Curriculum
The master’s curriculum is organized by specialty. The first year of the Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing is described separately.
All course descriptions are listed in numerical order in the chapter Courses. Courses designated “a” meet in the fall term. Courses designated “b” meet in the spring term. Courses designated “a” and “b” are yearlong courses. Courses designated “c” meet in the summer. Bracketed courses are not offered in the current academic year. The a/b/c course designations appear in the YSN bulletin only.
Required courses for each specialty are listed in the description of each specialty. The listings describe schedules for full-time study. The course plan for scheduled part-time study may be found online or obtained from the YSN registrar and specialty directors. The School reserves the right to offer course substitutions and to amend the overall curriculum.
Elective courses: Students may elect School of Nursing courses offered by specialties other than the one in which they are enrolled or by other schools or departments within Yale University, with the permission of the course instructor and their specialty director. The School of Nursing also offers electives and concentrations. More information can be found in the chapter Courses and in the sections on concentrations.
Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing
The Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing (GEPN) is a full-time course of study, in year one of a three-year program, focused on pre-licensure preparation in evidence-based nursing, followed by two years of advanced practice specialty study. The first year of the program is designed to provide a solid foundation in nursing theory, nursing practice, biological science, health assessment, and pharmacology. This content is integrated into the clinical experiences in the care of the adult patient, pediatric, psychiatric–mental health, childbearing families, community health nursing, and interprofessional collaboration in practice. It is completed full-time over the fall, spring, and summer terms.
Upon completion of the prespecialty year, the student continues in the master’s specialty that was designated when accepted into the GEPN program.
The Certificate in Nursing is awarded upon successful completion of all required GEPN courses. The Certificate in Nursing satisfies Connecticut General Statutes requirements, allowing the student to become eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students are required to pass the NCLEX-RN by January 1 of their first specialty year and submit proof of their Connecticut RN licensure. The Certificate in Nursing and a license to practice nursing in Connecticut are two prerequisites for enrollment in the second term of the first specialty year. Exception: Acute Care students are required to pass the NCLEX exam by October 10 in the first specialty year in order to enroll in N7820, Critical Care Immersion.
Graduate Entry Prespecialty Year
| Fall Term | ||
| Nursing Colloquia I | ||
| Biomedical Foundations: Health and Illness I | ||
| Essentials of Health Assessment and Clinical Skills | ||
| Introduction to Drug Therapy | ||
| Clinical Applications of Human Anatomy | ||
| Clinical Practice of Care of the Adult Patient | ||
| Nursing Care of Adult Patient I | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Nursing Colloquia II | ||
| Biomedical Foundations: Health and Illness II | ||
| Nursing and the Community I | ||
| Community Health Nursing and Public Health | ||
| Clinical Practice Care of Childbearing Families 1 | ||
| Care of Childbearing Families | ||
| Clinical Practice in Pediatric Nursing 1 | ||
| Pediatric Nursing | ||
| Summer Term | ||
| Essentials of Health Assessment and Clinical Skills II | ||
| Nursing and the Community II | ||
| Nursing Care of Adult Patient II | ||
| Clinical Practice in Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing | ||
| Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing | ||
Master in Nursing Specialties
The master’s program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to provide high-quality evidence-based care, to engage in scholarly inquiry, and to be leaders in the profession. The first year includes assessment of clinical skill development, foundational knowledge in pathophysiology of common diseases, and principles of evidence-based practice. The final year provides advanced clinical management skills, role development, integration of practice and policy theory, and leadership. Students are expected to remain in the specialty to which they were accepted.
The specialties offered in the master’s program are (1) Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner; (2) Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner; (3) Family Nurse Practitioner; (4) Midwifery and/or Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner; (5) Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Primary Care; (6) Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Acute Care; and (7) Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Each student is assigned a faculty adviser who is a clinical expert in the student’s chosen field of specialization. Within the specialty area, emphasis is placed upon the development of clinical judgment. In addition to clinical experience, conferences with individual faculty advisers, group conferences with specialty faculty members, and courses presenting scientific data and content relevant to the specialty area provide opportunity for in-depth study. Students may also have an opportunity to pursue clinical concentrations in the areas of diabetes, oncology, research, and gender and sexuality health justice. Students will be required to have access to transportation for their clinical site placements, including sites away from the State of Connecticut.
The following is a list of core courses for all specialties of the master’s program. In addition, each specialty requires specific didactic and clinical courses, which are listed in the plans of study for each specialty. Course descriptions can be found in the chapter Courses.
Core Courses
| Advanced Health Assessment | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community |
The required research methods and evidence-based practice course in the first year of specialization provides the foundation for evidence-based, patient-centered care.
The curriculum of specialties is intended to prepare students to apply for certification through credentialing agencies. Please note that there is no program in the nation that can meet each state’s individual certification requirements. The School recommends that students review all state requirements and consult their academic adviser to plan how they can meet those requirements while enrolled in the School.
Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty
The Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) specialty prepares acute care nurse practitioners to assess and manage collaboratively the needs of patients who are acutely and critically ill across the full continuum of adult acute care services. The core body of knowledge provided in the specialty is derived from the full spectrum of high-acuity patient care needs. The population focus is adult/gerontology. The AGACNP curriculum is intended to prepare students to apply for Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
In the first year of study, the focus is on history taking, physical assessment, differential diagnosis, diagnostic testing, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and management of patients. Courses in assessing the acutely ill individual, diagnostic reasoning, pharmacology, research, and statistics are also featured in the first year. Clinical conferences focus on the diagnosis and management of problems seen in acutely ill patients, as well as acute care pharmacology.
During the final year of study, emphasis is placed on the differential diagnosis and management of complex problems seen in the acutely and critically ill patient population. Courses also include content on pathophysiology and management in acute care, health promotion, and the role of the nurse practitioner. Clinical placement sites expose the student to a variety of acute care settings and patient populations. Clinical conferences focus on the diagnosis and management of complex acute care problems.
AGACNP courses are only open to students enrolled in the specialty. Students from other specialties who are interested in taking an AGACNP specialty course must consult with the specialty director. A Post-Master’s Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate option is also available (see the chapter Post-Master’s Certificates).
Year One
| Fall Term | ||
| Advanced Health Assessment | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Advanced Health Assessment in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care | ||
| Advanced Diagnostics in Acute Care | ||
| Critical Care Clinical Immersion | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Pathophysiology and Management of Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Health Problems I | ||
| Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Practice I | ||
| Advanced Acute Care Pharmacology | ||
Year Two
| Fall Term | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community | ||
| Pathophysiology and Management of Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Health Problems II | ||
| Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Practice II | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Practice III | ||
Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty
The Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) specialty emphasizes primary care of the entire adult to older adult age spectrum from wellness to illness across a variety of health care settings. The population of AGPCNP practice includes young adults (late adolescents and emancipated minors), adults, and older adults. The AGPCNP curriculum is intended to prepare students to apply for Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
AGPCNP courses are only open to students enrolled in the specialty. Students from other specialties who are interested in taking an AGPCNP specialty course must consult with the specialty director.
Year One
| Fall Term | ||
| Advanced Health Assessment | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Primary Care I A | ||
| Primary Care I B | ||
| Concepts and Principles of Aging | ||
| Women’s Health I | ||
| Primary Care of Adolescents | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Advanced Skills and Procedures for the Primary Care Provider | ||
| Primary Care II | ||
| Primary Care II Clinical Practice AGPCNP | ||
| Advanced FNP/AGPCNP Pharmacology | ||
| Women’s Health III | ||
Year Two
| Fall Term | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community | ||
| Mental Health Management for Advanced Practice Nurses | ||
| Primary Care III | ||
| Primary Care III Clinical Practice | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Primary Care IV Clinical Practice | ||
| Advanced Primary Care of the Older Adult | ||
Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty emphasizes the primary care of newborns, infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant and postpartum individuals, and older adults within the context of family-centered care. The FNP curriculum is intended to prepare students to apply for Family Nurse Practitioner Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
FNP courses are only open to students enrolled in the specialty. Students from other specialties who are interested in taking an FNP specialty course must consult with the specialty director. A Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate option is also available (see the chapter Post-Master’s Certificates).
Year One
| Fall Term | ||
| Advanced Health Assessment | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Primary Care I A | ||
| Primary Care I B | ||
| Women’s Health I | ||
| Individual and Family Development during Childhood | ||
| Primary Care and Health Promotion of Children I | ||
| Primary Care of Adolescents | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Advanced Skills and Procedures for the Primary Care Provider | ||
| Primary Care II | ||
| Primary Care II Clinical Practice FNP | ||
| Advanced FNP/AGPCNP Pharmacology | ||
| Women’s Health III | ||
| Primary Care of Children II | ||
Year Two
| Fall Term | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community | ||
| Mental Health Management for Advanced Practice Nurses | ||
| Primary Care III | ||
| Primary Care III Clinical Practice | ||
| Primary Care of Children III | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Primary Care IV Clinical Practice | ||
| Advanced Primary Care of the Older Adult | ||
| Primary Care of Children IV | ||
Nurse-Midwifery Specialty
The Nurse-Midwifery (NM) specialty is designed to prepare clinically competent midwives who provide holistic primary health care across the lifespan. Clinical experiences throughout the two years of the program provide experience in the midwifery model of care as a framework for high-quality health care. Relevant research and concepts from midwifery, nursing, medicine, and the sciences are studied to provide the evidence and rationale for clinical practice. Students are expected to examine their midwifery and nursing practice critically and to develop beginning skills in the evaluation of research methods and statistics. Leadership development is encouraged and supported.
Courses and clinical work focus on the independent management of health care needs, including perinatal, intrapartum, contraceptive, gynecological, and primary care of individuals, families, and the neonate across the lifespan. Students learn collaborative, interdisciplinary management of health complications. Clinical practice takes place within health care systems that provide for medical consultation, collaborative management, and referral in accord with the Standards for the Practice of Midwifery set by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), which can be found at http://midwife.org/Full-Practice-Authority. The curriculum meets the ACNM Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice. Elective and independent study courses offer opportunities for students to pursue individual educational and professional goals. Completion of the NM curriculum qualifies students for the national certification examination offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). For more information, visit their website at http://amcbmidwife.org.
Nurse-Midwifery courses are only open to specialty students admitted to the NM specialty. Students from other specialties who are interested in taking a NM specialty course must consult with the specialty director.
Students admitted to the NM specialty complete the NM specialty master’s degree or may choose to pursue the Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) dual specialty. Students may also choose to pursue only the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specialty. We strongly encourage students to consider these options prior to matriculation or consult with the specialty directors of both NM and WHNP specialties as soon as they are considering a change. If students choose to complete both specialties, additional tuition charges will be applied, and additional time to complete the program based on clinical site placement availability may be required (see the chapter Educational Expenses and Financial Aid).
The NM program of study is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), http://www.midwife.org/Accreditation; and by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE.
Year One
| Fall Term | ||
| Advanced Health Assessment | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Mental Health Management for Advanced Practice Nurses | ||
| Primary Care I A | ||
| Primary Care I B | ||
| Women’s Health I | ||
| Women’s Health II | ||
| Women’s Health I and II Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Practice 1 | ||
| Childbearing Care I | ||
| Spring and Summer Terms | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Primary Care II | ||
| Women’s Health III | ||
| Women’s Health IV | ||
| Women’s Health III and IV Clinical Conference (spring or summer) 1 | ||
| Childbearing Care II | ||
| Childbearing Care II Clinical Practice (spring or summer) 1 | ||
| Midwifery and Women’s Health Pharmacology | ||
Year Two
| Fall Term | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community | ||
| Women’s Health V | ||
| Women’s Health V Clinical Conference 1 | ||
| Childbearing Care III | ||
| Childbearing Care III Clinical Practice 1 | ||
| Spring Term/Summer Term (if needed) | ||
| Integration of Midwifery Care 1 | ||
| Integration of Women’s Health Care 1 | ||
| 1 | Clinical courses may be taken in a different term depending on clinical site availability. |
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty
The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) specialty prepares students for the role of a patient-centered primary health care provider who focuses on gender-related health care needs. WHNP students are prepared to care for individuals from adolescence through their later life, with expertise in gynecology, prenatal care, and primary care. They are also prepared to provide sexual and reproductive-related health care to men and patients across gender identities. Relevant research and concepts from nursing, reproductive health, medicine, the sciences, and the humanities provide a base for classroom education and clinical practice. Clinical experiences include a variety of outpatient health care settings from community health centers to public and private reproductive health and primary care offices.
Students from other specialties who are interested in taking a WHNP specialty course must obtain faculty approval.
Completion of the WHNP curriculum qualifies students for the national certification examination offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
Year One
| Fall Term | ||
| Advanced Health Assessment | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Mental Health Management for Advanced Practice Nurses | ||
| Primary Care I A | ||
| Primary Care I B | ||
| Women’s Health I | ||
| Women’s Health II | ||
| Women’s Health I and II Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Practice 1 | ||
| Spring and Summer Terms (if needed) | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Primary Care II | ||
| Women’s Health III | ||
| Women’s Health IV | ||
| Women’s Health III and IV Clinical Conference (spring or summer) 1 | ||
| Women’s Health Primary Care Clinical 1 | ||
| Midwifery and Women’s Health Pharmacology | ||
Year Two
| Fall Term | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community | ||
| Women’s Health V | ||
| Women’s Health V Clinical Conference 1 | ||
| Spring Term/Summer Term(if needed/requested) | ||
| Integration of Women’s Health Care 1 | ||
| 1 | Clinical courses may be taken in a different term depending on clinical site availability or completed during academic breaks. |
Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Dual Specialty
Students applying to YSN may pursue the Nurse Midwifery (NM) program, the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) program, or the combined NM/WHNP program. WHNP students cannot make changes to their specialty selection once admitted into the program. Students admitted to the GEPN program as NM or dual NM/WHNP must declare their decision to pursue the dual NM/WHNP program prior to the start of the specialty years. Students who are accepted into the dual program will pay an additional dual specialty fee, split over four terms, beginning in the fall of the first specialty year (see the chapter Educational Expenses and Financial Aid). In addition, students will need to be enrolled in an extra term, usually but not always completed during the summer, in order to complete both specialties. Graduation in May of the second specialty year cannot be guaranteed. It will be influenced by the availability of clinical sites and student flexibility in clinical placements.
NM/WHNP courses are only open to students enrolled in the dual specialty program. Students from other specialties who are interested in taking an NM/WHNP specialty course must consult with the specialty director.
Year One
| Fall Term | ||
| Advanced Health Assessment | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Primary Care I A | ||
| Primary Care I B | ||
| Women’s Health I | ||
| Women’s Health II | ||
| Women’s Health I and II Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Practice 1 | ||
| Childbearing Care I | ||
| Spring and Summer Terms | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Primary Care II | ||
| Women’s Health III | ||
| Women’s Health IV | ||
| Women’s Health III and IV Clinical Conference (spring or summer) 1 | ||
| Childbearing Care II | ||
| Childbearing Care II Clinical Practice (spring or summer) 1 | ||
| Women’s Health Primary Care Clinical 1 | ||
| Midwifery and Women’s Health Pharmacology | ||
Year Two
| Fall Term | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community | ||
| Mental Health Management for Advanced Practice Nurses | ||
| Women’s Health V | ||
| Women’s Health V Clinical Conference 1 | ||
| Childbearing Care III | ||
| Childbearing Care III Clinical Practice 1 | ||
| Spring and Summer Terms | ||
| Integration of Midwifery Care 1 | ||
| Integration of Women’s Health Care 1 | ||
| 1 | Clinical courses may be taken in a different term depending on clinical site availability. |
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Acute Care Specialty
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Acute Care (PNP-AC) specialty prepares graduates for the advanced practice role of providing complex, comprehensive care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. With a foundation in primary care to more complex acute or chronic health conditions, there is an emphasis on integrating current evidence-based research, family-centered care, and cultural humility into clinical practice.
Each student, throughout the two years, provides acute, complex, and chronic illness health care for infants through adolescents in a variety of care settings, including pediatric intensive care units, inpatient settings, specialty clinics, and emergency departments. The PNP-AC curriculum is intended to prepare students to apply for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification in acute care through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
PNP-AC courses are only open to students enrolled in the specialty. This specialty is designed for entering R.N. students who hold a baccalaureate degree and have one to two years of acute inpatient experience. The course plan for part-time study can be obtained from the specialty director. A Post-Master’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Acute Care Certificate option is also available (see the chapter Post-Master’s Certificates).
Year One
| Fall Term | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Advanced Pediatric Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning | ||
| Individual and Family Development during Childhood | ||
| Primary Care and Health Promotion of Children I | ||
| Primary Care of Children I Clinical Practice | ||
| Primary Care of Adolescents | ||
| Advanced Acute and Critical Care Diagnostics for Pediatrics | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Primary Care of Children II | ||
| Chronic Health Conditions in Children and Adolescents | ||
| Advanced Pediatric Pharmacology | ||
| Specialty Pediatric Acute Care Clinical | ||
Year Two
| Fall Term | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community | ||
| Acute Care of Children I | ||
| Acute Care of Children I Clinical | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Acute Care of Children II | ||
| Acute Care of Children II Clinical | ||
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Primary Care Specialty
The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Primary Care (PNP-PC) specialty prepares graduates for advanced practice roles in the provision of primary care to children and adolescents within the context of the family and community. Evidence-based research and concepts from nursing, medicine, community health, child development, health promotion, and the natural and social sciences provide a foundation for practice.
Each student, throughout the two years, provides primary health care for children and adolescents in a variety of clinical settings, including community-based and private practices as well as school-based health centers. In addition, students select a specialty clinical rotation with relevance to pediatric primary care. In all clinical placements, the role of the PNP-PC as a member of an interdisciplinary team and coordinator across systems of care within the context of family is emphasized. The PNP-PC specialty curriculum is intended to prepare students to apply for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification in primary care through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
PNP-PC courses are only open to students enrolled in the specialty. Students from other specialties who are interested in taking a PNP-PC specialty course must consult with the specialty director. A Post-Master’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Primary Care Certificate option is also available (see the chapter Post-Master’s Certificates).
Year One
| Fall Term | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Primary Care I A | ||
| Advanced Pediatric Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning | ||
| Individual and Family Development during Childhood | ||
| Primary Care and Health Promotion of Children I | ||
| Primary Care of Children I Clinical Practice | ||
| Primary Care of Adolescents | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Primary Care of Adolescents Clinical Practice 1 | ||
| Primary Care of Children II | ||
| Primary Care of Children II Clinical Practice | ||
| School Health Clinical Practice 1 | ||
| Advanced Pediatric Pharmacology | ||
Year Two
| Fall Term | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community | ||
| Primary Care of Adolescents Clinical Practice 1 | ||
| Primary Care of Children III | ||
| Primary Care of Children III Clinical Practice | ||
| School Health Clinical Practice 1 | ||
| Specialty Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice I | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Primary Care of Children IV | ||
| Primary Care of Children IV Clinical Practice | ||
| Chronic Health Conditions in Children and Adolescents | ||
| Specialty Pediatric Primary Care Clinical Practice II | ||
| 1 | For NURS 7450 and NURS 7530, students are divided into two groups and enroll in the spring term of year one or the fall term of year two as assigned. |
Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty
The Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialty prepares graduates for advanced practice promoting mental health and providing therapeutic interventions across the lifespan to individuals living with mental health and substance use disorders. Coursework focuses on integrating theory and evidence-based practice into clinical applications including mental health assessment, risk prevention, differential diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome management. Both pharmacologic and psychotherapy-based interventions are explored over a series of courses, acknowledging the importance of both in this specialty program. PMHNPs serve vulnerable populations through the core values of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in identifying and addressing structural and sociocultural determinants of health. They also evaluate systems of care, design evidence-based practice solutions, and work in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
PMHNPs provide care to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in a wide range of clinical settings, including acute emergency psychiatric services, community mental health centers, private practice, school- or home-based care, integrated psychiatric and primary care, substance abuse and forensic sites, and acute and long-term care facilities. Many sites utilize a combination of in-person care and telepsychiatry to enhance accessibility.
Upon completion of the required curriculum, students are prepared to apply for certification as a psychiatric–mental health nurse practitioner across the lifespan through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
PMHNP courses are only open to students enrolled in the specialty. Students from other specialties who are interested in taking a PMHNP specialty course must consult with the specialty director. A post-master’s psychiatric–mental health nurse practitioner certificate option is also available (see the chapter Post-Master’s Certificates).
Year One
| Fall Term | ||
| Advanced Health Assessment | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Clinical Reasoning | ||
| Psychotherapeutic Interventions I: Principles and Theory | ||
| Skills I: PMHNP Role Development | ||
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Practice I | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Skills II: Clinical Decision Making and Treatment Planning | ||
| Psychopharmacologic Interventions I: Foundations in Psychopharmacology | ||
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Practice II | ||
Year Two
| Fall Term | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community | ||
| Psychotherapeutic Interventions II: Application and Special Populations | ||
| Psychopharmacologic Interventions II: Application and Special Populations | ||
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Practice III | ||
| Spring Term | ||
| Psychotherapeutic Interventions III: Complex Cases and Systems of Care | ||
| Psychopharmacologic Interventions III: Complex Cases and Systems of Care | ||
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Practice IV | ||
Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty Online Part-Time Plan of Study
Year One
| First Term | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Promoting Health in the Community | ||
| Second Term | ||
| Advanced Health Assessment | ||
| Advanced Pharmacology | ||
| Third Term | ||
| Statistics and Research for Evidence-Based Practice Nursing | ||
| Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Clinical Reasoning | ||
Year TWO
| First Term | ||
| Psychotherapeutic Interventions I: Principles and Theory | ||
| Skills I: PMHNP Role Development | ||
| Psychopharmacologic Interventions I: Foundations in Psychopharmacology | ||
| Second Term | ||
| Psychotherapeutic Interventions II: Application and Special Populations | ||
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Practice I | ||
| Third Term | ||
| Psychopharmacologic Interventions II: Application and Special Populations | ||
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Practice II | ||
Year three
| First Term | ||
| Skills II: Clinical Decision Making and Treatment Planning | ||
| Psychotherapeutic Interventions III: Complex Cases and Systems of Care | ||
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Practice III | ||
| Second Term | ||
| Psychopharmacologic Interventions III: Complex Cases and Systems of Care | ||
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Practice IV | ||
| Third Term | ||
| Transitions to Professional Practice | ||
| Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Practice V | ||
Concentrations
Yale School of Nursing offers students the opportunity to specialize in a particular concentration area that further develops a clinical or conceptual interest. The four concentrations are: Diabetes Care, Gender and Sexuality Health Justice, Oncology, and Research. Upon completion of the concentration, students may be eligible for the certification exam in the area of the concentration.
First-year specialty students in good standing, and with adviser approval, are encouraged to submit an online application to a concentration of their choice. Those interested are encouraged to visit the YSN website for concentration-specific information. Communication about concentrations is shared by the YSN Office of the Registrar at the beginning of the fall term. Enrollment is limited.
Those pursuing a concentration will incur additional fees. See the tuition and fees section of the YSN website for additional information: https://nursing.yale.edu/enrollment-management/office-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees.
Diabetes Care Concentration
The Diabetes Care concentration consists of a series of courses that focus on advanced preparation in the subspecialty of diabetes care practice and management. It is designed for current M.S.N. students in their final year of study. Students are required to complete a series of clinical practice courses and a didactic course, which includes comprehensive management of patients with diabetes.
The concentration is open to students in the Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Primary Care, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Acute Care specialties. The concentration is designed to prepare specialists in these fields for practice in diabetes care and management.
All students in the concentration enroll in Advanced Concepts and Principles of Diabetes Care (NURS 6100), and Clinical Practice in Diabetes Care and Management (NURS 6110 and NURS 6111), which require four hours per week of clinical practice. The course work encompasses diabetes care, its complications across the lifespan, and the pathophysiology and management of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, monogenic forms of diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Concentration coordinator: Elizabeth Doyle
Gender and Sexuality Health Justice Concentration
The Gender and Sexuality Health Justice concentration is designed to educate current M.S.N. students in their specialty years about the health disparities of LGBTQI+ patients through a racial and economic justice lens. Students are taught about LGBTQI+ primary care, gender affirming surgery and hormonal care, substance use, trauma-informed care, HIV care, global equity, fertility and reproductive care, disability justice, intersex health, and clinical care and health assessment in LGBTQI+ communities.
The concentration is open to students in the Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialties.
All students in this concentration are required to enroll in Gender and Sexuality Health Justice: Introduction to Health Disparities in LGBTQI+ People (NURS 6180), Gender and Sexuality Health Justice II: Specialized Primary Care of LGBTQI+ Patients and Communities (NURS 6200) and a clinical conference course (NURS 6202). Students may elect to enroll in the didactic courses only without applying to the concentration. Concentration coordinator: Nathan Levitt
Oncology Concentration
The Oncology concentration is designed to provide current M.S.N. students with a foundation of knowledge and skill for an advanced practice nursing role in the care of adults with cancer. Students are required to complete a series of didactic courses and a clinical experience. Opportunities for scholarly activities with faculty are available and encouraged.
The concentration is open to students in the Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner specialties. Students in the Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Primary Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Acute Care, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specialties must obtain permission from the concentration coordinator prior to applying to ensure placements are available. The concentration is not available to Nurse-Midwifery or Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner students.
Students are required to enroll in Principles of Advanced Oncology Practice (NURS 6120), Advanced Management of Clinical Problems in Oncology (NURS 6130 and NURS 6131), and Clinical Practicum for Oncology Nurse Practitioners (NURS 6140 and NURS 6141) in their final year. Concentration coordinator: Marianne Davies
Research Concentration
The Research concentration is designed to further expose current M.S.N. students to nursing research and foster an interest in future doctoral study. The concentration includes a seminar in which students learn how to review the literature and develop a preliminary proposal that can be used in their application to a Ph.D. program. The concentration includes a research practicum in which students work on faculty research to gain research skills. All students in this concentration enroll in two approved graduate-level Research Seminar courses, which include a research practicum (NURS 6150 and NURS 6160).
The research practicum allows students the opportunity to work on faculty research to gain research skills. The research practicum is an equivalent of three hours per week participating in a faculty member’s ongoing research (45 hours/term). The faculty member will assist the student in preparing goals and objectives for the experience and meet with the student at a minimum of every two weeks for research mentoring and supervision.
The concentration is open to M.S.N. students in their final year of study. Concentration coordinator: Monica Ordway
Global Health Track
The Global Health track is designed to prepare students to serve global populations both internationally and domestically as clinicians, educators, scholars, and policy makers. In the track, students are exposed to a range of global health concepts through interdisciplinary didactic course work and through their clinical and scholarly activities. All students in the track take two approved graduate-level courses in global and planetary health from a preselected list curated from Yale schools or departments. Students must also enroll in Clinical Practice I and II for Global Health Track (NURS 6230 and NURS 6240) and complete a minimum of 60 additional clinical hours either in an international setting with YSN-approved preceptors or in a domestic site serving global populations.
Eligibility The track is open to students in their first year of specialty study in the M.S.N. program. Enrollment is limited.
Application requirements Students must complete a track application in the fall term of their first specialty year. Specialty faculty recommendation is required. Students are also strongly advised to discuss their interests with the Global Health track faculty lead prior to applying to the Global Health track.
Faculty Lead Zhao Ni, Ph.D., B.Med.Sci., R.N.