Course of Study

The program consists of a series of 10 courses specifically designed and developed for psychologists seeking to expand their knowledge of psychopharmacology. A sequence of core courses provides the basic science foundation and knowledge base in pathophysiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology for clinical applications. A professional issues course addresses the legal and ethical considerations and related standard of care topics. The didactic program concludes with a series of treatment courses addressing specific categories of mental disorder and the related psychopharmacological issues. These courses provide psychologists with important knowledge of the treatment of mental disorders with medication. A Clinical Practicum Elective is available for those practitioners who desire to practice the management of psychopharmacotherapy in a supervised setting.

In addition to required readings and videotapes lectures, students participate in online discussions and weekly chats. These chats represent the only weekly requirement that is scheduled; all other activities occur at the convenience of the participant.

The didactic portion of the program is divided into five 15-week semesters. Two courses are completed each semester. Courses run sequentially to allow participants to focus on one topic at a time. Each semester ends with a Regional Interaction Session, a weekend-long group meeting led by a Group Facilitator focusing on practical skills-building and case formulation. These meetings occur once every four months.

Course Credit

The Psychopharmacology Postdoctoral Training Program is sponsored by the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Psychology. Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. Upon successful course completion, each course in the program is approved for 48 Continuing Professional Education Credits for Psychologists. In addition, passing the course results in 3 graduate credits towards the Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology, a 30-credit master's degree.

Courses 1 & 2: Biological Foundations of Psychopharmacological Practice I and II
(7.5 weeks each)

These courses present an integrated approach to the study of primary body systems (respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, hematologic/immunologic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal, and dermatologic) that correlates fundamental knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of a specific body system with the clinical applications (health assessment, physical examination, laboratory assessment) pertaining to that system. Exploration of clinical medicine concepts will utilize a problem-solving approach. The goals of these two courses are to enhance the student’s recognition of signs and symptoms of medical conditions requiring collaboration with and referral to other health professionals and to provide knowledge about the psychological, biological and medical correlates of disease. Medical sequelae of psychotropic agents and familiarity with standard medical treatment of common disease states are addressed. Each course is approved for 48 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

Course 3: Neuroscience (7.5 weeks)

This course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, beginning at the cellular level. Knowledge of principles of neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, and neuropathology will serve as a foundation for the understanding of neurotransmitter systems and their role in the etiology and treatment of mental disorders. Approved for 48 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

Course 4: Neuropharmacology (7.5 weeks)

This course introduces the knowledge base pertaining to pharmacology and psychopharmacology. It includes continued study of neurotransmitter systems and other factors in the psychopharmacological treatment of mental disorders, as well as an introduction to classes of psychotropic medications. Approved for 48 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

Course 5: Clinical Pharmacology (7.5 weeks)

This course presents major classes of drugs (excluding psychotropics) and their uses in clinical settings. It includes an examination of the social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of prescribing medications. Approved for 48 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

Course 6: Professional Issues and Practice
Management (7.5 weeks)

This course reviews issues in prescribing from the perspective of a professional healthcare provider. Legal and ethical issues, as well as standards of care ranging from informed consent to documentation, are addressed. Interprofessional relationships and aspects of collaborative practice, as well as practice enhancement strategies such as computer-based aids, will provide learners with a solid foundation for the continued integration of psychopharmacology into their practices. Approved for 48 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

Courses 7-10: Treatment Issues in Psychopharmacology:
A Case Study Approach (7.5 weeks each)

This treatment-focused series of sessions provides students with access to virtual practicum experiences through didactic information and case studies addressing specific categories of mental disorders. Each case addresses the following: diagnosis/differential diagnosis; etiology/biological basis of disorder; psychopharmacological treatment options, including mechanism of action, side effects, adverse reactions, polypharmacy, drug interaction, and patient education. The integration of treatment strategies as well as the empirical basis for treatments is presented. Disorders covered will include the mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, cognitive disorders, substance abuse and chemical dependency, chronic pain, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as others. Each course is approved for 48 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

The PEP Exam

All graduate degree programs in New Jersey are required to include a capstone experience, usually a thesis or comprehensive examination. The Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP Exam) meets this requirement for the Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology program, as it is expected that successful completion of the PEP Exam will be a requirement for licensure as a prescribing psychologist in most states. To find out more about the PEP Exam, click here.

Clinical Practicum Elective

Practitioners who successfully complete the 10 didactic courses will be eligible to enroll in the Clinical Practicum. Each participant will identify, arrange with, and recommend a clinical supervising preceptor (M.D. or D.O.) to be approved by Fairleigh Dickinson University. As defined by the APA-model curriculum, the practicum will include at least 100 supervised patients for mastery of specified objectives and clinical competencies. This experience may be arranged within the student's local clinical community. The Academic Director of the program will assist in the identification of an appropriate preceptor if needed.