Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in Indiana - IN

Who are psychiatric nurse practitioners?

Psychiatric nurse practitioners are considered a specialty category within advanced practice nursing (APN). Indiana regulations define advanced practice nurses as registered nurses (RN) qualified to practice nursing in a specialty role based upon the post basic, additional knowledge and skills gained through a formal organized program of study and clinical experience. Nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) and nurse midwives are all part of advanced practice nursing.

What does the formal education program do?

Formal education programs prepare RNs for expanded roles. These programs also prepare them for national certification offered by one of the recognized national certifying organizations such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  At a minimum, psychiatric nurse practitioner programs in Indiana culminate in a master’s level graduate. A survey report produced by The Indiana Center for Health Workforce Studies states that as of 2009, the most frequently reported degree among APNs was a master’s degree, at 91.8%.

Where can I prepare myself for the role of a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

In Indiana, you can practice advanced psychiatric/mental health nursing in one of either two roles – as an nurse practitioner or as a CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialists). Numerous approved master’s programs in Indiana campuses, and online, can prepare you for those roles. Today’s busy registered nurse professionals from different parts of Indiana, including Evansville, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis, are taking advantage of these programs.