N 559 - Psychotropic Pharmacology

3 Credits

Building on a core knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology and neuroscience, this course will provide the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) graduate student with foundational knowledge specific to psychopharmacology and current, evidence-based prescribing practices in mental health for populations across the lifespan. Utilizing principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, modules will provide recommendations for prescribing the best psychotropic medication for presenting symptom sequelae unique to DSM-V diagnoses. Assigned readings in the required text will delineate properties of medications specific to psychotropic class and mechanism of action, enabling students to synthesize foundational principals of psychopharmacology with prerequisite knowledge in differentiating genetic, neurological, biological, and medication-induced symptomology. Course content will also provide population-specific prescribing recommendations in regard to legal and ethical considerations, standards of practice and federal regulations for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Prerequisites: N 502 , N 503 , N 515PE , N 512 , N 521 , N 522PE , N 560