Florida Southern College Adds Nursing Master’s Program in Mental Health
by REBEKAH PIERCE
Florida Southern College is flipping the script and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
With mental health problems becoming more prevalent (a report in JAMA Health Forum noted that 38% more people are receiving mental health treatment now than in 2020), it’s clear that more skilled professionals are needed to provide the proper care.
The Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida Southern College recently received approval from its accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, to launch the Master of Science in Nursing in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (MSN-PMHNP), along with a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration (PMC-PMHNP).
“In recent years, the demand for mental health services in the United States has surged,” says Dr. Laly Joseph, Dean and Professor at the School of Nursing. “The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, exacerbated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the necessity for a robust workforce of PMHNPs to bridge the existing treatment gap and ensure timely and accessible mental health care for all.”
The program is one-of-a-kind in its approach to mental health. It’s designed to prepare PMHNPs with the skills they need to offer holistic care to patients with psychiatric, mental health, and substance abuse disorders. “PMHNPs focus on prevention, early intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration to meet the mental health needs of individual patients and society,” Joseph adds.
Dr. Tracey Tedder, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, said in a press release published by Florida Southern College that, “These programs reinforce the College’s mission to prepare students to make a positive and consequential impact on society.”
Through core nursing courses, clinical practicum experiences, and specialized classes in psychiatric nursing, the program teaches students how to deliver evidence-based care and advocate effectively for their patients. It’s a student-first program, with Joseph emphasizing that it’s “designed to be highly flexible and convenient for our students while ensuring they gain the necessary skills and competencies for real-world practice as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.”
In addition to generalized nursing courses that any student might expect while enrolled in the nursing school at Florida Southern, students in this particular program will also learn how to address the ethical dilemmas, legal issues, and cultural considerations that must be acknowledged in an increasingly diverse U.S. population.
With the majority of courses delivered online with a few hybrid components (students must come to campus at least once per month), the program places the strongest emphasis on hands-on learning. Students are required to work with an approved preceptor in a clinical setting for a minimum of 540 clinical hours.
This unique format isn’t just about making life easier for the students in the program; Joseph explains, it also sets students up for real world success.
“This structure mirrors the professional landscape where nurse practitioners often work online or in hybrid settings, seeing patients both in person and through telehealth platforms. Our goal is to prepare students not just with theoretical knowledge but also with practical experiences that align with the demands of modern healthcare practice.”
Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the national certification exam. Those who pass the exam may then pursue licensure as certified PMHNPs, opening up career opportunities in telehealth, private practice, community mental health centers, and hospitals.
“Graduates are prepared to meet the growing demand for mental health services and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals across various populations and care settings,” Joseph claims.
Florida Southern College isn’t the only school that offers nursing programs in psychiatric-mental health, but this degree promises to be one of the most valuable when it comes to preparing students for real-world challenges. Here in Central Florida, it’s being welcomed with open arms.
“Our clinical partners and community leaders are enthusiastic about the launch of our PMHNP track and recognize the growing need for more advanced practice nurses in this field,” says Joseph. “The goals of our graduate nursing programs include meeting the needs of health care employers in the region and beyond, and striving to make our graduates the preferred hires of our community and clinical partners.”
Interested in applying? Bring with you a willingness to learn and a passion for mental health care.
“The curriculum is challenging but deeply rewarding,” Joseph says, with the courses providing students with the specialized skills they need to make a difference. “Embrace the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty and connect with clinical partners who are dedicated to [your] success and growth as a future mental health professional.”
To learn more about the degree, visit floridasouthern.edu. Applications are now open for this life-changing program, with the first cohort starting classes next January.