Due to a nationwide shortage of physicians, individuals who have earned degrees in nursing may be expected to take on more responsibilities in their careers. Students who pursue this field of study may find work in a variety of specializations, including mental health.
In Montana, a lack of psychiatric physicians has led to many area nurse practitioners and registered nurses to enroll in advanced mental healthcare degree programs, according to the Great Falls Tribune. By obtaining further certification, nurse practitioners have the ability to prescribe medications and work with mental health patients one-on-one without a physician's supervision.
In fact, to improve access to this field of study for local nursing students, Montana State University launched a family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner concentration at the graduate degree level, the news source reports. Individuals can also benefit from courses offered online, allowing them to keep their jobs while furthering their studies.
As more of these professionals advance their education in psychiatric care, the availability of mental healthcare in underserved areas will increase, the news provider adds.
During the next eight years, the employment of nursing and psychiatric aides is expected to grow by 18 percent, and will create 279,600 new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
