![\"\"](\"https:\/\/news.winona.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/sites\/14\/2013\/04\/WSU-2013-Generic-300x200.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Winona State University, Graduate Programs in Nursing has been approved by Minnesota State and the Higher Learning Commission to offer a Psychiatric-mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Baccalaureate to Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program. <\/strong>This 73-credit program includes graduate nursing core courses, PMHNP role courses, clinical experiences in one\u2019s community, and a DNP clinical project. Courses are offered with the option of face-to-face classes or primarily online. Upon program completion, students are prepared to take the PMHNP certification examination. The PMHNP program was designed to meet the mental health needs of WSU\u2019s regional area, especially for rural and underserved populations; clinicals can be arranged in students\u2019 locality.<\/p>\n Student, Kathie Norkol agrees. \u201cThere is large shortage of prescribers. For example I work at a dual diagnosis center, where we address mental illness and substance abuse, with an average 3 month wait list.\u201d Kathie continues, \u201cfrom a medical perspective, I do what I can, but this program gives me better tools to diagnose and a better understanding how to treat from a medication perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n The greatest need is for primary care nurse practitioners to have added expertise\/certification in care of persons and families managing psychiatric problems.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is huge,\u201d says fellow student Karen Lilyquist. \u201cThe program allows us a more specific scope of practice. If I have a patient that is feeling suicidal, I have full prescribing ability and can assist the patient until they are able to see a specialist.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are excited to be one of the first in the state of Minnesota to offer this program to our nurse practitioners that are already serving our communities so well.\u201d Says Jeanine Gangeness, Associate Vice President, WSU \u2013 Rochester.<\/p>\n A PMHNP Graduate Certificate Program (for those who already hold an advance practice RN certification, such as a Family Nurse Practitioner) continues to be offered, as well.<\/p>\n