Admission Requirements

Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive and based on evaluation of all portions of the application. To be considered for the Master's of Science in Nursing, applicants must submit a completed application and:

  • Have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school.
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate study.
  • Hold an unencumbered RN license in the state where you intend to complete your practica.  
  • Submit three satisfactory academic and professional recommendations. One of these letters should be from an APN.
  • Submit a copy of your resume or C.V..
  • Have completed an undergraduate or graduate statistics course within the past 5 years.
  • Be available for an interview if requested.
  • International applicants have additional admissions requirements.

Note: Applicants should have at least 1 year of full-time RN experience before enrolling in the program.  Experience is required for many of the classes, including GNUR 6020 (Advanced Pharmacology), GNUR 6025 (Advanced Health Assessment), and the clinical practica.

Technology requirements: All graduate nursing students are required to have a laptop. Students in the Advanced Practice programs (CNS and NP) are required to have a smartphone (Apple or Android) in addition. Information on the laptop and smartphone requirements will be sent to enrolling students in the summer before classes begin.

Application deadline:

Fall entry: November 1

*Submission of scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional. If you wish to have your GRE scores sent to the University, the Institutional Code is R-5820.  The School of Nursing accepts GRE scores that are more than 5 years old. If you have your 'older' scores, you may submit a copy of the Student Report. 

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Downloads & Links

For More Information

For additional information on admission to and programs of study at the UVa School of Nursing, please fill our our online form. You are also welcome to call the Office of Admissions at (434) 924-0141 / (888) 283-8703.

Questions on admissions and financial aid should be directed to Clay Hysell, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid, email hysell@virginia.edu

 

 

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Contact Us

University of Virginia - School of Nursing
225 Jeanette Lancaster Way
Charlottesville, VA 22903-3388
(434) 924-0141

Recognitions
"The power of nurses. The strength and quality of our caring, set against the history of health care, and the University of Virginia. We’re so proud of what’s going on here." - Dorrie Fontaine, Dean