Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in West Virginia - WV

According to statehealthfacts.org, the number of suicides in West Virginia in 2007 per 100,000 residents was 15.9 compared to a national rate of 11.3 suicide deaths per 100,000. In addition, the West Virginia rate of teen deaths per 100,000 teenagers in 2007 was 70 compared to a national rate of 62.  These statistics are sobering and indicative of the need for mental health care for residents of West Virginia. 

Individuals seeking to work as psychiatric nurse practitioners in West Virginia must complete one of the many psychiatric nurse practitioner programs available in online and campus based institutions. According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center, this program must be a master's, post-master's or doctorate program specializing in mental health and psychiatric nursing.  The program of study must have included advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology.   This program must be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. At least 500 hours of faculty supervised clinical hours must have been included in the program.

Psychiatric nurse practitioner programs prepare graduates to work closely with psychiatrists and psychologists to develop treatment plans.  Psychiatric nurse practitioners are able to serve as therapists and are eligible to prescribe medications.