Program Details

Your 27-Month Journey

Our front-loaded clinical immersion curriculum supports students in gaining knowledge, skills, and competencies prior to entering clinical rotations. Students complete five semesters of online coursework followed by two semesters of immersive clinical experiential rotations—350 hours each; 750 hours total.

Courses are delivered online, with close collaboration and interaction with expert faculty and peers. There are two synchronous online sessions per course, with additional, optional synchronous opportunities.

*Please note the length of the program will vary based upon a thorough review of previously completed graduate courses and gap analysis. CAGS students will receive an individualized program of study based upon the gap analysis.

Program Overview

First-Year Experience

Begin your journey toward becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) by building a strong academic and clinical foundation.

• Develop Core Clinical Competencies: Engage in advanced coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment to prepare for high-level clinical decision-making.
• Advance Population Health Knowledge: Expand upon baccalaureate-level skills by exploring complex population health concepts and applying evidence-based research to nurse practitioner practice.
• Explore Professional Identity: Learn the evolving role of the nurse practitioner and begin shaping your professional identity within the field of advanced practice nursing.
• Strengthen Clinical Reasoning: Begin developing essential skills in data gathering, diagnostic reasoning, critical thinking, and informed decision-making.

Second-Year Experience

In the second year, students transition into immersive clinical practice while continuing to refine their expertise. Key experiences include:

• Manage Complex Patient Care: Deepen your ability to care for diverse populations with complex health needs through advanced coursework and clinical training.
• Clinical Preceptorship Rotations: Apply your skills in real-world settings through supervised clinical rotations focused on the program’s target population, gaining hands-on experience in PMHNP practice.