Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Nursing
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. They apply therapeutic activities including the prescription of psychotropic medications per state regulations and the administration of psychotherapy, conducting comprehensive mental health evaluations and developing individualized treatment plans.
Working conditions
These advanced practice nurses work in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, community mental health centers, private practices, and integrated healthcare settings where they provide psychiatric care. Work involves both individual and group therapy sessions, medication management appointments, and collaboration with psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers in multidisciplinary treatment teams.
Academic requirements
This occupation requires a master's degree or doctorate in psychiatric-mental health nursing from an accredited nurse practitioner program. National certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and state licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with prescriptive authority are required.
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Typical salary range
$82K - 143K
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Years Higher Education
6 - 8
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Job Outlook
Excellent