At times, psychotherapy is not enough to alleviate the emotional difficulties that some patients face. To that end, psychopharmacologic approaches are needed. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) must have a strong basis in psychopharmacology, extending from a prior education in pharmacology, to make appropriate medication choices for their patients. Learners in this course consider psychopharmacologic approaches to major behavioral health disorders including but not limited to major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, as well as psychotic disorders. Learners explore key considerations associated with medication selection, monitoring efficacy, and long-term management.

In this foundational practicum course, students apply core knowledge and clinical reasoning skills to deliver safe, evidence-based primary care for children and adolescents from birth through young adulthood. Emphasis is placed on developing competencies in health promotion, anticipatory guidance, and the assessment and management of common acute and chronic pediatric conditions in outpatient settings. Under the supervision of qualified preceptors and faculty, students obtain health histories, perform focused physical examinations, formulate differential diagnoses, and develop pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management plans. Learners strengthen professional identity, clinical judgment, and communication skills as they transition from theory to practice.

In this second practicum course, students expand clinical competencies to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care for pediatric populations across the lifespan from birth through young adulthood. Emphasis is placed on health promotion, anticipatory guidance, and the diagnosis and management of chronic and complex pediatric conditions in primary care settings. Under the supervision of qualified preceptors and faculty, students obtain detailed health histories, perform physical examinations, formulate differential diagnoses, and develop individualized management plans integrating pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. Learners apply advanced clinical reasoning, incorporate current evidence-based guidelines, and collaborate with interprofessional teams to optimize health outcomes for children and families.

In this advanced practicum course, students expand clinical competencies and apply advanced knowledge to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care for pediatric populations from birth through young adulthood. Emphasis is placed on strengthening clinical reasoning, diagnostic decision-making, and management skills for acute, chronic, and complex pediatric health conditions commonly encountered in primary and specialty care settings. Through immersive clinical experiences, students refine their ability to obtain health histories, perform comprehensive physical examinations, formulate differential diagnoses, and implement individualized pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management plans. Learners demonstrate professional accountability, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration while progressing toward clinical autonomy and readiness for independent practice.

In this final didactic course, students synthesize advanced professional knowledge to support the transition from registered nurse to advanced practice nurse. Emphasis is placed on professional identity formation, leadership development, ethical and legal decision-making, and regulatory preparation for certification and licensure. Students explore practice management, interprofessional collaboration, and strategies for delivering safe, high-quality, and equitable care. Learning activities foster self-assessment, reflective practice, and the development of individualized career and professional transition plans. The course prepares learners for successful entry into advanced clinical practice and lifelong professional growth as nurse practitioners.

To be considered for this certificate program, you must have a current, active RN license, a Master of Science in Nursing or equivalent from an accredited school, and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.