Course Descriptions for DNP: PMHNP

NPMH 711 Clinical Correlations I (1 QH)

The content of this simulation course is integrated with the topics being presented in NPMH 776 Foundations in Assessment of Psychiatric Mental Health and NPMH 777 Psychopharmacology I for the PMHNP. This course provides initial clinical correlation with NPMH the didactic content, along with an introduction to clinical scenarios using standardized patients. Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to perform and document a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, initiate and interpret relevant diagnostic tests and procedures, and evaluate the pharmacodynamic effects of psychopharmacology therapies.

NPMH 712 Clinical Correlations II (1 QH)

The content of this simulation course is integrated with the topics being presented in NPMH 779 Foundations in the Diagnosis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders, NPMH 780 Psychopharmacology II for the PMHNP, and NPMH 781 Psychotherapy II: Use of Psychotherapies for Treatment of Disorders. Students will demonstrate the clinical reasoning steps that underpin the development of differential diagnosis and apply DSM-V TR and IDC-10 psychiatric and mental health conditions when developing diagnoses. In addition, students will continue to advance assessment and psychopharmacology knowledge and skills. 

NDNP 725 Advanced Health Assessment (4 QH)

Advanced physical assessment builds upon the basic assessment techniques learned at the undergraduate level in order to prepare the DNP: PMHNP student to perform a comprehensive history and physical exam. Instruction is also provided in critical thinking and differential diagnosis. This course utilizes weekly classroom instruction, classroom case study application and physical exam lab practicum. Students are required to satisfactorily complete a comprehensive, standardized preoperative physical exam demonstration at the culmination of the course.

NDNP 752 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology I (5 QH)

In this course, students receive the foundational requisites in organ specific physiology and pathophysiology. Course instruction begins at the cellular level, including the genetic basis of disease, and advances to include a review of various organ systems’ functions and disease states.

NDNP 753 Advanced Pharmacology I (3 QH)

With content integrated with that of NDNP 752, this course provides a comprehensive review of the pharmacology agents commonly used to treat human disease.

NDNP 754 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology II (5 QH)

In this course, students receive the foundational requisites in organ specific physiology and pathophysiology. Course instruction begins at the cellular level, including the genetic basis of disease, and advances to include a review of various organ systems’ functions and disease states.

NDNP 755 Advanced Pharmacology II (3 QH)

With content integrated with that of NDNP 754, this course provides a comprehensive review of the pharmacology agents used to treat human disease.

NPMH 775 Neuro Anatomy & Physiology (4 QH)

This course will cover fundamental issues of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and neurochemistry of brain systems and an overview of basic brain-behavior principles as they apply to current models of cognitive processes.

NPMH 776 Foundations in Assessment of Psychiatric Mental Health (4 QH)

Use of psychological tests in the evaluation of the relationship between brain and behavior across the life span. The goal of this course is to acquaint students with modern neuropsychological approaches to normal and abnormal behavior along with methods of assessing the neurological basis of behavioral problems.

NPMH 777 Psychopharmacology I for the PMHNP (2 QH)

This course focuses on categories of medications specific to individuals with psychiatric illness and mental disorders. This didactic course will cover the principles and practice of psychopharmacotherapy of the major psychiatric disorders. Topics covered include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and mechanisms of action of the commonly used drugs in neuropsychiatry. The psychopharmacologic treatments of mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders and personality disorders will be emphasized. Also covered are drug treatments in the elderly, during pregnancy, and in the medically ill.

NPMH 778 Psychotherapy I: A review of psychotherapies (3 QH)

This course provides a comprehensive review of the major systems of psychotherapy. The implications of psychotherapy systems for case formulation and the similarities and differences between different psychotherapy systems are reviewed. The course places special emphasis on the key assumptions of various applied theories, the role and basic methods of clinical assessment, the stages of therapy, the role of the therapeutic relationship, and the goals and strategies to effect change. Units on gender-sensitive psychotherapy and culture-sensitive psychotherapy are included. Research bearing on and based on these systems is considered.

NPMH 779 Foundations in the Diagnosis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders (5 QH)

This course presents an in-depth analysis of the DSM-V TR and ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for major categories of psychopathology. The concepts of mental illness in general, as well as specific categories of mental illness such as schizophrenia, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, organic brain disease and personality disorders are covered. This course also introduces the concept of the role of mental status and behavioral observations as part of the diagnostic formulation.

NPMH 780 Psychopharmacology II for the PMHNP (2 QH)

This course builds on PMH 777 and challenges students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they apply psychopharmacologic principles to a wide array of chronic and acute clinical conditions. Students will learn to synthesize information as it relates to psychopharmacological treatment of disease components across the life span. Prerequisite: NPMH 777 Psychopharmacology I for the PMHNP

NPMH 781 Psychotherapy II: Use of Psychotherapies for Treatment of Disorders (2 QH)

This course will emphasize the use of empirically supported therapeutic methodologies to facilitate behavior change for a variety of clinical problems in children, adolescents, and adults. The application of different learning principles and specific techniques of therapeutic change will be covered including parent-training interventions. The student will learn to solve problems encountered in practical application of cognitive and behavioral techniques. Emphasis will be placed on methods and procedures effective in the elimination of inappropriate behaviors and the acquisition and maintenance of appropriate behaviors. Prerequisite: NPMH 778 Psychotherapy I: A review of psychotherapies

NPMH 782 Assessment, Diagnosis, Management of Child & Adolescent Mental Health (4 QH)

This course is designed to enhance capabilities to assess, diagnose and manage behavioral and mental health disorders seen in children and adolescents. Key components of the course include behavioral and mental health screening, appropriate use of valid and reliable screening tools, assessment and diagnosis formulation consistent with the current edition of the Diagnostics and Statistics Manual, and evidence-based treatment and management. Collaboration with members of the pediatric healthcare team, and care coordination and specialist referral strategies will be incorporated into the study of each disorder.

Prerequisites: NPMH 776 Foundations in Assessment of Psychiatric Mental Health & NPMH 779 Foundations in the Diagnosis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders (5)

NPMH 783 Assessment, Diagnosis, Management of Addictive Disorders (3 QH)

This course will enhance the student’s understanding of addiction disorders. By weaving elements of basic science, assessment, and diagnosis, students will learn to manage addiction disorders using integrated knowledge to propose evidenced based approaches. Special attention will focus on co-occurring disease process and disorders across the lifespan. Prerequisites: NPMH 776 Foundations in Assessment of Psychiatric Mental Health & NPMH 779 Foundations in the Diagnosis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders

NPMH 784 Delivering Community Mental Health Services to the Vulnerable and Underserved (3 QH)

This course provides students an opportunity to explore community-based psychiatric/mental health nursing care strategies within the context of serving vulnerable and underserved populations in the United States. Particular attention will be paid to exploring social influencers of health, community mental health assessment strategies, common barriers to effective healthcare, and risk stratification.

Emphasis will also be placed on the constructions, meaning, and experiences of difference in an effort to prepare students to function as culturally responsive and ethical PMHNPs. 

NPMH 810 Clinical Residency I (9 QH) (224 clinical hours)

This clinical residency is the first of five applied professional experiences in the advanced-practice of psychiatric mental health nursing across the life span. In this course, the student will engage in activities to develop competency in the comprehensive assessment of acute and chronic mental health conditions, in various settings, at program approved sites. Students will apply the knowledge and skills needed to perform and document a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, initiate and interpret relevant diagnostic tests and procedures, and evaluate the pharmacodynamic effects of psychopharmacology therapies. This course also includes a seminar component (20 classroom hours) during which time the student presents case material from their clinical experiences using a clinical case presentation model, and participates in board prep activities. Prerequisite: Completion of all didactic curriculum in the preceding program of study.

NPMH 820 Clinical Residency II (9 QH) (224 clinical hours)

This clinical residency is the second of five applied professional experiences in the advanced-practice of psychiatric mental health nursing across the life span. In this course, the student will engage in activities to further refine assessment skills and to develop competency in the diagnostic reasoning process, at program approved sites. Students will demonstrate the clinical reasoning steps that underpin the development of differential diagnosis and apply DSM-V TR and IDC-10 psychiatric and mental health conditions when developing diagnoses. In addition, students will continue to advance assessment and psychopharmacology knowledge and skills. This course also includes a seminar component (20 classroom hours) during which time the student presents case material from their clinical experiences using a clinical case presentation model, and participates in board prep activities. Prerequisite: Completion of NPMH 810.

NPMH 830 Clinical Residency III (10 QH) (224 clinical hours): 

This clinical residency is the third of five applied professional experiences in the advanced-practice of psychiatric mental health nursing across the life span. In this course, the student will engage in activities to develop competency in the development and implementation of patient-centered treatment goals and plans, at approved clinical sites. Cognitive behavioral therapies, therapeutic relationships and counseling, and evidence-based therapy techniques receive particular emphasis. Management of common psychiatric disorders via clinical practice guidelines is a third treatment thread. In addition, students will continue to advance and demonstrate assessment and diagnostic reasoning knowledge and skills, and appropriate use and management of psychopharmacology treatment. This course also includes a seminar component (20 classroom hours) during which time the student presents case material from their clinical experiences using a clinical case presentation model, and participates in board prep activities. Prerequisite: Completion of NPMH 820.

NPMH 840 Clinical Residency IV (10 QH) (224 clinical hours)

This clinical residency is the fourth of five applied professional experiences in the advanced-practice of psychiatric mental health nursing across the life span. In this course, the student will engage in activities that further develop competencies in all aspects of the standards of practice of the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, at approved clinical sites. Additional emphasis will be placed on activities related to care coordination and collaboration, health teaching and group therapies, consultation, leadership, resource utilization, and evaluation of professional practice. This course also includes a simulation component (20 classroom hours) during which time students undergo evaluation of their progress toward demonstration of entry-level competency in assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, and the therapeutic planning and implementation of psychiatric mental health nursing practice. Prerequisite: Completion of NPMH 830.

NPMH 850 Clinical Residency V (10 QH) (224 clinical hours)

This clinical residency is the fifth of five applied professional experiences in the advanced-practice of psychiatric mental health nursing across the life span. In this course, the student will engage in activities that demonstrate achievement of the full-spectrum of entry-level clinical practice outcomes, at approved clinical sites. This course also includes a seminar component (20 classroom hours) during which time the student presents case material from their clinical experiences using a clinical case presentation model, and demonstrates readiness to sit for the board exam. Prerequisite: Completion of NPMH 840.

NDNP 725 Advanced Health Assessment (4 QH)

Advanced physical assessment builds upon the basic assessment techniques learned at the undergraduate level in order to prepare the student to perform a comprehensive history and physical exam. Instruction is also provided in critical thinking and differential diagnosis. This course utilizes weekly classroom instruction, classroom case study application and physical exam lab practicum. Students are required to satisfactorily complete a comprehensive, standardized preoperative physical exam demonstration at the culmination of the course.

NDNP 901 Translational Research I (3 QH)

This course focuses on the methodological basis for translational research, for the purpose of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of clinicians in diverse practice settings through clinical evaluation, synthesis, transference, and application of appropriate evidence-based findings. This course provides an overview of frequently used descriptive and inferential biostatistical methods as well as the introduction to translational research evaluation. The course includes application of the theories of measurement, statistical inference and decision trees, contributing to better clinical decisions and improved patient care outcomes. Students will learn to critically appraise primary research as an important step in evidence translation. This course will train students to understand and evaluate diverse quantitative and qualitative research designs while developing analysis strategies to determine research strength and applicability. Emphasis will be placed on evaluating design, methodology, and statistical inference measures to grade and understand healthcare research.

NDNP 902 Translational Research II (3 QH)

Building upon the content provided in NDNP 901, this course is designed to develop student knowledge and skills regarding the evaluation, translation and integration of published research results into clinical practice. Students will learn how to: (1) conceptually frame clinical practice problems; (2) transform these identified problems into answerable research questions; (3) search for the best clinical evidence; (4) assess the clinical evidence utilizing scientific, biostatistical and epidemiologic principles; and (5) integrate the research results in a culturally competent manner. Knowledge and skills regarding the critical appraisal and synthesis of research will foster the student’s understanding of models used for evidence-based practice. 

NDNP 919 Doctoral Project Planning I (3 QH).

This introductory course focuses on the beginning planning stages of undertaking a doctoral project. Guided by course faculty, students will develop a research question or problem statement that demonstrates significance in the field of interest. Students will determine which project type best suits their research focus: Generation of new evidence, evidence synthesis through integrated review or systematic review, or implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). Students will search the literature for evidence to support the project and develop a Doctoral Project Prospectus. A thorough literature review will be required to demonstrate feasibility and meaningfulness of the project. Grading: Pass/Fail

Prerequisites: NDNP 901, 902

NDNP 920 Doctoral Project Planning II (2 QH).

A continuation of NDNP 919, students will undertake key activities to complete a comprehensive Doctoral Project Proposal. Depending on the project type (generation of new evidence, evidence synthesis, or evidence implementation), students will complete a needs assessment, SWOT analysis, identify a model to support evidence translation, identify necessary resources, plan for change management, and determine methods for project evaluation. Students will be assigned a doctoral project advisor during this quarter and will require course director and advisor approval of the project proposal. Students will begin the institutional and university IRB or Quality Improvement approval processes, if necessary for their project. Grading: Pass/Fail

NDNP 910 Health Policy, Economics and Finance (3 QH)

The content in this course will equip the student with the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate how public policy-making strategies impact the financing and delivery of healthcare services. The student will learn to apply methods of policy analysis to policies of relevance to their practice setting, and to use the results to advocate for policy change. Content includes the knowledge and skills needed for students to analyze business practices encountered in the healthcare delivery setting. Theory and application are integrated throughout the course, particularly related to development of cost/benefit analysis and the long-term financial impact of practice changes. This course is designed to provide content necessary for professional presentation and scholarly dissemination of knowledge. Students will demonstrate the ability to inform the public of the role and practice of the doctoral-prepared nurses and represent themselves in accordance with the relevant code of ethics for their profession.

NDNP 911 Professional Dissemination Skills (2 QH)

This course is designed to provide content necessary for professional presentation and scholarly dissemination of knowledge. Students will demonstrate the ability to inform the public of the role and practice of the doctoral-prepared PMHNP and represent themselves in accordance with the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements.

NDNP 912 Leadership, Quality/Safety and Outcomes Management (3 QH)

Leadership theories and principles are analyzed and applied to the management of complex leadership situations in healthcare. Students will participate in assessing and improving the effectiveness of their leadership style and emotional intelligence. This course explores the theoretical basis of human error, patient safety and quality improvement activities in patient care. It introduces a systems approach to error investigation and analysis, and integrates concepts of teamwork, interprofessional practice, and evidence-based quality improvement management models. An emphasis is placed on acquiring and demonstrating the skills needed to utilize data for ethical healthcare decision-making through the process of outcomes management. Course content will also include integration of informatics to support culturally responsive, evidence-based practice at a leadership level.

NPMH 914 Ethics and Legal Realities of Practice (2 QH)

This course reviews psychiatric mental health scope of practice standards, local, state, and federal policies and regulations that govern practice, and the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Ways to identify and resolve ethical and legal dilemmas encountered by the PMHNP and topics such as consumer autonomy, dignity, and rights, the application of ethical principles in professional practice, and advocacy to improve access and parity of mental health services are discussed.

NDNP 921 Entry-Level Doctoral Immersion Residency I (3 QH)

This course series (NDNP 921-922-923) focuses on specific aspects of the implementation of an evidence-based doctoral project. Guided by faculty and their Doctoral Project Advisor, students undertake key activities outlined in their project proposal. Activities may include (depending on project type): a systematic literature review, data collection, and stakeholder engagement. The student will complete the requirements of this course series within the domain of patient care, leadership/management, education or health care/public policy advocacy. Students will also continue to populate their portfolio with work demonstrating attainment of clinical residency goals such as reflective writing assignments, self-evaluations, and clinical evaluation documentation from preceptors.

NDNP 922 Entry-Level Doctoral Immersion Residency II (3 QH)

A continuation of NDNP 921, students will proceed with implementation of their doctoral project proposal. Activities may include (depending on project type): development of a data matrix or evidence table, contextual implementation steps, and ongoing data collection. Students will also continue to populate their portfolio with work demonstrating attainment of clinical residency goals such as reflective writing assignments, self-evaluations, and clinical evaluation documentation from preceptors.

NDNP 923 Entry Level Doctoral Immersion Residency III (4 QH)

A continuation of NDNP 922, students will complete the implementation of their doctoral project and begin writing their final manuscript. Activities include finalizing implementation steps at the local level and synthesis of evidence into a draft of a manuscript. Students will also continue to populate their doctoral portfolio with work demonstrating attainment of clinical residency goals such as reflective writing assignments, self-evaluations, and clinical evaluation documentation from preceptors.

NDNP 931 Entry-Level Doctoral Project I (3 QH)

The doctoral program culminates with the completion of a scholarly work that demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate research and translate findings into practice. This is an opportunity for the student to prepare a substantial final written work product that reflects the breadth of skills and knowledge the student has gained throughout the program of study. The Doctoral Project Guide for Entry-Level DNP students provides information regarding the project, as well as key deadlines associated with each project item.

NDNP 932 Entry-Level Doctoral Project II (3 QH)

A continuation of NDNP 931, this course builds upon the final doctoral manuscript by guiding the student through dissemination of their findings. Dissemination of the results of the doctoral project will be accomplished through submission for professional publication, presentation at an industry meeting, or poster session presentation at a University event. In addition to the final work product, students will complete the remaining requirements of their portfolio of work, which demonstrates competency in all areas of didactic preparation, clinical training, and doctoral scholarship. The Doctoral Project Guide for Entry-Level DNP students provides information regarding the project requirements, as well as key deadlines associated with each project item.