Applications now open for new UNTHSC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is calling on nurses to act quickly as the application deadline approaches for a new degree program that will help address the critical shortage of mental health nurse practitioners.
Nurses selected for the first cohort of the Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program will start classes in August. Applications are due Feb. 15.
The program is designed to address Texas’ growing mental health crisis by providing more mental health providers. More than 200 counties in Texas lack a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This gap has left countless individuals without access to essential mental health care. UNTHSC’s program is designed to help bridge this divide by preparing nurses to deliver advanced, evidence-based care in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient psychiatric facilities, community programs and telehealth services.
“As a clinic owner and nonprofit founder, I’ve seen firsthand the critical need for highly skilled mental health providers in our communities,” said Dr. Tracy Hicks, DNP, MBA, APRN, PMHNP-BC, associate professor and program track coordinator in the UNTHSC College of Nursing. “Our new program will equip students with advanced clinical expertise, integrated care competencies and a strong foundation in evidence-based practices to make a profound impact in addressing the mental health needs of Texans. We are developing leaders’ understanding that leadership is not simply a position, it is a behavior.”
The program combines flexible online learning with on-campus intensives and clinical experiences, including:
- Comprehensive curriculum: 47 total credit hours, covering advanced pathophysiology, neurobiology, psychopharmacology, diagnostics and evidence-based therapeutic modalities.
- Special populations: Focus includes the homeless, gender-specific needs, intimate partner violence, forensics, psychopharmacology in the medically ill and more.
- Be|Well quality enhancement plan: Focus on emotional intelligence, resilience and well-being to promote academic, professional and life success.
- Flexible schedule: Six semesters for full-time students or eight semesters for part-time students.
- Financial support: Scholarships, awards and waived application fees to reduce financial barriers for prospective students.
The program also supports holistic admissions, welcoming applicants with diverse professional and educational backgrounds.
“By fostering these advance practice nurses, UNTHSC’s College of Nursing is making strides toward addressing the state’s critical psychiatric care shortage, which has been compounded by the opioid epidemic and the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges,” said Dr. Cindy Weston, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, founding dean of the College of Nursing. “We look forward to bringing innovative solutions to help meet the urgent demand for mental health care across Texas.”
Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, schools and correctional facilities, where demand for psychiatric mental health providers continues to rise.
In addition to this program, UNTHSC’s College of Nursing also is accepting applications for its fall Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Traditional BSN and MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation programs. The application deadline for the Traditional BSN is Feb. 15, while the application deadline for the RN to BSN and MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation is June 1. These programs offer nurses opportunities to advance their careers and contribute to innovative solutions in health care delivery.
Prospective students are encouraged to apply soon for the MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program or one of the College of Nursing’s other competitive programs. For more information or to apply, visit UNTHSC’s College of Nursing.
The BSN and MSN at UNTHSC are pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
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