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M-SC-NURSING in Psychiatric Nursing at Columbia College
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Psychiatric Nursing at Columbia College Bengaluru?
This Psychiatric Nursing program at Columbia College, affiliated with RGUHS, focuses on advanced clinical competence, research skills, and leadership in mental health. It equips nurses to address the growing mental health challenges in India with a comprehensive approach, from acute care to community-based interventions. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and holistic patient care.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for registered nurses with a B.Sc. or Post Basic B.Sc. in Nursing, possessing at least one year of clinical experience. It targets aspiring mental health nurse practitioners, educators, and researchers who wish to specialize in psychiatric care, understand complex mental disorders, and contribute to mental health services across India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths as clinical specialists, nurse educators, researchers, and administrators in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and community settings across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15+ LPA. The program aligns with national mental health initiatives and professional nursing standards.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Nursing Principles and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand advanced nursing practices, education theories, and foundational research methodologies. Form study groups to discuss complex topics, utilize college library resources for deeper learning, and practice statistical software for research assignments. This builds a strong academic base for specialized studies.
Tools & Resources
RGUHS e-resources, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Academic journals
Career Connection
A strong foundation in nursing education and research is crucial for any advanced nursing role, enabling future roles in academia, clinical practice, and evidence-based care delivery.
Enhance Clinical Assessment and Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in advanced nursing practice clinicals. Focus on refining history-taking, physical and mental status assessment, and therapeutic communication. Seek feedback from clinical instructors and peers, and practice patient simulations to develop confidence and proficiency in diverse clinical scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Clinical skill labs, Role-playing exercises, Patient case studies
Career Connection
Exceptional clinical assessment and communication are vital for effective patient care, leading to better diagnostic accuracy and improved patient outcomes, highly valued by employers.
Engage in Early Research Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
Start exploring potential research areas and topics of interest early in your program, especially those related to mental health. Attend research workshops, consult with faculty mentors, and read published psychiatric nursing research to identify gaps and formulate preliminary research questions for your dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Research seminars, PubMed, Google Scholar
Career Connection
Early engagement in research develops critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for advanced practice and can open doors to research-focused positions or academic careers.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Psychiatric Nursing Clinicals- (Semester 2-3)
Maximize learning during specialty clinical rotations in psychiatric units and community mental health centers. Actively engage with diverse patient populations, observe and assist in various therapeutic modalities, and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to understand holistic care delivery. Document all experiences thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Clinical rotation logbooks, Patient interaction documentation, Case presentations
Career Connection
Intensive clinical exposure builds specialized expertise and practical skills, making you a competent and sought-after psychiatric nurse practitioner in various healthcare settings.
Develop Advanced Therapeutic Communication and Counseling Skills- (Semester 2-3)
Practice and refine advanced therapeutic communication techniques, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy principles, and group facilitation. Utilize opportunities to counsel patients and families under supervision, focusing on empathy, active listening, and rapport building. Consider pursuing additional certifications in counseling if interested.
Tools & Resources
Simulation sessions, Supervised counseling practice, Online counseling courses
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced counseling skills is crucial for independent practice and leadership roles in mental health, enhancing your ability to provide specialized psychological support.
Initiate and Progress Dissertation Work- (Semester 2-3)
By the intermediate stage, finalize your dissertation topic, complete the literature review, and develop your research methodology. Work closely with your assigned guide, adhere to ethical guidelines, and start data collection. Regularly review progress and troubleshoot challenges to ensure timely completion.
Tools & Resources
Dissertation guide/mentor, Ethics committee guidelines, Data collection tools
Career Connection
Successful completion of a high-quality dissertation demonstrates research capability, critical thinking, and the ability to contribute to the body of nursing knowledge, highly valued in academic and advanced clinical roles.
Advanced Stage
Refine Specialization and Leadership Skills- (Semester 4)
Focus on consolidating your Psychiatric Nursing knowledge and skills. Seek out leadership opportunities within clinical settings, such as mentoring junior nurses or leading patient education sessions. Attend national and international conferences to stay updated on the latest advancements and network with professionals.
Tools & Resources
Professional nursing associations (e.g., TNAI), Mental health conferences, Leadership workshops
Career Connection
Developing leadership and specialized skills prepares you for roles as unit managers, clinical nurse specialists, or faculty positions, leading to higher career growth and impact.
Prepare for Professional Certifications and Placements- (Semester 4)
Identify relevant professional certifications in psychiatric mental health nursing (e.g., from Indian Nursing Council or international bodies) and begin preparation. Actively participate in campus placement drives, tailor your resume and cover letter, and practice interview skills focusing on your specialized expertise and clinical experiences.
Tools & Resources
Certification exam guides, Placement cell services, Mock interview platforms
Career Connection
Professional certifications enhance your credibility and marketability, while robust placement preparation ensures successful entry into desirable roles in leading healthcare institutions.
Engage in Community Outreach and Advocacy- (Semester 4)
Volunteer for mental health awareness campaigns or community outreach programs. Advocate for mental health policy changes and stigma reduction within your community. This provides practical experience in public health, reinforces your commitment to the field, and develops your role as a mental health champion.
Tools & Resources
NGO collaborations, Mental health awareness events, Policy forums
Career Connection
Community engagement and advocacy are crucial for roles in public health, policy development, and non-profit organizations, allowing you to contribute significantly to societal mental well-being.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. Nursing / PB B.Sc. Nursing from a recognized university with minimum 55% aggregate marks. Must be a registered nurse and midwife. One year of experience after Basic B.Sc. Nursing or one year of experience prior or after Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing. Appeared for RGUHS Post Graduate Entrance Test (PGET) or equivalent college entrance exam.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 58 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (for theory and practicals), External: 75% (for theory and practicals), Dissertation has 50% internal and 50% external
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSN 1.1 | Nursing Education (Theory) | Core | 4 | Philosophy of Education, Teaching-Learning Process, Curriculum Development, Educational Media and Technology, Evaluation and Assessment |
| MSN 1.2 | Advanced Nursing Practice (Theory) | Core | 4 | Theories and Models of Nursing, Professional Nursing Practice, Expanded Role of Nurse, Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing, Quality Assurance in Nursing |
| MSN 1.3 | Nursing Research and Statistics (Theory) | Core | 4 | Research Process and Designs, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods, Biostatistics and Data Analysis, Computer Applications in Research |
| MSN 1.4 | Nursing Education (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Teaching Clinical Skills, Conducting Health Education, Developing Teaching Aids, Microteaching, Lesson Planning |
| MSN 1.5 | Advanced Nursing Practice (Practical) | Practical | 4 | Clinical Skill Refinement, Case Management, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient Advocacy, Interdisciplinary Collaboration |
| MSN 1.6 | Nursing Research and Statistics (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Literature Search, Data Entry and Analysis Software, Formulating Research Questions, Developing Research Tools, Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSN 2.1 | Nursing Management (Theory) | Core | 4 | Management Concepts and Theories, Organizational Structure and Climate, Human Resource Management in Nursing, Financial Management and Budgeting, Disaster Management and Preparedness |
| MSN 2.2 | Nursing Management (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Leadership Skill Development, Team Management, Conflict Resolution, Quality Improvement Projects, Resource Utilization |
| MSN 2.3 | Psychiatric Nursing - I (Core Speciality Theory) | Specialization Core | 4 | Historical Perspectives of Psychiatric Nursing, Theories and Models of Mental Health, Psychopathology and Classification of Mental Disorders, Therapeutic Modalities and Interventions, Mental Health Laws and Ethical Issues |
| MSN 2.4 | Psychiatric Nursing - I (Clinical Speciality Practical) | Specialization Practical | 8 | Psychiatric History Taking and Mental Status Examination, Therapeutic Communication Skills, Individual and Group Therapy Techniques, Crisis Intervention and Management, Family Therapy Approaches |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSN 3.1 | Psychiatric Nursing - II (Core Speciality Theory) | Specialization Core | 4 | Community Mental Health Nursing, De-addiction Nursing, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, Psycho-pharmacology |
| MSN 3.2 | Nursing Elective (Theory) | Elective | 4 | Counseling Principles and Techniques, Types of Counseling (Individual, Group, Family), Communication and Relationship Building, Crisis Intervention and Support, Ethical Issues in Counseling |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSN 4.1 | Psychiatric Nursing - II (Clinical Speciality Practical) | Specialization Practical | 8 | Rehabilitation Nursing in Psychiatry, Managing Psychiatric Emergencies, Administering Psychotropic Medications, Occupational and Recreational Therapy, Integration of Traditional Healing Practices |
| MSN 4.2 | Dissertation (Project) | Project | 4 | Problem Identification and Formulation, Literature Review and Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Interpretation of Findings, Thesis Writing and Presentation |
