Alverno College Launches Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialization

February 13, 2013

Alverno College is expanding its Master of Science in Nursing program by launching a new Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track in fall of 2013. The new degree, which is open to women and men, marks the seventh master's degree program or licensure-to-master's specialization developed by the college in the last seven years.

“Across the country, and here in southeastern Wisconsin, there is a significant need for mental health nurse practitioners to provide primary care and a comprehensive range of services, including medication management, for those with behavioral health care needs,” said Patricia Schroeder, dean of the JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing at Alverno College. “These providers will make an important difference for our community.”

Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Roles in the Work Force

Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who can practice independently or with physicians and other members of the health care team. Opportunities exist in acute care, ambulatory care, emergency settings and behavioral health settings. As health care environments begin to offer greater access to mental health services, there is a greater need for those with expertise in integrating primary care with behavioral health. Mental Health Nurse Practitioners can provide a unique perspective and resource in meeting the comprehensive health care needs of people in many settings.

Program Specifics

Alverno College's new Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track includes 42 credits. Students can complete the master's level program in five full-time semesters plus one summer. Alverno's Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Alverno College has educated nurses for more than 80 years and is home to one of the largest undergraduate schools of nursing in Wisconsin. Students interested in applying for, or learning more about the Mental Health Nurse Practitioner master's degree can call the admissions office at (414)-382-6100.