UC Nursing Schools Unite to Boost Mental Health Care Staff
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The University of California (UC) is addressing mental health workforce shortages with its Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate program. It is a post-master’s, one-year, online/hybrid certificate program for practicing nurse practitioners (NPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses. After graduating from the program, administered by the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis, the PMHNPs can prescribe psychotropic medications, treat severe mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders, and offer psychiatric care.
UC Nursing Schools Partner to Boost Mental Health Workforce
University of California is welcoming a new cohort of nurse practitioners into a program aimed at expanding California’s mental health workforce. Participants will undergo a systemwide post-master’s, online/hybrid certificate program in psychiatric care.
The program is a first in California and is based on the combined expertise of four UC nursing schools. After graduating, the nurse practitioners will be able to join integrated healthcare teams and deliver essential psychiatric care.
Dr. Deena Shin McRae, celebrates the program’s aim of addressing California’s mental health crisis, particularly in underserving communities.
Addressing Psychiatric Care Shortage
According to a California Health Care Foundation survey, over 50% of Californians living with mental illness don’t receive psychiatric or behavioral health care. Many communities have fewer psychiatrists, especially in rural and inland areas, escalating the need for psychiatric care professionals.
UC’s Answer to Expanding Mental Health Workforce
In 2021, the four UC nursing schools welcomed 38 students into the UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate program. The program is primarily designed for those interested in serving the psychiatric patient population in their communities. Despite a delay due to the pandemic, 112 PMHNPs have graduated and another cohort is expected to bring the alumnus count to 150 by 2024.
Stephen Cavanagh, Ph.D., Dean of UC Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, commends the collaboration across UC nursing schools in being part of a statewide solution for mental health care needs.
Courses offered in the program focus on healthcare accessibility, structural barriers, system-level approaches, and helping students develop clinical decision-making and leadership skills. The hybrid learning model also prepares students for serving as a PMHNP in a telehealth environment. The fourth UC PMHNP cohort begins classes on July 1. For more information about the program, visit UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program.
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