Foundational Courses
The program begins with foundational courses that establish a solid understanding of the core principles of psychiatric nursing. These courses cover topics such as mental health assessment, psychiatric diagnosis, and psychopharmacology. Students learn to assess and evaluate mental health conditions, understand the diagnostic process, and develop an understanding of the role of medications in psychiatric treatment.
Additionally, students engage in coursework that explores the theoretical underpinnings of psychiatric nursing, including theories of human behavior, therapeutic communication, and ethical considerations in mental health care. These courses provide a strong foundation for students to build upon as they progress through the program.
Specialized Courses
As the program advances, students delve into specialized courses that focus on specific areas of psychiatric nursing. These courses cover topics such as child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and substance abuse treatment. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges and considerations involved in providing mental health care to different populations.