Plan of Study

Part-time Mental Health and Addictions Nursing Specialty Program

The part-time study option is aimed at ensuring the Registered Nurse achieves the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet the program competencies. Preceptored clinicals are offered throughout the program to assist learners in transferring theory to practice. The program is aligned with a transition to practice approach that will support the Registered Nurse in transferring the program competencies into their mental health and addictions practice.

Learners benefit from online and/or classroom discussions, in addition to skills labs where newly acquired knowledge is practiced using simulation. Knowledge is assessed through online discussions, assignments, and examinations. Skills are practiced and assessed in the lab setting and clinical setting.

The program includes:

Faculty-supported lessons requiring on average 12 hours of independent study per week
On-site labs: 30 hours (4 days)
Online classroom sessions: 15 hours (3 classes)
Clinical practicum: 150 hours (20 days)

Timeline

This represents a general timeline for the program. The exact delivery model may vary between offerings.

Week 1–4: Module 1 content
Week 5–10: Module 2 content, 2 on-site labs, 1 assignment, mid-term exam
Week 11–13: Clinical placement
Week 13–22: Module 3 content
Week 23–24: Module 4 content, 1 assignment
Week 25–27: Final exam, 1 on-site lab (OSCE)
Week 28–30: Clinical placement

Mental Health and Addictions Nursing

The Nova Scotia Health Learning Institute for Health Care Providers offers education programming designed to meet the needs of learners across the province and strengthen our health care system. We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-informed programming that enables providers to develop and maintain foundational and specialty competencies.