Alaska Integrated Psychiatric Internship Program for PMHNP students, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Medical Students

Program Overview: The Alaska Integrated Psychiatric Internship Program offers an immersive and comprehensive learning experience for PMHNP students, Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs), Physician Assistants (PAs), and Medical Students seeking to enhance their skills in the field of psychiatric care. The program is designed to provide hands-on clinical exposure, mentorship, and training in a supportive environment under the guidance of experienced psychiatric healthcare professionals.

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Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants to the Alaska Integrated Psychiatric Internship Program must meet the following minimum qualifications, as applicable to their discipline:

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Experience

• Applicants should possess relevant healthcare experience appropriate to their educational program. For nursing applicants, a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a medical-surgical nurse, EMT, paramedic, or equivalent healthcare experience is preferred.

Licensure

• Applicants must hold all licenses or certifications required for their current level of training and profession, as applicable.

Education

• Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed an accredited healthcare professional program including but not limited to:

  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

  • Physician Assistant (PA)

  • Medical Student

Alaska Board Approval

• Applicants attending educational programs outside Alaska must obtain any required approval from the Alaska Board of Nursing or other applicable licensing authority before beginning clinical training. Please refer to the appropriate licensing board for current preceptorship requirements.

For Students

• Clinical Commitment: Students seeking a preceptorship must be willing to complete at least 1,000 supervised psychiatric clinical hours.

• Employment Commitment: Students must be willing to sign a written agreement committing to employment with ATC for at least one (1) year following graduation.

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Program Highlights: The Alaska Integrated Psychiatric Internship Program offers participants a well-structured curriculum that includes the following components:

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Clinical Rotations: Participants will engage in clinical rotations across various psychiatric settings, including inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and community mental health centers. This exposure will allow them to develop a holistic understanding of psychiatric care delivery.

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Didactic Sessions: Regular interactive didactic sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including psychopharmacology, psychotherapy techniques, crisis intervention, assessment skills, and cultural competence in psychiatric care.

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One-on-One Mentoring: Each participant will be assigned a seasoned psychiatric healthcare professional as a mentor. Mentors will provide guidance, share insights, and facilitate case discussions to enhance the learning experience.

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Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with other healthcare disciplines, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists, fostering a comprehensive understanding of team-based care.

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Research and Quality Improvement: Participants will be encouraged to engage in research or quality improvement projects related to psychiatric care, enabling them to contribute to advancements in the field.

Supervised Patient Care: Under the supervision of their mentors, participants will be actively involved in patient assessments, treatment planning, medication management, and therapy sessions.

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Application Process:

Interested candidates can submit their applications through the program's online application portal.

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Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee, and eligible candidates will be invited for interviews.

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During the interview process, candidates can discuss their qualifications, goals, and commitment to psychiatric care.

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Selected participants will receive further instructions regarding the Alaska Board of Nursing's preceptorship registration process.

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Program Cost: Interested students accepted into the program will be required to pay a program fee of $2000 per semester. This fee will help cover administrative costs, materials, and resources essential for a high-quality learning experience. This fee will be waived for participants who will sign a contract to work at ATC for at least a year after graduation.

Duration: The Alaska Integrated Psychiatric Internship Program is a one-year program designed to provide participants with a comprehensive experience that aligns with their educational and career goals. Participants are expected to complete at least 1,000 clinical hours before graduation.

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Location: The program's clinical rotations will take place in various psychiatric healthcare settings across Alaska. Participants should be prepared for urban and rural experiences to gain a well-rounded perspective on psychiatric care in Alaska.

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Financial Considerations: Participants may be eligible for stipends or financial support. Details will be provided to selected candidates upon acceptance into the program.