Geropsychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

Geropsychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Department of Nursing
 
Dr. Susan Houde, 978-934-4426
susan_houde@uml.edu

The certificate is for the post-baccalaureate nurse who wants to develop greater knowledge and skills in the assessment and nursing care of older adults who are experiencing common mental health and psychiatric problems of late life. Instruction focuses on pathology, psychopharmacology, and behavioral management strategies in nursing care of older adults. Application of other relevant topical areas will include social, cultural and policy issues in health care, applying theory to practice, utilization of research, and pathophysiology. Students who complete the certificate are encouraged to apply for advanced practice role preparation as an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (APMHN), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), or Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) through the UMass Lowell's masters program in Nursing.

Required Courses:
33.552 Social, Cultural and Policy Issues in Health Care
33.553 Geropsychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

Elective Courses: (choose one)
30.550 Human Development and Pathophysiology
or 36.551 Advanced Pathophysiology

(choose one)
33.600 Theoretical Foundations for Nursing
or 33.601 Research Utilization
or 47.551 Psychosocial Aspects of Maturity and Aging

Note: 33.600 or 33.601 are recommended for students who anticipate applying to the master’s program in Nursing.