Accelerated Certificate in Psychiatry for Physician Assistants

​​​​January 6, 2025 - May 15, 2025 

Program Overview:

The course aims to enhance the ability of physician assistants to perform detailed psychiatric assessments, including the use of DSM 5 criteria, mental status exams, and biopsychosocial evaluations. This addresses the problem of inaccurate or incomplete diagnoses, which can lead to inappropriate treatment plans. The modules provide extensive coverage of various psychiatric disorders across different categories. This addresses gaps in knowledge that can hinder effective management of conditions like mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and more.

The module on mental health inequities and implicit bias aims to improve awareness and actions related to disparities in mental health services. This is crucial for tackling systemic biases and improving outcomes for all patient demographics. The course emphasizes the development of skills for establishing and maintaining a therapeutic alliance, which is essential for effective treatment. Many practitioners struggle with this aspect of patient care, which can impact treatment adherence and outcomes.

By educating on a variety of psychiatric tools and resources, the course aims to enhance the practical skills of participants, enabling them to utilize these tools effectively in their practice. Through modules on psychopharmacology and various therapeutic modalities, the course addresses the need for up-to-date knowledge on drug mechanisms, side effects, and psychotherapeutic techniques. This is critical given the rapid advancements in psychiatric medications and therapies. The focus on managing psychiatric emergencies and understanding patient rights, including involuntary hospitalization, prepares participants to handle acute situations more effectively, addressing a common challenge in psychiatric settings.

Discussing the historical and current roles of PAs in psychiatry helps to empower participants to advocate for their professional role in mental health care, which is often underrecognized or misunderstood.

Virtual Zoom Sessions with Course Instructor:

Students will meet with the course instructor for interactive Zoom sessions after completing each module throughout the course. 

Discussion Board:

Purpose: To assist students and to provide feedback on performance in mastery.

Tuition:

Tuition Cost: $1,950

Early Bird Discount: $100 off if you register by November 30, 2024 

Please contact mghcme@mgh.harvard.edu to inquire about discount code or if you have questions regarding tuition.

Cancellation Policy (prior to course start date):

A refund minus a $100.00 administrative fee will be issued for refund requests received by October 31, 2024.

There are no exceptions to these policies.

All requests must be made in writing prior to the end of the week of cancellation.  

Target Audience:

The target audience for a specialty certificate for PAs who possess a strong interest and commitment to advancing their skills and knowledge in the specialized areas of psychiatry.

• Physician Assistants (PAs) who have already completed their basic training or are in a PA program and are actively practicing in the field of healthcare. They are looking to further specialize in psychiatry to enhance their clinical expertise and provide more comprehensive care to their patients.

Program Outcomes & Learning Objectives:

Develop a repertoire of clinical skills in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with psychiatric symptoms.

Apply neurobiological principles to the care of psychiatric patients.

Implement appropriate therapeutic approaches in the management of patients with psychiatric conditions.

Acquire advanced preparation and CME credits to qualify for the NCCPA Certificate of Advanced Qualification in Psychiatry.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:  Must be purchased online, participants will receive online access with textbook purchase.

MGH Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry, 3rd Edition (Textbook)

Authors: Theodore M. Stern
ISBN:
Cost $199 (price includes 25% student discount and free shipping)

CE Information:

 In support of improving patient care, MGH Institute of Health Professions is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physician Assistants

MGH Institute of Health Professions has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 50.0 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 50.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until January 5, 2028. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

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