The other piece of the content which was missing for most CNSs was the nurse practitioner clinical related to the diagnosis and medication management of psychiatric mental health clients. In addition, we are surveying the state boards of nursing to find out their thoughts about the feasibility of this mechanism. NCCA standards require rigorous processes related to development, administration, follow up, and maintenance of exams to insure that the exams are psychometrically sound and legally defensible. This needs to be complete physical assessment and not just mental health assessment. Pediatric and adolescent physical and mental health assessment is also required for Family.
Some schools teach more intense courses called neurophysiology or bio-physiology.
The ideal is to have an advanced general pathophysiology course with an emphasis on neurophysiology. An overall course in pharmacology is preferred with an emphasis in the psychopharmacology area however either is currently accepted. Candidates are expected to know what their specific state requires. Some states require a general pharmacology course for prescriptive authority for nurse practitioners. The graduate is expected to have a strong background in psychopharmacological agents and a broad understanding of basic pharmacologic principles.