Program Objectives

• Obtain core knowledge in the areas of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of human body systems.
  
  
• Understand the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, using the principles of neuroscience to understand the etiology and treatment of mental disorders.
  
  
• Acquire comprehensive knowledge of clinical psychopharmacology with an emphasis on pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, neurotoxicity, drug delivery, and drug interactions.
  
  
• Learn patient assessment and management techniques for the purpose of integrating psychopharmacological treatment and enhancing practice skills.
  
  
• Identify medical conditions that significantly affect the treatment of mental disorders, either by mimicking mental disorders or by impacting on the choice of an appropriate treatment regimen.
  
  
• Address legal and ethical issues related to the prescribing of psychopharmacological drugs, standard of care issues, and management of patients receiving psychotropic medications.
  
  
• Utilize case studies and virtual and actual practicum experiences to address specific categories of mental disorders and their related psychopharmacological issues.




In achieving each of these objectives, issues of lifespan development, gender, and ethnic diversity is integrated across the curriculum. The program provides quality instruction and academic guidance through multi-dimensional distance learning environments, allowing students to complete this program while maintaining their current professional careers. This system utilizes the latest and most effective distance learning technologies to conveniently distribute scientific and research-based education to professionals who may otherwise be unable to access this training. This is accomplished without sacrificing the standard of excellence prevalent in all Fairleigh Dickinson University academic programs. Through the combination of professionally developed video presentations, Internet content, printed materials, and one-to-one academic guidance by the University faculty, students enjoy the convenience offered by modern technology without sacrificing the peer-to-peer communication required for effective education and training. With this system, students who live all over the country may enroll in the program without having to travel to the main campus.