Is a Psychology Degree Good For Nurse Practitioners?

For those of you wondering if a psychology degree is good for nurse practitioners, it is an excellent option, as many nurse practitioners use medicinal and therapeutic interventions for those suffering from mental health issues. If you are a nurse practitioner, a psychology degree can be beneficial in better understanding how the human brain works.

As a healthcare professional, a nurse practitioner must major in nursing, achieving a bachelor's degree with a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) or a master's degree such as a Master of Science in nursing (MSN). With your graduate degree and education, you gain the knowledge necessary to become a nurse practitioner.

Those selecting to minor in psychology or participate in a psychology BSN program or MSN program will benefit from the courses that provide information for patient care.

What Are the Benefits of a Psychology Degree for Nursing?

If your career path leads you to a nursing program, a psychology degree can be helpful. With a psychology degree, you benefit by learning more about the brain and the body. One of the benefits of attending an accredited university and receiving a psychology degree is that it may overlap with other studies required by taking part in a nurse practitioner program. Many nursing programs use a degree in psychology for educational purposes.

Deeper Understanding of Human Behavior

By studying psychology, you gain a deeper understanding of human behavior. Learning more about the brain and how it works allows you to recognize various aspects behind the motives and actions of other humans.

Awareness of Mental Health Issues

An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is trained to assist the mentally ill. However, many aspects of psychology focus on mental health. By studying psychology, you learn more about types of mental health disorders. You may utilize certain techniques such as specific forms of psychotherapy including individual, group, or family therapy.

Improved Decision-Making Skills

When you achieve a psychology degree, not only will you learn more to obtain a job, but you'll also discover ways for you to improve your decision-making skills. While these skills are necessary for a career, they can benefit your daily life.

Refined Communication Skills

As a nurse practitioner, you must have excellent communication skills to address primary care providers and patients. As you learn more during your studies, you will gain insight into effective communication. Your communication skills will improve, allowing you to assist patients.

Enhanced Research Skills

To determine the best and most appropriate treatment plans, develop strong research skills. Through research, you will learn more about the behavior of individuals as well as the information needed to make informed decisions for patients.

Additional Requirements for Psychology Majors Who Want To Pursue Nursing

Psychology majors who want to pursue nursing should know that these majors require a full-time course load of prerequisites. In addition to extensive coursework, you must take certification exams.

Enroll in Nursing School

The first step in becoming a nurse practitioner is to enroll in nursing school. Throughout your nursing education, you must pass exams and take the appropriate courses to graduate.

Complete a Nursing Degree Program

There are a variety of nursing degree programs to consider. Before receiving a nursing degree, you must participate in a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) program. You must pass a PMHNP program to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for your career.

Pass the NCLEX and Gain RN Licensure

Nurse practitioners must have a nursing license to see patients. To do this, you will pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam first. Once you finish nursing school, you must pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam before becoming a registered nurse.

Gain Clinical Experience as a Registered Nurse

As a registered nurse, you will gain clinical experience in various ways. You may participate in therapy sessions, shadow other employees to learn specific duties, or remain in a clinical setting to become more comfortable.

Obtain an Advanced Nursing Degree

You can obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Master of Science in nursing (MSN). An advanced nursing degree allows you to further your education and hone your skills, preparing you to learn more about nursing.

Best Nurse Practitioner Specialties for Psychology Majors

There is a wide range of nurse practitioner specialties for psychology majors to consider. With a degree in psychology, you can use your expertise to learn more about the medical field. Certain specialties consist of a pediatric nurse practitioner and a family nurse practitioner.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Those who become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner will help those suffering from mental illness. You can provide mental health care, assisting those with severe mental health disorders including bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It may be possible for you to have your private practice with clients of your own whom you see daily.

Family Nurse Practitioner

As a family nurse practitioner, you will help provide care for all members of the patient's family. Your skills will involve basic training for common injuries and diseases.

In addition, you will have the privilege of helping patients of all ages and providing the care they need.

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

If you become a women's health nurse practitioner, you will focus solely on women's health, not men's. With a focus on obstetric and reproductive health, you will become more familiar with women's health and how to assist your patients.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Before becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, you must complete clinical hours working with children and adolescents. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, your area of expertise will be the health of children and adolescents.

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

As an adult gerontology nurse practitioner, you will assist patients as they age, providing primary care. In addition to this, you will focus on adults as well as later adulthood. An adult gerontology nurse practitioner is an advanced nurse practitioner zeroing in on diseases, specific conditions, and chronic illnesses.

FAQs About Nurse Practitioner Careers for Psychology Majors

There are numerous FAQs about nurse practitioner careers for psychology majors to know.

Can You Pursue Nursing With a Psychology Degree?

Although you may obtain a psychology degree, you must attend nursing school, achieve a nursing degree, and complete certifications when necessary.

What Is the Difference Between a PMHNP and a FNP?

A psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) focuses on medication management while a family nurse practitioner (FNP) assists patients of all ages.

What Type of Nurse Practitioner Is in the Highest Demand?

Some types of nurse practitioner jobs in high demand include:

• pain management nurse practitioners
• cardiology nurse practitioners
• pulmonology nurse practitioners

Are Online Psychology Degrees Respected?

You can obtain a psychology degree completely online or in person. If you have the credentials needed for the job you want, you will have the knowledge and education required for your career.