Mental Health and Addictions Nursing Specialty Program
Credential Earned
Certificate of Completion
Length
- Part time: 30 weeks
See Plan of Study details for more information.
Delivery
- Independent, online learning
- In-person, on-site labs in Halifax
- Clinical placements
Dates
- Fall: September 9, 2024-April 26, 2025
- Winter: February 24, 2025-September 28, 2025
Registration Deadlines
- Fall: Program registration closed
- Winter: Program registration closed
Overview
The Mental Health and Addictions Nursing Specialty Program (MHANSP) supports Registered Nurses to advance their clinical judgment, critical thinking, and clinical leadership to work collaboratively with the interprofessional team in a variety of mental health and addictions settings. The program prepares eligible nurses to write the Canadian Nurses Association Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing certification exam. (Program hours may be eligible toward the experience and/or education requirements for the Canadian Nurses Association Exam — Certification in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.)
The program uses a conceptual learning approach to organize knowledge and skills. Each concept is integrated with others, so by the end of the program, graduates can apply all concepts to a variety of mental health and addictions experiences. This learner-centred approach fosters critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the concepts by building on previous knowledge. Upon completion of the program, learners are prepared to meet the dynamic and complex needs of individuals in the mental health and addictions setting.
Requirements
- Active-practicing RN license with the provincial regulator
- Approval and confirmed sponsorship from employer