Students examine the political, legal, and regulatory issues impacting healthcare organizations and environments. Students analyze the effects of healthcare policy on health care practice and service delivery, with particular emphasis on the strategies used to monitor and maintain legal and regulatory compliance. Students also identify and apply healthcare policy and law concepts that promote organizational improvement. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): BHA3004 or MHA5001 or NHS4000 or NURS4000 or NURS6201 or completion of or concurrent enrollment in NHS5004. RN-to-MSN Care Coordination, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership and Administration students must have completed NHS5004, NURS5003, NURS5005, NURS5007.
4 quarter credits
Students develop and demonstrate concepts, principles, issues, and trends in healthcare economics and the economic decision-making practices employed in the healthcare environment. Students analyze the political, legal, regulatory, organizational, and demographic implications of business decisions on healthcare economics; explore the ways economic and stakeholder influences affect operational planning and decision making; and practice applying performance monitoring and process management measures as part of the decision-making process. Students also examine cost-effective problem solving; community- and population-based orientation; and effective use of healthcare market research, analysis, and assessment. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): MHA5001 or NURS6201 or completion of or concurrent enrollment in NHS5004. RN-to-MSN Care Coordination, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership and Administration students must have completed NHS5004, NURS5003, NURS5005, NURS5007.
4 quarter credits
Students acquire an understanding of the nature of evidence and its relative value and weight in making clinical decisions that impact patient and population outcomes. In particular, students assess appropriate methods and analytic approaches in order to investigate, evaluate, and synthesize the best available evidence for potential solutions and innovations. For BSN and MSN students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): NHS4000 or NURS4000 or NURS6201 or completion of or concurrent enrollment in NHS5004. RN-to-MSN Care Coordination, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership and Administration students must have completed NHS5004, NURS5003, NURS5005, NURS5007.
4 quarter credits
Students investigate the role of the advanced practice nurse. Students analyze principles related to leadership, autonomy, scope of practice, and role development. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
This 10-week course is designed to help Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) students transition from student to practitioner while preparing for the certification exam. The course covers professional identity development, clinical decision-making, time management, interprofessional collaboration, leadership, quality improvement, ethical and legal issues, and certification exam preparation. Students will engage in lectures, workshops, case studies, and discussions to prepare for their professional careers and certification. The course includes a mid-term and final exam, and students will complete 150 clinical hours under the supervision of experienced PMHNPs. Special permission is required for registration For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Prerequisite(s): NURS6507, NURS6508. NURS6510 must be taken concurrently with NURS6509 .
2 quarter credits
This 10-week course is designed to enhance the diagnostic and interpretive skills of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). The course covers advanced psychiatric interviewing techniques, diagnostic formulation, the use of neuroimaging and biomarkers, genetic testing, and the integration of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Students engage in both synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, case studies, group discussions, and hands-on activities. Mid-term and final exams assess students' understanding and application of advanced diagnostic skills. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Prerequisite(s): NURS6204, NURS6209. NURS6213 must be taken concurrently with NURS6211.
2 quarter credits
Students analyze pathophysiologic processes and their effect on body systems across the lifespan. Students build on their foundation of anatomy and physiology to enhance clinical decision-making in the advanced practice role. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric NURS6506 Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201. MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students must have completed NHS6004, NHS6008, NURS6016, NURS6011.
4 quarter credits
This 10-week course provides a comprehensive overview of psychiatric assessment and diagnostic techniques essential for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). Students learn to conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations, perform mental status examinations, and utilize diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5. The course covers a range of psychiatric disorders, including mood, anxiety, psychotic, neurodevelopmental, and personality disorders. Through lectures, case studies, group discussions, and hands-on activities, students develop the skills necessary to accurately assess and diagnose patients across the lifespan. Mid-term and final exams assess students' understanding and application of course material. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6204, NURS6209. NURS6211 must be taken concurrently with NURS6213.
4 quarter credits
This 10-week practicum course provides students with hands-on clinical experience in both adult and geriatric psychiatry. Students complete 150 clinical hours in a psychiatric setting, working directly with adult and older adult patients under the supervision of experienced clinicians. The course includes supervision sessions, case presentations, and discussions to enhance clinical skills and apply theoretical knowledge to practice. Special permission is required for registration . For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6211, NURS6213. NURS6502 must be taken concurrently with NURS6501.
2 quarter credits
This 10-week course provides an in-depth exploration of psychiatric care for children and adolescents. Students explore the assessment, diagnosis, and management of various psychiatric disorders in this population, including mood, anxiety, neurodevelopmental, and substance use disorders. The course includes lectures, case studies, group discussions, and exams to build a comprehensive understanding of child and adolescent psychiatry. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6501, NURS6502. NURS6503 must be taken concurrently with NURS6504.
4 quarter credits
Students analyze advanced principles of pharmacology as they relate to the treatment and management of illnesses and conditions across the lifespan. Students build on their foundation of pharmacology to enhance clinical decision-making in the advanced practice role to safely, legally, ethically, and therapeutically prescribe, administer, and counsel patients regarding medication therapy and regimes. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Special permission is required for registration. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201, NURS6202.
4 quarter credits
Students develop and demonstrate competence in the design, implementation, and evaluation of interprofessional quality improvement initiatives. Students investigate models for quality improvement, with an emphasis on outcome identification and measurement. Students also examine quality within the context of patient safety through adverse event and near-miss analyses. For BSN and MSN students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): NHS4000 or NURS4000 or NURS6201 or completion of or concurrent enrollment in NHS5004. RN-to-MSN Care Coordination, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Leadership and Administration students must have completed NHS5004, NURS5003, NURS5005, NURS5007.
4 quarter credits
This 10-week course provides an in-depth exploration of psychiatric care for adults and older adults. Students explore the assessment, diagnosis, and management of various psychiatric disorders in adults and older adults, including mood, anxiety, neurocognitive, and substance use disorders. The course includes lectures, case studies, group discussions, and exams to build a comprehensive understanding of adult and geriatric psychiatry. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6211, NURS6213. NURS6501 must be taken concurrently with NURS6502.
4 quarter credits
Students analyze advanced principles of health assessment and diagnostic reasoning as they relate to individuals across the lifespan. Students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a comprehensive health history, physical and psychosocial assessment, and interpretation of pathophysiological changes. Students build on their foundation of physical assessment to enhance clinical decision-making in the advanced practice role. For MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. For students in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate, it is recommended that NURS6204 is taken concurrently with NURS6209. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6201, NURS6202, NURS6203. For students in the MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate, NURS6204 must be taken concurrently with NURS6205.
4 quarter credits
This 10-week practicum course provides PMHNP students with advanced clinical experience in psychiatric care. Students will engage in advanced patient assessments, psychopharmacology management, psychotherapy techniques, forensic psychiatry, telepsychiatry, leadership, quality improvement, and ethical and legal issues. The course includes supervision sessions, case presentations, and discussions to enhance clinical skills and apply theoretical knowledge to practice. Special permission is required for registration . For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6503, NURS6504. NURS6506 must be taken concurrently with NURS6505.
2 quarter credits
This 10-week course provides an in-depth exploration of psychopharmacology, focusing on the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and the application of various psychotropic medications in clinical practice. Students examine the mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and side effects of medications used to treat psychiatric disorders. The course includes lectures, case studies, group discussions, and exams to build a comprehensive understanding of psychopharmacology. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6202, NURS6203.
4 quarter credits
This 10-week course provides students with advanced clinical experience in psychiatric care. Students engage in advanced patient assessments, psychopharmacology management, psychotherapy techniques, forensic psychiatry, telepsychiatry, leadership, quality improvement, and ethical and legal issues. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6505, NURS6506. NURS6507 must be taken concurrently with NURS6508.
4 quarter credits
This 10-week practicum course provides students with hands-on clinical experience in child and adolescent psychiatry. Students complete 150 clinical hours in a psychiatric setting, working directly with young patients under the supervision of experienced clinicians. The course includes supervision sessions, case presentations, and discussions to enhance clinical skills and apply theoretical knowledge to practice. Special permission is required for registration . For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6501, NURS6502. NURS6504 must be taken concurrently with NURS6503.
2 quarter credits
This 10-week course provides an in-depth exploration of psychiatric care for special populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, homeless individuals, refugees and immigrants, individuals with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and individuals with substance use disorders. Students explore the assessment, diagnosis, and management of various psychiatric disorders in these populations. The course includes lectures, case studies, group discussions, and exams to build a comprehensive understanding of psychiatric care for special populations. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6503, NURS6504. NURS6505 must be taken concurrently with NURS6506.
4 quarter credits
This 10-week clinical practicum course is designed to provide Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) students with hands-on clinical experience in psychiatric care. Students will engage in patient assessments, psychopharmacology management, psychotherapy techniques, crisis intervention, family and group therapy, and culturally competent care. The course includes supervision sessions, case presentations, and discussions to enhance clinical skills and apply theoretical knowledge to practice. The course includes a mid-term and final exam, and students will complete 150 clinical hours under the supervision of experienced PMHNPs. Special permission is required for registration . For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except for students in the Post-Master¿s Certificate in Nursing as approved through Faculty Gap Analysis. Prerequisite(s): NURS6505, NURS6506. NURS6508 must be taken concurrently with NURS6507.
2 quarter credits
This 10-week course is designed to help Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) students transition from student to practitioner while preparing for the certification exam. The course covers professional identity development, clinical decision-making, time management, interprofessional collaboration, leadership, quality improvement, ethical and legal issues, and certification exam preparation. Students engage in lectures, workshops, case studies, and discussions to prepare for their professional careers and certification. For MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master¿s Certificate students only. Prerequisite(s): NURS6507, NURS6508. NURS6509 must be taken concurrently with NURS65010.
2 quarter credits
Practicum: Minimum of 750 practicum hours
Core: Complete at least 42 quarter credits
Specialization: At least 28 quarter credits
Total: At least 70 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Students who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Students enrolled in the MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialization are required to maintain a current, unrestricted RN license throughout their program.
Capella University is not currently accepting applications for the MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialization from American Samoa, California, District of Columbia, Guam, Louisiana, Maryland, Northern Mariana Islands, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee or U.S. Virgin Islands residents.
Students enrolled in a Capella nursing program in the FlexPath learning format will become ineligible to enroll in the MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGPCNP), MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) or MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) specializations if they progress through certain coursework in any of the following courses: NHS-FP6004, NHS-FPX6004, NHS-FP6008, NHS-FPX6008, MSN-FP6011, NURS-FP6011, NURS-FPX6011, MSN-FP6016, NURS-FP6016 or NURS-FPX6016. FlexPath courses cannot be transferred into the MSN-AGPCNP, MSN-FNP or MSN-PMHNP specializations. To learn more, contact a Capella coach or call enrollment services at 1.866.736.1751.
Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for this program.
Practicum
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with a specialization in Care Coordination; RN-to-MSN Care Coordination; Care Coordination, FlexPath option; RN-to-MSN Care Coordination, FlexPath option; Nursing Education; RN-to-MSN Nursing Education; Nursing Education, FlexPath option; RN-to-MSN Nursing Education, FlexPath option; Nursing Leadership and Administration; RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration; Nursing Leadership and Administration, FlexPath option; or RN-to-MSN Nursing Leadership and Administration, FlexPath option are required to complete 100 documented hours of hands-on practicum experience. Learners enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with a specialization in Nursing Informatics; RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics; Nursing Informatics, FlexPath option; or RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics, FlexPath option are required to complete 200 documented hours of hands-on practicum experience. Learners enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner or the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate are required to complete 750 documented hours of hands-on practicum experience.
The practicum experience requires learners to synthesize and expand the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program by applying evidence-based methods to practice. Learners are responsible for finding an appropriate preceptor to oversee the practicum experience. With their preceptors, learners engage in in-depth work within a practice environment that reflects course outcomes. The practicum experiences offer learners an environment in which to apply their knowledge and skills. Practicum takes place at a professional site at which learners, with the support of program faculty and their on-site preceptors, participate in advanced practice initiatives. These could include program evaluation, quality improvement, and advanced practice techniques. Learners use the practicum experience to help them achieve the MSN program outcomes and competencies and the learning objectives related to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing.
Additionally, learners are required to document their practice practicum experience in associated online coursework. The associated practicum courses provide systematic opportunities for feedback and reflection. Practicum hours are considered complete once all program required practicum hours have been successfully achieved. Partial completion of practicum hours requirements cannot be verified for licensure or transfer of credits.
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.
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